I just had this problem! I did what you did though, I had a meal beforehand
I took a handful of popcorn so I could have the taste and then I popped a stick of gum in my mouth for the remainder of the movie. Despite my horrid position—I was between my mother and brother who wanted the popcorn—I managed to avoid having any more. I had the taste, and that was it
We always get Diet Coke so I did share that with my mom and brother.