Snacks Aren’t Required for a Movie

A couple of weeks ago, I started watching a movie on Hulu and prepared to sit through a minute or two of ads before the movie began. But instead of a typical ad, I was startled to see an one urging viewers to get snacks!

The ad is called “Let’s All Go to the Pantry” and is a clear call-back to movie theaters, where you’re encouraged to visit the concession stand. It features snacks like pretzels, popcorn, cookies, candy, and something that looks like a dog biscuit, though I’m assuming it’s not. It also has a catchy jingle that, to my annoyance, got stuck in my head.

When I looked up information about the ad, I was further surprised to see that it’s quite a hit with most people. A lot of folks like the retro nostalgic vibe, I guess, as well as the jingle.

But that wasn’t my reaction. When I saw it, all I could think about was how our society has a negative focus on heavy people and yet apparently doesn’t think twice about encouraging people to eat food they’re probably not hungry for while sitting and watching a movie.

Suggesting snacks works too well

One of my concerns with this approach is that it doesn’t take much to get people thinking about eating. Even if you’re not hungry – even if you’ve recently eaten – when you see appealing food images, hear people talk about food, or smell something delicious, the odds are good that you’ll start thinking about food again.

And these sorts of snack foods work particularly well for a couple of reasons. Unlike a meal, you might rationalize a snack by thinking you’ll only have a little bit. Plus, since they don’t fill you up right away, you can start eating them and feel fine, only to later feel overfull.

Also, the analysis from Hulu showed that people are more likely to watch movies on their platform in the evening, so for most people, that will probably be after dinner. But even if viewers don’t feel hungry when they sit down, if they see an ad like this, they’re going to start thinking about food and what they want for snacks.

You don’t have to eat while watching movies

It doesn’t help that most people are already primed to think of eating during movies. For many, popcorn and movies go hand-in-hand.

I think part of the appeal of eating while viewing is that a lot of the time, movies are only so engaging. They provide sight and sound, but our other senses aren’t being used, and eating ticks all the other boxes: scent, taste, and touch.

Knowing that, it may help to sit down and figure out what it is about eating during a movie that most appeals to you. Do you like keeping your hands busy? Do you feel like you want to chew something, or have a certain flavor?

Once you know that, see if you can come up with something else that might fill that gap but doesn’t involve eating. For example, I’m not good at sitting and doing nothing with my hands, so I’ll often do cross stitch while watching TV or movies. I also sometimes do stretches or pat cats, and if I’m feeling the urge to chew, I’ll have a piece of gum.

Eating mindlessly

The other concern with eating during a movie is that you’re apt to eat mindlessly. Even if you were hungry when you started eating, you probably wouldn’t notice when you stopped being hungry because you’d be paying attention to the movie.

This means you’ll end up eating more than you need without even realizing it, at least until later when you might feel full, even uncomfortably full.

Ignore the ads

I know it’s easier said than done to ignore ads about tasty snacks, but you can at least mute them. You can also understand that if you suddenly start thinking about food, it doesn’t mean you’re actually hungry.

And if you’re really attached to having a snack during a movie or favorite show, try to plan for it. Maybe have a lighter dinner so you’ll be hungry by movie time, and decide on what you want for a snack before starting, to avoid being influenced by the ads. Remember, those ads are only out for sales of their products – they don’t know what works best for you.

Also, I suggest putting the snack in a bowl or on a small plate instead of eating from the bag or box or a big tub of popcorn. That will make it less likely for you to eat without noticing it. And try to pay some attention to the food so you get to enjoy the taste.

Eating while watching movies can be fun, but you don’t need a snack to get through it, no matter what the ads tell you.