Movie popcorn not as healthy as you think

A new study reveals that popcorn is not as healthy as you think

By: Stephanie Moore | WNCT-On Your Side
Published: November 19, 2009

Popcorn and the movies go hand in hand.
And faced with candy or hot dogs, it still seems to be the most nutritious.
But a new study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest finds the popcorn being served at most movie theatres across the country is loaded with saturated fat and calories, especially when it's cooked in coconut oil. Add a soda and it's over the top.
The study finds a medium bag of popcorn with a soda can have the same amount of fat and calories as three McDonald's quarter pounders with about a stick-and-a half of butter.
That's 1,610 calories and 60 grams - three days worth of saturated fat.
The study focused on the nation's three largest theater chains, Regal and
AMC, which pop in Coconut oil, and Cinemark Theaters that use Canola oil.
Researchers found a large popcorn cooked in coconut oil, with buttery topping has about 1,200 calories and 60 grams of saturated fat. A medium bag has just slightly less. Popcorn with Canola oil is much lower in fat, but still packs calories. And that butter flavoring adds 130 calories by the spoonful.
Some independent theatres like the Vista in Hollywood use real butter, which costs them a lot more but it's a big hit with the regulars.
Still the only healthy snack at most movie theaters seems to be no snack at all.