It is no coincidence that popcorn is selected as the snack of choice by all movie theaters around the world.
Popcorn has become the quintessential movie theater snack. Despite its higher price in cinemas compared to outside, enjoying popcorn while watching a film has become a habit for many. However, not everyone knows the reasons behind this beloved snack’s universal presence in theaters.
The History of Popcorn in Movie Theaters
Corn was first cultivated in the Americas over 8,000 years ago, but it wasn’t until the mid-18th century that Central Americans first discovered how to mix butter, sugar, and salt with corn kernels to create popcorn.
The snack quickly gained popularity in North America. The boom for popcorn began in 1885 when inventor Charles Cretor created the first mobile steam-powered popcorn machine. From then on, popcorn carts began to appear in public entertainment venues such as circuses, fairs, and exhibitions.
However, during this time, popcorn was not allowed in movie theaters. The reason was that films were silent, with brief messages presented as subtitles, so theater owners did not want their audiences distracted by eating popcorn while watching the film.
Popcorn carts appeared in America in the early 19th century.
However, everything changed with the advent of sound films. The introduction of sound allowed audiences to relax and not be completely focused on the screen. As a result, moviegoers began to seek out snacks, turning them into essential items in the cinema.
Later, when economic hardships made television a luxury item, Americans flocked to find a similar but cheaper form of entertainment—going to the movies. Theater owners soon realized that selling snacks was a way to help them survive the economic crisis. Due to its affordable price, popcorn became the snack of choice in theaters.
Reasons Why Popcorn is Chosen
Affordability
Corn is one of the world’s staple foods and is very inexpensive. The ingredients for making popcorn—mainly corn, butter, sugar, and salt—are also quite cheap. However, once sold in theaters, the price skyrockets. Thus, the high prices of popcorn and soft drinks are a way for investors to recoup their costs.
Additionally, theaters can increase revenue by selling popcorn alongside soft drinks. Their strategy is that the saltier the popcorn, the more likely people are to buy drinks. The reasoning is that once audiences have gone out to enjoy a movie, spending a little extra on snacks doesn’t seem like a big deal.
Quick Preparation
Many moviegoers arrive just before the show starts but still want to grab a snack to enjoy at their seats. Popcorn is the perfect solution as it is incredibly quick to prepare, and its delicious aroma makes it hard to resist.
Easy to Eat in the Dark
Even in the dark, it is easy to reach into a bag of popcorn and grab a handful without worrying about spilling it, thus keeping clothes and seats clean.
Pleasant Aroma, No Lingering Smell
Popcorn emits a delightful aroma that is particularly appealing to children, making it an ideal snack in a crowded and enclosed space like a movie theater.
Popcorn has become an essential part of the movie-watching experience.
Convenient and Hygienic
Unlike snacks, cookies, or sunflower seeds that can create crumbs, popcorn is easy to eat without making a mess. It does not require peeling like candy, nor does it involve picking out seeds like sunflower seeds… Therefore, popcorn is seen as a convenient and hygienic snack in theaters.
High Profit Margin
It is evident that popcorn in theaters is always much more expensive than outside. Additionally, popcorn is very thirst-inducing, which compels customers to buy drinks, providing theaters with significant extra income.
If theaters implemented ticket discounts while selling snacks, it would not be sensible as costs would undoubtedly increase significantly.
Unlimited Eating Pleasure
The delightful aroma of popcorn, combined with the experience of watching a movie while snacking, creates an enjoyable atmosphere. Especially for adults, when the tension builds in a film, people tend to eat more to “pass the time” while awaiting thrilling scenes.
Thus, popcorn is the most effective solution, being sweet, crunchy, and incredibly tasty, allowing everyone to enjoy it without getting bored.
