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)

Saturday 20 March

By addy692002

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I think it's not a bad idea.... but I don't think they should replace the "regular" stuff entirely. I think healthier options should be offered alongside the regular stuff - even though I do agree I can't imagine what it would cost. lol

By rb

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MYOB, really sick and tired of being told how to live my life and what I should do to meet thier standards, they can eat what they want but leave others alone. it isnt anyone choice but my own

By Paul

Going to the movies, like movie theater popcorn, is a rare and occasional indulgence. Lynton's point of view would make sense if folks went to the theater three, four, or five times a week. Let's face it, there isn't enough good movies being produced to even consider going to munch on theater popcorn once a month! I get plenty of veggies and fruit at home.

By Aaliya Belvo

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Why can't someone be as concerned about the pitiful lunches they are now feeding our kids in the school system?

By Sunshine

Why not have healthier popcorn, without all the saturated fat????

By shirley

just say lite on the butter and salt.popcorn is a vegetable duh CORN a heart healthy grain too. are we going to eliminate creamed corn and corn on the cob too,any dentist will tell you popcorn and apples are natural teeth cleaners lol

By Bryan

Yes, there should be options if people want it, but
when you take away some thing instead of improving it,
or making the age old tradition of popcorn more healthy,
which we all know is possable, using less salt, healthier
butter, a cleaner way to pop it, then you take away a
persons right to choose, and at the price of a movie,
I think the people are paying alot to have one of the most
popular traditions, to have it taken away with out trying
to make it better. Also, they could switch to green bags,
and help the enviroment at the same time. Besides, how do you keep so many fruits and vegetable fresh and safe for a long period.

By Kim

...just another waste of taxpeyer money doing useless surveys and hiring suveyors to see what we have to say....let alone corporations to get involved. If they want to do it...Give us a choice just like every where else (fast food, grocery stores etc). I personally will not pay for the overpriced junk as it it. Healthy snacks on the list will just add to the dollar amount, on top of the overpriced movie ticket! Think of something new that has not been done and then, just maybe, it will work.

By Ruth

Just the other day I was wondering why so many people can't just wait two hours to eat after the movie. The food at the theater is overpriced as well as unhealthy. Same for airlines. No wonder we are such a fat country.

By Shawn

When I go to a movie, which is very rarely nowadays due to Hollywood's lunatic Left, I am not worrying about what I eat.

LIBERALISM IS INDEED A MENTAL ILLNESS.

By Johnny D

POPCORN..CANDY..SODA..IS THE MAINSTREAM OF MOVIE GOING AND SHOULD NEVER EVER BE MESSED WITH...junior mints, jujubees,licorice sticks, good & plenty's, milk duds..BRING EM ON..TO H*LL WITH HEALTHY FOODS...NUFF SAID!!!!!

By duveberry

Here is an idea, let people be responsible for eating WHAT THEY WANT! Be real, they offer apples, and 1 out of 40 is gonna buy them. Movies in our house are a treat, so when we go we enjoy all the "sinful" popcorn with butter and candy! And we are normal size, not overweight, active people. Stop trying to Control Our Lives!

By Helen

As soon as I walk into a movie theatre the first think I do is breathe in and say "Hmmm". I also think while I'm watching the movie I'd much rather listen to someone behind me eating popcorn then crunching on celery. Ever since I was a kid whenever I went to the movies I'd buy popcorn, a coke and a box of Raisinettes. If I want to eat healthy I'll go visit my grandmother.

By BARBARA

Why start with the movies? Let's take all snack & junk food off the shelves in department & grocery stores. Don't stop there, take away all the vending machines that offer snack & junk food. Put in fresh fruits & vegetables, nuts,and 100% fruit drinks. Better yet, can I call the "food police" on my neighbor when I see them bringing home a bag of potato chips & twinkies?

By William Turner

Does this remind you of anything in our past. Just like the nazi's in germany. A all the czar's in our goverment.

By Mike

You can't do away with popcorn at the movies - that would upset way too many people. It would be great to have healthier food as an option, but don't make it the only option.

By julsbergman

Please this is the easiest fix

Theaters should have airpop popcorn

It takes out the transfat
yet each person can add the amount of
butter and salt that individual wants
bringing the content of calories and
unwanted fats down considerably.
Theaters rely on the theory that the
more salt and flavor added the more
they will sell and anyone will tell you
that is wronge. Consumers want to have
a snack not the caloric equivilant of a week.