Popcorn: the classic movie snack. It’s easy to make, cheap to distribute, and light to carry. Where there’s a film showing, there’s usually popcorn. How did popped corn kernels become so favorable in the cinema?

Originally it became popular in the 1800s through fairs and carnivals, not actually theaters. Going to the theater was considered a sophisticated experience, and owners didn’t want loud, aromatic food interrupting a show. These performances were intended for educated people with an understanding of complex language. However, low cost entertainment that anyone could enjoy came into demand around the time of the great depression. Movies became popular, not needing to pay actors, make sets, costumes, work lights and sounds, and could show instantly without any rehearsal. Independent dealers began to sell popcorn to customers located outside of movie theaters. Many were able to afford the cheap snack, and profits came rolling in. These vendors were shortly able to buy space in lobbies of the theater to sell directly.

Movie theaters eventually cut out the independent sellers out and made popcorn themselves. The food became in demand as people associated popcorn with going to the cinema, and theaters that didn’t provide this service significantly lost business.

The tradition continues today, as corn is large in supply. Theaters and movie theaters have become two separate experiences, as theaters chose to remain sophisticated performances. With the lack of complex factors, it’s no wonder that popcorn has become popular in the movie going population.

Information: http://mentalfloss.com/article/61130/why-popcorn-default-movie-theater-snack

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