But, what happens when people want to experience this feeling and taste at home? This is certainly possible, and there is actually evidence that people have been popping corn for thousands of years. However, at-home popcorn making became much easier and more widespread in the early 1980s with the introduction of microwave popcorn. Ever since this snacking breakthrough, companies have been as busy as popcorn on a skillet, working to ensure their unique product gets a seat on the shelf.