CSPI Report Critical of Movie Theater Concessions
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) has published a report criticizing movie chain concessions for their nutritional content, comparing some medium popcorn and soda combos to “three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with 12 pats of butter.” CSPI purportedly analyzed concessions from the three largest theater chains—AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark USA, Inc., and Regal Entertainment Group. Faulting both AMC and Regal for popping popcorn in coconut oil, the consumer watchdog alleged that a large Regal popcorn contains 1,200 calories and 60 grams of fat, and a large AMC popcorn contains 1,030 calories and 57 grams of fat. CSPI also reported that although Cinemark uses “heart-healthy” canola oil, its large popcorn is “almost as high in calories and has the most sodium—about twice as much as Regal or AMC.” In addition, the group purportedly found that other movie snacks, including candies sold in 4 to 5 ounce servings, can have “between 400 and 500 calories and at least a half day’s worth of saturated fat.”
“Regal and AMC are our nominees for Best Supporting Actor in the Obesity Epidemic,” stated a CSPI spokesperson in a November 18, 2009, press release. “Who expects about 1,500 calories and three days’ worth of heart-stopping fat in a popcorn and soda combo? That’s the saturated fat of a stick of butter and the calories of two sticks of butter. You might think you’re getting Bambi, but you’re really getting Godzilla.”
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO), however, has reportedly noted that past attempts to offer patrons additional choices, such as air-popped popcorn, met with failure. “After very little time, movie patrons in droves made their voices heard—they wanted the traditional popcorn back,” said NATO. “Many of our patrons enjoy the traditional taste and aroma of theater popcorn.” See USAToday and Los Angeles Times, November 19, 2009.
