Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

They seem to go hand-in-hand. Whether on the couch with your latest Netflix mailing and a bowl, or a buttered bucket at the multiplex, popcorn and movies are…well, as classic of a combo as peanut butter and jelly. But how come? Aren’t potato chips just as likely of a choice, or even fruit or roasted nuts? (Remember, those sorts of things were a real treat in the early days of the movies.)

The Smithsonian Blog Food & Think answers that question, which turns out to be an interesting exploration of innovation and straight timing. The article includes some pretty fascinating statistics, as well, such as the high percentage of total popcorn that’s consumed in the movies, and how much total movie theater sales are made from popcorn. (It’s a lot). 

Why Do We Eat Popcorn at the Movies?

PS – If you care, I really, really like popcorn.