Wednesday, March 17, 2010

SONY PRESIDENT URGES THEATRES TO OFFER "HEALTHIER" SNACKS


Sony Pictures' President and Chairman Michael Lynton spoke at the ShoWest Convention in Las Vegas Monday, urging theatre owners to offer healthier snacks at their concession stands in the fight against childhood obesity.  His argument is based on a survey of 26 U.S. theatres, where patrons indicated that they would if offered the choice, buy "Fruit Cups, Vegetables with Dip, Yogurt, Granola Bars, Baked Chips and Unbuttered, Air-popped Popcorn".  Bleh.

I'm sorry, but going to the movies for me has always involved a medium sized bag of Popcorn and a medium sized Diet Coke/Coke Zero.  I do appreciate where Lynton is coming from though, but my prediction is that most theatre goers aren't going to be keen on paying $2 for a Granola Bar when you can get a whole box for the same price at the grocery store.

For your reference though, a buttered medium Popcorn/Non-Diet Soda combo contains about 1,610 calories and 60g of fat.  But keep in mind though, that you have options as a consumer.  You don't have to say "yes" to the butter and instead you can shave off calories (although not the sodium) by sprinkling seasoning on the Popcorn.  You can also opt for a diet beverage or just a bottle of water. 

Lynton did clarify though that he is not calling for an end to the selling of Popcorn, but he is hoping healthier options can be offered to consumers.

Let's get to the core of the issue here.  Bringing kids to the movies and sharing a bag of Popcorn with a Soda occasionally isn't going to make a child obese.  What our attentions should be directed to is encouraging kids to be more active on a regular basis so that don't parents don't have to be stressing about their children's caloric intakes as much and let them enjoy the simple pleasures in life... like a bit of Popcorn.  What next, Treadmills and Elliptical Trainers in theatres?  Seriously.

How about you? Would you opt for these "healthier options"?

4 comments:

  1. It's got nothing to do with obesity for me, I just would like to go to the cinema and buy popcorn unsalted or sweetened. I think they are missing a market. I usually end up buying calipos (an ice lolly).

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  2. I was just at the theatre tonight and was totally bummed that everything they were selling was either filled with salt or sugar. I couldn't even buy a tea.

    I actually would totally opt for a fruit cup instead of popcorn. Course, I would also like my popcorn w/ perhaps a side of cucumber dill dip. Am I asking too much?

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  3. Girl... what do you think this is, the salad bar at The Mandarin?!? hahahaha

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  4. movies are incomplete without our popcorn-and-peanut-m&ms / diet coke combo. no thanks on the "healthier" fare.

    then again, to look at me, one wouldn't want to take my advice on the subject, ha ha.

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