Movies and snacks go hand in hand. But if you have diabetes, you should avoid candy, soda, movie theater popcorn, and many other snacks on sale at the concession stand. Candy and soda are filled with sugar. And while small servings of air-popped popcorn are okay, movie theater popcorn can create issues. Even small sizes with no added butter contain high amounts of carbohydrates, sodium, and saturated fats.
Just because you should avoid these concession-stand snacks doesn’t mean you need to avoid snacks altogether. Try these tips for healthier eating the next time you head to the theater. Bonus: These also work if you're streaming something at home.
Don’t go in hungry
Ever heard that you should never shop for groceries when you’re hungry? The same logic applies here. Brightly colored candy wrappers and the smell of freshly popped popcorn can be tough to resist at the best of times, and the urge to make an impulse purchase is compounded if you’re arriving to the theater with an appetite. Set yourself up for success by eating a well-balanced meal before heading to the show.
Skip the soda
Avoid soda and opt for drinks like water, unsweetened iced tea, and unsweetened flavored seltzers.
Bring your own snacks
Policies about outside food and drinks vary from theater to theater. So, use your best judgment if you decide to pack your own snack. You should abide by common courtesies, too: Be discreet, don’t make a mess, and steer clear of hot food, food that has a strong smell, or food with noisy packaging. Try combinations of these snack suggestions:
Non-starchy veggies
- Baby carrots
- Sliced bell peppers
- Pea pods
- Sugar snap peas
- Celery
Proteins
- Nuts and nut butters
- Reduced-fat cheese
- Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
Starchy carbs
- Homemade, air-popped popcorn
- Baked tortilla chips
- Brown rice cakes
Fruits
- Strawberries
- Apple slices
- Blueberries
You can also look into snacks like roasted chickpeas, dehydrated green beans, or diabetes-friendly homemade granola, which packs a mix of protein and carbs. Be sure to check nutritional information, which will vary between different packaged foods and recipes.
Pay attention to portion sizes
It can be hard to keep track of how much you’ve eaten while a movie is playing. So, portion out your snacks before you go. For example, if you’re packing something like almonds or roasted chickpeas, weigh or count out your portion before you head to the theater instead of taking along the entire bag.
Sources: American Diabetes Association. Best Food... + 5
- American Diabetes Association. Best Foods for You: Making Healthy Food Choices. November 2022.
- American Diabetes Association. What superstar foods are good for diabetes? Accessed July 24, 2025.
- American Diabetes Association. Fruit. Accessed July 24, 2025.
- American Diabetes Association. Tips for Eating Healthy on the Go. Accessed July 24, 2025.
- American Diabetes Association. Non-starchy vegetables. Accessed July 24, 2025.
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Healthful Eating with Diabetes. August 29, 2023.
