Popcorn is no longer 'namkeen' if it has caramelised sugar: FM on 18% GST

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said pre-packed and labelled ready-to-eat popcorns will attract 12% GST while an 18% GST will be levied if they're caramelised. "Till the time popcorn is salted, it attracts 5% GST. But when it has added caramelised sugar, it's no longer namkeen, hence, it's rate is different," Sitharaman clarified. The GST Council's decisions have sparked debate online.