Sony Pictures chairman calls for healthy snacks at US cinemas

“I can almost imagine the Romans eating popcorn and drinking Coke at the Colosseum 2,000 years ago,” he told a convention of cinema owners in Las Vegas. “But by bringing healthier snacks into your concession stands you would be helping our country meet an urgent public health need.”

The average cinema bucket of buttered popcorn contains 76 grams (2.6oz) of fat and 1,100 calories. 

However, Lynton admitted it would be difficult to give up old habits.

“I don’t think giant tubs of spinach or broccoli is a good idea. And nobody wants to eat cauliflower while watching Spider-Man, or drink a 40oz cup of prune juice,” he said.

He added he did not aim to “close the window for popcorn, soda and candy,” but would rather enrich the selection of snacks available with healthier items such as baked crisps and unbuttered, air-popped popcorn. “I’m just talking about adding some healthier items to what you already sell.”