You probably know the popcorn at the movie theaters is far from healthy, but did you know having a medium popcorn and soda from a major national chain is like eating three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with 12 pats of butter? That’s according to a new report from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).
CSPI says the popular combo from Regal, the country’s biggest movie chain, has 1,610 calories and three days’ worth – 60 grams – of saturated fat.
The study is an update to research CSPI did on movie theater popcorn 15 years ago.
Here are some other movie theater popcorn stats from CSPI’s new report:
Regal
Small, 11 cups
Calories 670
Saturated fat 34 g
Sodium 550 mg
AMC
Small, 6 cups
Calories 370
Saturated fat 20 g
Sodium 210 mg
Cinemark
Small, 8 cups
Calories 420
Saturated fat 2 g [popped in canola oil]
Sodium 690 mg
Makes me want to bring my own microwave popcorn to the movies! You?
[Photo Credit: stock.xchng]
I had a feeling that stuff was horrific for you! I’ve stayed away from it because of very thought of how bad that stuff could be as well as the price.
I pack almonds and a bottle of water in my purse when I hit the theater. So I can avoid the temptation of the concession stand.
Joanna – I always pack a couple of healthy snacks, too!
But this is all really good news! I like to keep my movie meals under 2,000 calories. Ummm, yeah.
Yum Yucky – Nice.
I always smuggle in my popcorn – this works well if you have little kids – diaper bag holds alot of stuff. I make homemade microwave popcorn and then add my own butter. See this post:
http://www.snack-girl.com/snack/homemade-microwave-popcorn/
Snack Girl – a diaper bag, huh? Now I know…
Movie popcorn gives popcorn a bad rap. Air popped, without any added fats, popcorn is whole grain, low calorie, and filling.
From what I’m reading here, you guys are lucky the TSA doesn’t do movie theaters
So if I took a couple quarter pounders into the movie theater, I’d actually be *saving* calories? Thanks for the tip!
I’m with Dr. J: Air-popped is the way to go! In fact, I may go that way right now!
Cammy – ha ha
I smuggle in my own 100 calorie popcorn, too. Sometimes I might not feel like having popcorn so I take some 100 calorie cookies or chips.