Horror at the Movies: Why Theater Snacks Are So Scary

It's a snowy day. You bundle up to see the new blockbuster that just came out last week. What could be better than settling down in a cozy movie theater with a big bucket of popcorn in your lap?

Well, nothing, if you don't mind adding an extra 900 calories and 70 grams of fat to your daily calorie intake. And that is just from a medium (11-cup) container of buttered popcorn.

Americans' waistlines are expanding - along with the inflated sizes of movie popcorn, candy and drinks. Think about it: Is it really necessary to sell a box of candy big enough to feed six people? Movie theater food is part of the super-size epidemic that has contributed to higher obesity rates.

Movie snacks: a bad review
Popcorn

• A large burger with cheese and dressing and a large order of fries have about the same fat and calories as a large bucket of non-buttered popcorn.
• Check with your local theater about what they use to pop their corn. Although some have changed to heart-healthier non-hydrogenated oils, all are still high in total fat and will pack on calories.

Candy

• An average box of candy at the concession stand ranges from 450 to 750 calories.
• Among the least damaging to your diet are gummy candies and chocolate mints. Still, mind the portions.
• The worst choices for your health are bags of bite-size chocolates with gooey fillings.

Soda/drinks

• A small soda at a movie theater is the same as a 12-ounce can. It has about 170 calories and 42 grams of sugar.
• A large non-diet soda or lemonade is about 300 to 400 calories, depending on how much ice is in the drink.
• Sodas also deliver about 70 grams of sugar per large drink. This is equivalent to eating 6 tablespoons (over 1/4 cup) of pure sugar.

How to improve your movie snack rating
Feel like you can't go to the movies without paying a trip to the snack line? Here are some tips to keep you focused.

• Don't go to the theater hungry. If you go to a pre-dinner movie, make sure you have a snack before you head out. You'll be more likely to resist the temptation at the snack bar.
• Bring your own healthy snack. Try flavored mini rice cakes, grapes, peeled clementines, mini carrots, a few raw nuts and raisins, baked tortilla chips or a wholesome high-fiber granola bar.
• Go for the gum. Keep your mouth busy with sugarless gum, or suck on a couple of sugarless candies.
• Share! If you must indulge, split a small popcorn (400 calories, without butter) with a friend or two. Must have candy? Get the smallest box and share with your movie partners.
• Nix the soda. Opt for bottled water, tea or coffee to sip on.
• Skip the value combos. More is not better! Ever been tempted to upgrade to that large soda and popcorn for an additional quarter? That will cost you at least 1,500 calories (and that is without butter on the popcorn, or a drink). You can have a whole day's worth of food for that amount.
• Pocket the savings. A snack and a soda can cost as much as a movie ticket. Skip the snack, put the money in a jar and let it pay for your next movie outing.

Remember, you don't need to eat at the movies. Americans as a whole have a bad habit of making food a part of every event. Try this instead: Just sit back, relax and enjoy the art of being entertained! That's a surefire strategy that won't cost you any calories.

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External Source Center for Science in the Public Interest. The top pops. Accessed December 3, 2007.

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