As a whole grain, popcorn makes a healthy snack. It is low in calories and high in fiber. However, when going to the movies, popcorn may not be your healthiest snack choice. Movie theater popcorn contains a high number of calories and a lot of fat because of its over-inflated serving size and its cooking methods, according to Anderson University.
Serving Size
Movie theater popcorn comes in a variety of sizes, including small, medium and large. However, the amount of popcorn in each size varies depending on which theater you visit. For example, a small popcorn in Regal theaters contains 11 cups of popcorn, a small at AMC contains 6 cups of popcorn and a small at Cinemark theaters contains 9 cups of popcorn. Medium-sized popcorn cups range from 9 cups to 20 cups, with Regal theaters containing the largest amount. Large-sized popcorn cups range from 16 to 20 cups. According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, both the medium and large-sized popcorn at Regal theaters contain 20 cups of popcorn.
Calories
Calorie content of your movie theater popcorn also varies from theater to theater. A small popcorn at Regal theaters without the added butter-flavored topping contains 670 calories, while a small at AMC theaters without the butter-flavored topping contains 370 calories. Regal theaters contains the highest calorie popcorn, with 1,200 calories in both its medium and large sizes without the butter-flavored topping. Adding 1 tbsp. of butter-flavored topping to your popcorn will increase its calorie content by 120 to 130 calories.
Saturated Fat
A healthy diet should contain less than 7 percent of its calories from saturated fat, according to the American Heart Association. High intakes of saturated fat increase your blood cholesterol level and risk of heart disease. Both Regal and AMC movie theaters pop their popcorn in coconut oil, which increases its saturated fat content. A small Regal theater popcorn contains 34 g of saturated fat, while the medium and large sizes contain 60 g of saturated fat. Cinemark movie theaters pops its popcorn in non-hydrogenated canola oil and contains significantly less saturated fat. A small serving of Cinemark popcorn contains 2 g of saturated fat and a large only 4 g of saturated fat.
Sodium
High intakes of sodium can also increase your risk of heart disease. Sodium causes your body to retain fluids, which increases your blood pressure. Total sodium intake should be less than 1,500 mg per day, according to the American Heart Association. Movie theater popcorn is a high sodium snack food. AMC theaters' small popcorn contains the least amount of sodium, with 210 mg per serving. Cinemark theaters' popcorn tends to have the highest amount of sodium, with 690 mg in its small size, 1,240 mg in its medium size and 1,500 mg in its large size.
Considerations
If you go to the movies a lot and are concerned about calories, fat and sodium in your diet, you should limit your intake of movie theater popcorn. If you must snack at the theater, order a small, skip the butter-flavored topping and share it with a friend.
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