FM responds to GST on popcorn; internet reacts with memes

The GST Council’s recent announcement regarding tax rates on popcorn has sparked a flurry of creativity online, as netizens flooded social media with memes and witty commentary. In its 55th meeting, the council confirmed that there would be no changes to the existing tax structure for popcorn.

Addressing the council, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman explained the rationale behind the current GST rates. She pointed out the variations in preparation and ingredients as key factors influencing the tax structure. “Salted, caramelised, plain popcorn is being sold as namkeen in certain states. Caramelised popcorn comes with added sugar, so the treatment rate is different from namkeen,” she stated.

Understanding the popcorn tax

Currently, pre-packed and labeled ready-to-eat snacks, including popcorn, are taxed at 12% GST. Caramelised popcorn, due to its added sugar content, falls under the 18% GST bracket. In contrast, unpackaged and unlabelled salted or spiced popcorn attracts 5% GST. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is expected to issue a detailed circular to provide further clarity.

Social media’s take on the popcorn tax

The clarification turned into a meme fest as users shared hilarious takes on the intricacies of popcorn taxation. Memes highlighting the complexities of calculating GST rates on popcorn became a trending topic. One user humorously suggested that the tax structure was akin to solving a math puzzle, while another joked, “Suddenly #Popcorn got so much attention #ACTII is so popular without advertisements.”

Rajya Sabha MP and member of Shiv Sena UBT, Priyanka Chaturvedi, took to her X account and mocked the GST by writing, “Hope the popcorn and cake council hasn’t set their eyes on Vada Pav & its various flavored options to be brought into GST ambit or for that matter Mumbai sandwich, or pani puri, or dosa, or Idli, or Poha”

Some memes extended the joke beyond popcorn, imagining hypothetical taxes on other popular food items. Social media platforms were flooded with posts tagging the Finance Minister, as users showcased their creative criticism and wit.

The internet’s reaction ranged from playful jabs to elaborate comedic sketches. As the memes continue to pour in, the popcorn tax has unexpectedly become a topic of national conversation.