Movie Theater Snacks: Worth It or Not?

Delilah Travers, Writer

Photo Courtesy of NPR.org

Movie theater snacks can be a great addition to the movie-watching experience, but they can also be overpriced and unhealthy.

Some of the classic snacks, such as popcorn and candy, are staples for a reason, and can really enhance the overall experience. However, the quality of the snacks can vary depending on the theater and the brand.

Additionally, the cost of snacks can be quite high, which can be a deterrent for some movie-goers. It’s also worth noting that some people prefer to bring their own snacks or purchase them outside of the theater to save money.

Who hasn’t lined their pockets or stuffed their purses in anticipation of a night at the movies?  Especially when the snacks end up costing more than the tickets!

Take, for example, the cost of Skittles.  At Stop and Shop, one bag is $3.97.  At the Riverside AMC  it costs $5.69.  A decent-sized bag of pre-popped popcorn, like Smartfoods’ White Cheddar, can be bought for $5.66 at the supermarket, but it will run you $6.00-6.50 for a small (and considerably less healthy) serving of popcorn at the movies.  Is it worth it?  Well…

My personal opinion, when it comes to movie theater snacks, is that I like to bring my own candies. No store-bought popcorn can equate to movie popcorn though, so I buy popcorn and a slushy when I’m there. Any flavor will do, depending on my mood, since they’re all good.  At times I even mix them!  Okay, so I’ll splurge there.  And why not? Seeing movies at the theater isn’t an everyday thing, so there’s no need to shy away from the sugar!  And that butter, when it’s all nice and melted, and…

Take my money.