The Finance Minister of our country, while addressing the press this evening, clarified that caramelized popcorn and salted popcorn are to be treated differently for the purpose of calculating GST. The Minister, while answering the question raised by the press, made it clear that the GST for salted popcorn is 5% and the GST for caramelized popcorn is 18%. The 55th meeting of the GST Council was presided over by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman today, December 21, in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.
The FM also said that the reason for the 18% GST on caramelised popcorn is due to the fact that sugar is being added and also said that it requires an additional step of cooking the sugar to a caramel stage (140–170°C) and coating the popcorn. This process demands precise temperature control to avoid burning and ensure uniform coating. The Minister chided the media for speculating that GST rates would be increased on popcorn Become a PF & ESIC expert with our comprehensive course – Enroll Now. It is pertinent to note that popcorn that has been caramelised typically has extra sugars as well as butter, cream, or syrup. During preparation, the sugar caramelizes, forming a sweet, sticky covering. But, on the other hand, salt, plain popped corn, and occasionally butter or oil are the ingredients of salted popcorn.
Without additional sugars, its makeup is simpler. It is to be noted that the meeting was delayed by around 40 minutes, keeping the nation waiting. Other important decisions include that the lifesaving drugs will be fully exempt from GST and that the fresh green and black peppers, when supplied by the agriculturists, will be exempt from GST. Another significant update includes FM, who, while addressing the press, has informed that the International Atomic Energy ( IAEA ) samples will be exempt from Integrated Goods and Service Tax. The 55th GST Council meeting portrays the government’s mission to make the GST system better and to strengthen its international commitments. The press gathering was addressed by ADG PIB