The Worst Movie Theater Snack, According To Nutritionists
May 29, 2022 by Louise Ferrer
This post has been updated since it was originally published on June 16, 2021.
We are so grateful that going to the movies is a thing again. But before you head to the concession to grab that extra large bin of popcorn doused with salty butter, take heed. Health experts warn that this is the worst thing you can do.
“Most theaters add butter into the theater popcorn they make for their customers. This is already a concerning addition to an otherwise healthy snack, but most consumers add extra of their own!” nutritionist Lisa Richards, CNC of The Candida Diet tells us.
So–how bad is it?
High Saturated Fat Content“The fat content of butter is almost entirely from saturated fat, otherwise known as bad fat,” Richards explains. “This form of fat is solid at room temperature and can increase cholesterol and triglycerides.”
What happens in the body when cholesterol and triglycerides spike? “An increase in these biometric markers will raise one’s risk of heart disease or stroke significantly,” she warns. That’s not good! The cause? “This is because cholesterol and circulating fat can cause artery blockages, a serious contributor to cardiovascular issues,” she warns.
“One of the worse things to add to movie popcorn is butter,” Lisa Young, PhD, RDN author of Finally Full, Finally Slim agrees. “It’s got lots of unnecessary calories, and it is most likely an oily butter flavor. It’s processed and contains no nutrients but lots of calories.”
So, what should you have instead? “Air popped popcorn is best! It also tastes great with nothing added,” Young suggests.