To stand out in the popcorn business, you need distinctive flavors. And you'll find plenty of them at Murphy's Popcorn in Marietta, where dill pickle, fluffy yet crisp caramel, and several varieties of cheese-dusted kernels are worth seeking out. We tried a smorgasbord of flavors — owner Tim Murphy makes about a dozen each day — and liked them all, especially the Parmesan garlic and a Chicago-style mix that Murphy put together on request, of caramel and yellow cheddar. Murphy experiments with the store's flavors of the week; for Independence Day, he's combining blue raspberry, wild cherry and vanilla for a salute to the red, white and blue (the store will be open on the Fourth of July). A small bag is $4; a large one, $6. Party bags, gift boxes and tins are also available. 107 Church St., Marietta. 678-355-1733.

KFC's new spicy chicken is fine but it's not spicy

Sizzling summer, spicy chicken. Most chicken chains have a peppery offering, and now so does KFC, which added Smoky Chipotle Crispy just in time for hot weather. Trouble is, you'd have to be told it was spicy. You'd never know from eating it. Mild and with a barely noticeable hint of pepper, this is spicy chicken for people who don't like spice. And the smoky, rich flavor of chipotle was nowhere to be found, just a hint of heat that could have come from cayenne. The chicken itself? Cooked just right, with deliciously crispy skin. But if you're looking for spicy chicken, better try Popeye's or Bojangles' instead.

Popcorn, Indiana's Chili Con Queso variety is tops

Popcorn, Indiana is also expanding its flavors. The company, an offshoot of gourmet maker Dale and Thomas Popcorn, sells pre-popped bags. Tasters couldn't get enough of Chili Con Queso, a cheese popcorn with just the right amount of heat. It's unusual enough to seek out.

Other new flavors include Aged White Cheddar, another tester favorite; Caramel; and Sea Salt, which drew a mixed reaction. Some testers thought it too bland; others, just right. Suggested retail for a 4-ounce bag is $2.19; a 10.5-ounce bag is $2.99. At Walgreens, CVS, Linens 'n Things and Harry's Farmers Market.