Ultimate Guide To Sneaking Healthy Movie Snacks Into the Theater - BOOP Bakery
Going to the movies is a classic American pastime. But let’s face it, movie theater snacks are expensive and unhealthy.
Don’t worry, though — you can still enjoy the big screen experience without spending an arm and a leg or filling up on empty calories.
Here’s our ultimate guide to sneaking healthy snacks into the movies without being caught!
1. Choose Your Snacks Wisely
The key to getting away with sneaking your own snacks into the theater is choosing wisely. Choose something that won’t make too much noise when you open it, won’t be too strong-smelling, and won’t require a fork or knife.
Popcorn and candy may be traditional movie theater treats, but you can do better than that — think whole foods like nuts, dried fruit, trail mix, yogurt-covered pretzels, and popcorn made with olive oil instead of butter. Need some more inspo? Here are a few other drool-worthy snacks to consider:
Soft and Chewy BOOP Cookies
If you ask us, there’s nothing better than munching on cookies while enjoying a good flick. Unfortunately for cookie lovers, though, this sweet treat is one that’s not exactly healthy — unless, of course, you make it a BOOP.
What’s a BOOP, you ask? Only the greatest and most delicious oatmeal and cran cookie of all time. This wholesome must-have morsel is unlike anything else — it’s made with love and baked to perfection using only the best of the best ingredients.
And the best part? BOOP cookies come in a convenient, resealable pouch, making it easier than ever to sneak a tasty treat into the theater. So if sneaking healthy movie snacks into the movies is your M.O., look no further than a BOOP (or two).
Medjool Dates
Medjool dates are a deliciously decadent snack that you can easily sneak into your movie and enjoy without making much noise at all.
Medjool dates have an indulgent taste similar to caramel but without all the refined sugar. In other words, they make it easy to swap a junk-filled snack for something a bit healthier.
These yummy treats are versatile, and they taste great with both sweet and savory toppings. Consider stuffing your dates with nut or seed butter and chocolate chips, goat cheese and honey, or sea salt and chopped cashews.
Fresh or Dried Fruit
Fresh fruits like apples, oranges, and grapes are perfect for sneaking into the theater because they don’t make too much noise or take up too much space in your bag. Grapes pair well with some cheese cubes and nuts, all of which you can bring in a plastic baggie.
You can also opt for dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or apricots. For a healthy dose of sweetness, we like smuggling raisins into the theater. They’re small, silent, and delicious — and they won’t make a mess in the dark.
Whichever fruit you choose, you can also enjoy it with a handful of peanuts for a tasty combo, or cover some dried raisins in chocolate beforehand for the perfect sweet treat.
Puffed Rice Cakes
These light and airy treats are great for movie theater snacking. Look for varieties that don’t contain added sugar, but still offer a satisfyingly sweet taste.
Add your rice cakes to Ziploc bags, and pour in your favorite seasonings or seasoning blends. This step takes a plain ol’ rice cake and turns it into a salty, savory, or sweet snack perfect for enjoying while you’re on the edge of your seat in the theater.
Jerky
Jerky is a great alternative to traditional movie theater snacks — it’s low in carbs, high in protein, comes in a variety of flavors and fits perfectly in a pocket or purse. Plus, it doesn’t make too much noise when you’re munching on it.
If you’re plant-based or aren’t the biggest fan of traditional jerky, soy-based jerky is on the rise as a vegan option!
Veggies and Dip
Veggie sticks are another great option if you want something crunchy during the movie but don’t want to feel weighed down afterward. Pair them with some hummus dip for an added boost of protein and flavor — just be sure to bring along napkins so as not to drip dip onto anyone else's seat!
If you’re hoping not to make too much noise crunching on your snack, opt for softer, quieter veggies like mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini slices.
Soft Pretzel With Mustard
Soft pretzels are a classic movie theater staple — but pairing them with mustard makes them even better.
Mustard is full of vitamins and minerals and is a great way to add some tangy flavor to your movie night snacks. Plus, it’s much healthier than sugary syrups or processed dips.
The real reason this snack is a winner for the movie theater is that as long as your pretzel is nice and soft, it will be quiet, too.
Edamame Beans
Edamame beans are a great, healthy (and quiet) snack to sneak into the theater — they’re packed with protein and can help keep you full and energized throughout the movie.
Plus, they’re super easy to pop in your mouth, even in the dark!
Dark Chocolate-Covered Nuts or Seeds
Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein and healthy fats. Cover your favorite combination of nuts or seeds in dark chocolate for a delicious treat that will keep your stomach from rumbling during the movie.
Some ideas include:
- Almonds
- Peanuts
- Cashews
- Walnuts
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Bonus points for bringing along a small baggie so you don’t leave any crumbs behind.
Granola Bars
Granola bars come in many different flavors these days — look for ones made with natural ingredients like oats, nuts, and dried fruits that won’t leave you feeling guilty after eating them. Alternatively, you can also make your own granola bars with some honey, oats, chopped nuts or seeds, hemp hearts, dried fruit, and chocolate chips.
They provide you with enough energy to get through the entire movie without being overly filling. Plus, they come individually wrapped, which makes them easy to bring along with you when sneaking in snacks.
Roasted Chickpeas
In the mood for something crunchy? Try chickpeas.
When roasted, these itty-bitty nibbles can substitute as a higher-protein alternative to popcorn. Dust them with your favorite spices like chili, paprika, and turmeric for some added flavor.
Seaweed Snacks
We know what you’re thinking, “seaweed?!” — but trust us on this one. Seaweed is a fantastic source of fiber and minerals, and it comes in plenty of fun flavors like teriyaki or wasabi.
Seaweed snacks are light and crispy, so they offer the same satisfying crunch of a potato chip without all of the saturated fat.
Sure, it might not be a BOOP cookie, but don’t knock it till you try it!
2. Package It Right
Now that you’ve chosen your snacks, it’s time to package them so they don’t draw attention from the ushers at the door. Put your snacks in a small bag or container that won't crinkle too much when you move, and make sure nothing sticks out of your coat too far.
If you can, try to put everything in one container so that there aren't multiple items poking out of your pocket as you walk down the aisle.
This will also help keep food smells contained until after the lights dim and it's time to snack, and it will help prevent any of your snacks from falling out of their hiding spots as you walk to your seat.
3. Be Stealthy
Even if your snacks are packaged perfectly, they can still draw attention — especially if they clank around in your pocket when you walk through the lobby, or if you act like you have something to hide!
A great way to keep your snacks on the down low is by wrapping them in fabric like a scarf or blanket. That way, even if someone hears something, they won't be able to pinpoint what it is right away. This gives you ample time to slip into your seat unnoticed!
Another trick is wearing clothes with deep pockets so that nothing risks falling out as you walk around before showtime.
You should also keep in mind that the bulkier your snack is, the more uncomfortable it will feel when it’s hidden in your jacket or pockets — and the more uncomfortable you are, the more uncomfortable you’ll probably look.
Flatter or smaller snacks will fit more easily into your hiding spot and will give you more of your normal range of motion, too.
4. Be Cool
Nothing will give away your snack-sneaking plan faster than looking nervous or acting suspiciously when passing through security.
So stay calm and act natural! The more nonchalant you look, the less likely it is that anyone will pay close attention to what's in your bag or pockets.
5. Enjoy Your Snacks in Peace
Now that you've made it past security without being caught red-handed, you can settle down and enjoy your healthier alternatives in peace. And don't worry about making any noise once the credits start to roll — chances are everyone else will be too engrossed in their own snacks (or the movie) to notice yours!
6. Clean Up After Yourself
Nobody likes to be stuck in a theater full of crumbs and pieces of candy wrappers, so remember to clean up after yourself.
Put your trash in the proper receptacles or take it with you to throw away outside the theater. If you spilled anything on yourself and your seat, do your best to pick it up with some napkins. That way, everyone will have a pleasant and enjoyable movie experience.
Make Your Movie Night a BOOP
Sneaking healthy snacks into the movies doesn't have to be complicated — just choose wisely, package your snacks properly, and be stealthy about it.
With these tips in mind, there's no reason why going to see a movie has to mean breaking your diet or blowing your budget on overpriced popcorn and candy bars.
So grab some friends and get ready for an enjoyable evening at the movies — sans guilt trip. Enjoy!
BOOP Bakery™ believes cookies are better off enjoyed than locked away in a cookie jar. BOOP created a line of craveable, soft-baked cookies that allow health-conscious consumers and cookie connoisseurs alike to indulge without the guilt that comes with most processed sweets and treats. BOOP set out to bake delicious, wholesome, craveable cookies everyone can freely enjoy any time of day, whenever, wherever, whyever, proving no moment is too small for a BOOP!
Sources:
12 Surprising Health Benefits Of Olive Oil | North American Olive Oil Association
Is Mustard Good for You? 8 Health Benefits Explained | Utopia
Edamame, cooked nutrition facts and analysis. | Nutrition Value