I love going to the movies. Ever since I was a little kid, the movie theater was my family’s go-to rainy day activity. It’s like taking a step outside the world for a couple of hours — just you, your friends and a giant tub of popcorn.
It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized how expensive a movie trip could be. One fun Sunday night could cost you up to $40, most of which is spent on snacks. As college kids on a budget, any way to help money go further is key. Save a few bucks and make your movie theater experience even better by bringing your own food!
I know, I know, we’re not technically supposed to sneak food into movie theaters — but it’s the best way to go in my opinion, and honestly, I always do it. The benefits of skirting the system are great — from having endless snack choices to saving money and much more!
On the budget side of things, bringing your own food will save you the most money. Theater popcorn can cost around $7, but you can buy a box of microwave popcorn at the store for much cheaper. I usually pop some before I leave home and throw it in a Ziploc bag. This way I save cash for food later in the week and I can also season it however I want. Movie theater butter is kind of a must-have, but I would argue there are things you can make at home that rival the greasy goodness. Some of my favorites are fresh parmesan cheese, a little bit of cinnamon sugar or just plain old melted salted butter. Toss any of these or your seasoning of choice on a bag of plain microwave popcorn and you’re all set!
Drinks and candy at theaters can also be pretty costly. Save the planet and your wallet by bringing your own reusable bottle. I usually stop at the supermarket on my way to the theater to peruse the candy aisle as well. When you aren’t in the mood for M&M’s, Sour Patch Kids or other movie theater staples, try a trip to Kroger, or even just raid your pantry before you leave. Grocery stores have much more extensive choices than theaters, so you can pick and choose exactly what you want.
There are definitely a few rules of the game when it comes to sneaking movie snacks in. Don’t be that guy — I know I have been — who opens a loud, smelly and delicious bag of Doritos in the middle of a packed theater. Anything noisy — like chips or veggie sticks — that will disturb the people sitting around you is definitely a no-go. Same goes for the smell.
We’ve all been in the library when someone nearby opens up a Chick-fil-A bag and immediately makes the whole floor smell like fried chicken. While I have yet to find someone who doesn’t enjoy the smell of deep-fried food, we can probably agree it tends to distract from the textbook you’re reading and makes focusing on anything other than your rumbling stomach nearly impossible. The movie theater is like the library in this case. Save the garlic bread and leftover Chinese takeout for a movie night on your couch.
Whenever I sneak snacks into the movies — which is every time I go — I always bring a big furry blanket and wear a huge sweatshirt. This way, nobody notices the extra stuff you are carrying. Big purses also come in handy for stashing goodies while remaining discrete. Essentially, I try to draw as little attention as possible to the fact that I am blatantly ignoring a universal movie theater rule.
In terms of nutrition, bringing your own snacks helps anyone resist the temptation to indulge in a huge Icee or box of nachos. If the unhealthy snacks aren’t your thing, but you still want something to nibble on, you can pack anything from freshly-cut fruit to pretzels and peanut butter. Also, if you bring your own stuff, you can pack smaller portions — just be aware it might all be gone by the end of the previews!
Whether you’re trying out a new diet, like an eclectic mix of candies or love movie theater popcorn but not the price tag, sneaking snacks into the movies will change your theater experience for good. This will also save you a few precious dollars. With the help of your biggest blanket and a puffy sweatshirt, you’ll be flying under the radar in no time.
Hildy Maxwell is a Food Columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at life@cavalierdaily.com.
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