Some theaters pop in partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which is better for your heart, and a few use non-hydrogenated oil, which is best (though none are good for your waistline).
X AMC, Edwards, Hoyts, Regal, United Artists (coconut oil.)
Oh, honey, I could've told you that! Almost all theaters pop their popcorn in oil, and most add a bunch of salt to it while it's being popped, too. I worked in a movie theater for about 2 years, so I don't eat ANY popcorn anymore (you get a little sick of the stuff after about a week!), but I could tell you that the oils are bad. Anything "hydrogenated" contains trans fats, which is apparently the worst kind of fat there is when it comes to your health. Sometimes the theater workers will be kind enough to pop you some fresh popcorn with no salt added, but the oil is a necessary evil since it keeps the kernels from sticking/burning in the pans (plus it makes it that nice yellowish color). Oh, and don't even THINK about adding movie theater popcorn "butter" That "butter" is usually actually a "butter-flavored oil" that does not need to be refrigerated, and it can contain 14+ grams of fat and 130+ calories per tablespoon (and think of how much they put on there, how it leaks out the bottom of the bag...).
Yuck! Movie theater popcorn. Very rarely will I get a craving and I generally pass! It reminds me of one of the worst times in my life - 17, pregnant and my now-husband-then-boyfriend working overtime at the local theater just so we could make ends meet. ARGH!!!
The most digusting thing ever is seeing them make the popcorn. Most places keep the kettles WAY the heck back there so no one can see, because, generally, even the employees won't eat it after they've made it! Imagine one of the huge barrels of oil you can buy in bulk at Sam's Club or Cosco. That's dumped into a heating kettle at the top. The smell of it being burned on is still etched in my memory.
Say "no" to movie theater popcorn. Go for the pretzels. Your intestinal lining will thank you..
I agree with what everyone else has said. I haven't had movie theater popcorn since they came out with that huge report several years ago. Well, maybe even before that because it was too salty.
I only have the microwave stuff that is 96% fat free. (Healthy Pop, Smart Pop, etc.) Although when my husband pops the jalapeno popcorn, I usually have a handful. Way too spicy hot for me.
Popcorn, the truth
That "butter" is usually actually a "butter-flavored oil" that does not need to be refrigerated, and it can contain 14+ grams of fat and 130+ calories per tablespoon (and think of how much they put on there, how it leaks out the bottom of the bag...).
