Caramelised popcorn’s sweetness in jeopardy? Sitharaman’s GST clarification adds a tangy twist

The GST Council clarified the tax rates for popcorn. Ready-to-eat popcorn with salt and spices will be taxed at 5% if loose and 12% if pre-packaged and labelled. Caramel popcorn, classified as a sugar confectionary, will attract an 18% GST. These clarifications maintain the existing tax regime and will be detailed in a CBIC circular.