The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (2024)

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (2)

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (3)

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (4)

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ByMichelle Welsch/

The buttery, salty snack we've come to associate with movie-watching was nearly labeled contraband. Popcorn didn't always find favor among movie theater goers, and a committed group of U.S. senators took it upon themselves to act.

Popcorn once carried a questionable reputation and was regarded as foodstuff from the lower class. The food was messy and loud and did little to enhance film halls. The rightful place for popcorn to be made and served was at county fairs and state carnivals, not the high-class environments movie hall business owners were trying to promote.These movie theaters resembled opera houses by design, and decorations looked like something you'd see in an actual theater more than in a movie hall.

Seizing opportunity, street vendors set up their stations just beyond the entrances of movie theaters to sell the crunchy snack. Those headed inside to watch films would fold bags of popcorn and tuck them into pockets to sneak inside.Yet in 1949, a senator from Oregon moved to eliminate the presence of popcorn in theaters, and with the support of several other delegates, claimed that the anti-popcorn bill was put forth with the welfare of the public in mind.

The pursuit of happiness

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (5)

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The proposed law attempted to ban popcorn sales throughout the country and demanded that anyone found eating popcorn in theaters be thrown out of the theater immediately. Businesses found to be selling or permitting popcorn in their theaters would be penalized with either jail time or hefty fines.The senators were convinced this was the right move.

A few days after the bill was announced, the senators in favor of the bill were greeted with bags of popcorn on their chamber desks. A newspaper ran photos of the senators munching away on their treats the very next day.

Needless to say, theater owners pushed back against the law, insisting on the ludicrousness of the proposed legislature and arguing that popcorn eating can be considered an American's pursuit of happiness. Thanks to their persistence, the bill was ultimately quashed, kernels continued to be popped, and thankfully, buttery popcorn can still be found in movie theaters throughout the United States today.

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The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table (2024)

FAQs

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters - Tasting Table? ›

The Reason Popcorn Was Almost Banned In Movie Theaters. Popcorn once carried a questionable reputation as it was messy, loud, and did little to enhance opera house-style film halls.

Why was popcorn banned in movie theaters? ›

Movie theaters, therefore, did not want the cheap, easy, loud popcorn sold by concession stands outside to be brought in, and actually implemented a rule where you could check your popcorn at the coat stand. The tide began to turn in 1927, when sound was introduced to movies.

Why did movie theaters not want to sell popcorn? ›

Here is his answer: The first movie theatres (circa 1920s) didn't allow food inside because they thought it would be too messy, but street vendors knew better. Vendors outside started to sell popcorn, and other snacks, to theatre patrons before they went inside.

Why not to eat movie popcorn? ›

Popcorn: Popcorn isn't bad in and of itself. It is literally just a corn kernel that expands with heat. Enjoyed with a dash of sea salt and you have a tasty, fiber-rich snack. The problem is most movie theater popcorn is LOADED with butter and artery-clogging saturated fat.

Why snacks are not allowed in theatre? ›

Because theaters want to make money: by selling tickets and by selling food. Their own food. They are aware that the food at the theater is much more expensive than the food that can be bought elsewhere. But, it is their space, their chairs, so they are allowed to set the rules.

How unhealthy is popcorn from the cinema? ›

At about 35 calories per cup, air-popped popcorn is a whole grain and offers 1 gram of fiber per cup. But these benefits can be nearly canceled out. A large tub of movie-theater popcorn can ring in at more than 1,100 calories and contain 1,500 milligrams of sodium and 50 grams of saturated fat.

Who decided popcorn was a movie food? ›

It was the advent of movies with sound in 1927 that started making cinema accessible to the masses and they wanted to bring their snacks into the theatre with them. Street vendors spotted this chance and started selling their popcorn outside cinemas.

Is popcorn healthy? ›

Popcorn is a healthy snack when it's air-popped and served without ingredients high in fat, salt, or sugar. Popcorn is high in important nutrients, including fiber. Popcorn is one of the world's healthiest and most popular snack foods.

Why is popcorn so addictive? ›

When we bite into a perfectly popped kernel, the crunch sends signals to our brain, triggering a release of dopamine, the "feel-good" neurotransmitter. This pleasurable response can create positive associations with popcorn, making it an enjoyable and comforting snack.

Why is movie theater popcorn so different? ›

Toppings and Secret Ingredients

Other theaters cook their kernels in a mix of oil and real butter, helping to maximize that butter flavor and fine salt taste before the actual popcorn kernels are popped. However, many don't know that the main reason for the taste of that movie popcorn is a topping called Flavacol.

What happens when you eat too much popcorn? ›

Even though popcorn is healthy, it is possible to eat too much of it. Both dietitians say that eating an excessive amount of popcorn can lead to bloating, gas and constipation because of its high-fiber content—especially for people who aren't used to eating a lot of fiber.

Why do I feel sick after eating popcorn? ›

Preparing popcorn in oil or butter, adding certain spices or high FODMAP toppings could trigger symptoms in people with IBS. It's best to stick to air-popped popcorn and IBS-friendly toppings.

What happens if you get caught bringing snacks into a movie theater? ›

While not against federal law, it is against most movie theater policies to bring in outside food. While you won't get arrested, you may be asked to leave the theater.

Can I bring my own popcorn bucket to the movie theater? ›

Can I bring in my own snacks? No, outside food and drinks are not permitted.

Can I take my own popcorn to the cinema? ›

The key is everyone has to come together to hide the supposed contraband, before pulling your best poker faces as you make your way past the ticket counter. But it turns out we've been going above and beyond for no reason, as most cinemas have no rules against guests bringing their own snacks and soft drinks inside.

What happened to popcorn movies? ›

Its vast library of films and TV shows, coupled with an intuitive interface, made it a go-to choice for many. However, due to numerous copyright infringement issues, Popcorn Time was forced to shut down in 2022. Most people don't know, however, that Popcorn Time's closure was not due solely to copyright lawsuits.

Why is popcorn a choking hazard? ›

A major choking hazard, popcorn can easily become stuck in a young person's airway because of its size and shape.” Along with raw vegetables, popcorn is one of many choking hazards for babies. “Around age four, their risk of choking is reduced because their airways are more developed.

Can you buy popcorn at the movies and not watch a movie? ›

Can I just buy snacks? I love the perfectly popped popcorn! Absolutely! Guests are welcome to visit our concession stand and purchase non-alcoholic items without a movie ticket.

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