Forget Popcorn; Executive Demands Healthy Treats at Movie Theaters

By Amber James Posted Mar 17th 2010 09:51AM

Instead of hearing the rustle of candy wrappers, moviegoers may be interrupted by the sound of people munching on apples and carrots. Sony Pictures Entertainment Chief Executive Michael Lynton wants theater owners to put down the popcorn and candy and start offering healthier treats, the L.A. Times reports. While there's nothing quite like a bag of popcorn smothered in butter, patrons watching their waistlines would finally have nutritious snacking options. While some movie theater managers are open to the option, patrons seem more upset about the change to an age-old tradition.

During the annual ShoWest movie industry convention, Lynton presented a poll of moviegoers commissioned by Sony Pictures, which revealed:

• two-thirds of moviegoers and three-quarters of parents are more likely to buy healthy snacks at theaters if they are offered;
• forty-two percent of parents said they would buy concessions more often if healthy options were available; and
• sixty percent of parents said having healthier snacks in theaters would enhance their overall movie-going experience.

"I don't think giant tubs of spinach or broccoli's a good idea. And nobody wants to eat cauliflower while watching 'Spider-Man,' or drink a 40-ounce cup of prune juice," Lynton said.

The Center for Science in the Public Interest conducted a recent study and "found movie theater popcorn offerings range from 400 to 1,200 calories, with one to three days' worth of saturated fat and up to 1,500 milligrams of sodium. Make it a combo and add 300 to 1,110 empty calories worth of candy and another 150 to 500 calories from a sugary soft drink to wash it all down." Both Regal and AMC popped their popcorn in coconut oil, which contains 90% saturated fat, while Cinemark popped their popcorn in non-hydrogenated canola oil, which offers contained only a fraction of the saturated fat.

Cynthia Pasquella, a board certified clinical nutritionist and holistic life and wellness coach, says Americans are constantly looking for healthier food options, and entertainment venues should offer healthier treats. "We have to be really careful about moving away from the concept of popcorn, chocolate and sodas cold turkey. Not many people are going to order a side of broccoli or a salad as they head into the theater," she tells PopEater. "Most of us associate the theater experience with buttery popcorn and yummy snacks, so the trick is to make these foods available in a healthier format."

Pasquella offers up the idea of "air popped popcorn from non-genetically modified corn." But have no fear, chocolate lovers, there's a great alternative. "Dark chocolate that's high in cacao is delicious and packed with antioxidants but doesn't contain the same amount of sugar and harmful additives."

Cinema managers aren't weighing out the option -- especially if the demand is there. According to a TIME.com's Money Blog, movie theaters make 85% of their profit at the concession stands. According to the site, $30 worth of raw popcorn can translate into as much as $3,000 in sales at the movie theaters. "Whatever sells is worth bringing into the market," a Long Island Movieland Cinemas manager tells PopEater. "There are theaters already providing alternatives like air popped and unsalted popcorn or low fat butter... But it is all about demand."

PopEater readers were split about the new options and concerned about the concession stand cost. "At the prices they charge for crap food, I would hate to see what they would charge for a healthy snack. $50 organic apple, anyone?" Whitney Russell Odabashian wrote on PopEater's Facebook wall.

"I'd feel better about taking the kids to the movies with the healthier snack options," Pearl Ramirez wrote.

But others didn't want to give up the age-old tradition of letting loose and pouring on the extra butter. "The movies have been a place for kids and adults to go and enjoy a movie... enjoy a tub of buttered popcorn, a greasy hot dog, cheese fries, ice cream and all the gooey candies that one can carry to their seat," said Escabedo Carlos.

Pasquella challenges those opposed to not be afraid to experiment and remain open-minded. "I will often switch clients from their favorite foods to a healthier version, and they actually like the taste of the healthier version better ... As long as we don't try to drastically [alter] the theater experience and stick to offering healthier versions of the foods people are used to, there is a great chance they will choose the healthier options," Pasquella advises.

Comments

(490)

Wednesday 17 March

By popcorn lover

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You can make popcorn with different oil and less salt and it tastes just as good. I know this because I do it at home all the time. I don't know why movie theatres won't do it. It can't cost that much.

By findemma7

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By Jill

I agree...for example, Trader Joes has an excellent popcorn in olive oil...very good..taste better than the movie theater popcorn with the fake butter..yuk

Saturday 20 March

By Aaliya Belvo

I agree but I am wondering why someone is so concerned about the health of the movie-goer, when our kids are eating the stuff they offer at all of the public schools?

By Frankling

Peanut oil makes the best popcorn. It has a higher flashpoint so the corn pops bigger and fluffier if you add it when the oil just starts smoking. It's supposed to be healthier than other oils regarding cholesterol, but it mainly tastes better than other oils which just taste greasy, like canola or vegetable oil.

By Ash

But it won't taste as good! It's not so bad if you only have the movie popcorn once a year.

By Rita

i bought my husband a beginner's cookbook that was perfect for him! (you'll see)... I can't tell you the name of it cause it is a bit politically incorrect, and some of you more conservative readers will jump down my throat.. but google "whipped & beaten Culinary Works" if you can take a good joke.. if not.. DONT GO TO THE SITE!!

By Sue

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Fully agree.

By dvdfrnzwbr

I will miss wiping my buttery hands on the seat next to me.

By BTDT

Like flat screens and blue ray aren't bad enough for the movie theaters, this jackass wants to throw gas on the fire.

By Betsy

Good idea and how about Cheerios in a cone. I always thought that would be a good idea.

By Holly

Instead of taking a poll of moviegoers, they should do a test of the healthy food option by offering it along with the regular fare at a handful of their busiest theatres in different areas of the country where typical Americans live. People may say they would buy healthier fare as it is the politically correct answer if the option were presented, I doubt if you'ld find people crowded around the healthy food stand but in line for the good old popcorn. It's not like people go to the theatre everyday. I can't think of anyone in my family who would pass up popcorn for a fruit cup.

By crp

If they'd pop it using olive oil ,and use sea salt ... it'd be fine AND taste better.

By Nancy

You said it! Popcorn is good for you if made right! Why not make it healthier by using Olive Oil to pop it and do not put any butter on it. I also do that at home. Snacks can be just a few candy bars but dark choc and/or cereal bars with high fiber.

By Will

If you don't like what we like, don't buy the stuff and shut up.

By SCBrenna

I love GOOD movie popcorn, but our theatre's are buying bags and dumping them into the popcorn machine already popped!!!! I have seen them do it!

I agree they could use a healthier alternative, but PLEASE pop it fresh!!!!!!

Sunday 21 March

By Dee Dee

How often do you go to the movies? Once? Twice? a month. Surely you can treat yourself and kids to a little popcorn. Just get it without butter. Everybody is going nuts with this healthy stuff.
People have been eating popcorn at the movies for years and are still around to talk about it. We even rode our bikes without helmets. Get real.....

By Carole Roberto

I agree. Have popcorn but with more healthy add ons. Use the better oil, etc.

By Ginny

I agree, why not offer air or low fat popped popcorn instead of using all of the oil and butter. Popcorn is a good healthy snack when prepare properly. I feel that we should all have healthy alternatives but lets not go overboard.

By Gary

I agree...popcorn is healthy...its all the crap you put on it that makes it unhealthy...even most if not all doctors would tell you its all moderation...you can have some sweet treats just dont fill yourself full like a hog.

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