Foods/drinks/snacks you sneak into a movie theater...

[Mermazon]

My husband and I always hit the dollar store before a flick for "Twizzlers" (him) and "Zero bars" (me). Plus, if I am carrying a big enough purse, I'll throw in cans of sodas we like! How about you?

[Sidney0919]

You guys are C R A Z Y!!! I love it!!! After reading this, I'm thinking maybe I should open a theater that allows folks to bring in whatever they like (within reason)!

Personally speaking, we like the popcorn/milkdud combo. A bit sticky, but surprisingly tasty!

[Karl S]

I used to make my own Black Jewell popcorn, season it and put it in a large one-zip bag. Fits easily into my office shoulder case. Tastes great at room temperature.

If a theater does not have the option of plain carbonated water*, I bring my own as well.

Movie theaters don't make a profit from tickets; only from concessions.

* Smarter-designed soda fountains have a spigot for carbonated water. For a couple of decades, I order what has been known in some theaters as the Cashier's Special: plain carbonated water topped off with an inch of lemonade. I am happy to pay full freight for it. If a theater is not smartly-designed to allow for that, I have no compunction about bringin my own beverage. Another soda fountain trick at fast food places that have open fountains is to use diet cola and top off with an inch of Dr Pepper or Root Beer; it tastes almost like fully non-diet.

[luv2bake]

That's exactly how one of my best friends makes her fountain drinks. And orders them at drive-thru windows, etc. Confuses the workers sometimes. :)

She has hooked so many people on that method over the years.

[SweetPhyl]

As a teenager, I went to see "Superman" and we snuck in a bottle of peach brandy...to this day I can hardly remember that movie, but I know I had a great time!

[Lucia]

When I was young, my parents sometimes made me bring homemade popcorn instead of buying the movie kind--I hated that. I eventually just stopped eating at the theater but started bringing in my own sodas. Now I don't bring anything, but my boyfriend loves sno-caps (which I hate) or random candy bars.

[Glencora]

We make our son bring in junior mints from the gas station store and tap water in a pre-used plastic bottle. Yeah, he thinks we're cheap, but movies are expensive.

[Leslie]

Good and Plenty. These I don't have to share because no one else likes them. I used to get them at the movie theater. They don't sell them there anymore so I pick up a big box on the way over.

[Mermazon]

If I went with you, you'd HAVE to share them with me ;-) I love those things, but hardly ever eat 'em anymore. I saw them in the store just a few days ago-I was tempted!

[luv2bake]

I love them, too. My mom & I both like licorice (until now thought we were about the only ones in America who did! haha)

Try popping them in the freezer at home and grabbing two or three to satisfy a sweet tooth. Mmmm.

I find them at Walgreen's.

[amopdx]

don't really sneak food in but every now and then a pint of captain morgans is a nice treat.

Or I like to go to the Bagdad Theatre for a cheap flick with (good local) beer served in the theatre, so I have no need to sneak. (also serve pizza, and other food in the pub)

[gridder]

Oh ! The Bagdad! I miss Portland. . .

[Mermazon]

Anyone know if there used to be one in Denver? When I lived there, I could've sworn there was a cool Deco theater with the same name. Always showed "Avant Garde"/Indy films there...very groooooovy places, not too many around anymore.

[sll]

Oh me too - great place. And the one downtown, can't remember the name?

[piccola]

Today, I snuck in some roasted chestnuts. Yesterday, it was Just Raspberries.

[PseudoNerd]

If I eat, it'll be:
nuts (I've taken to creating a mix with: TJs rosemary Marcona almonds, TJs salty/lightly glazed almonds and pecans, salt, paprika, chili powder, sweetener)
dried fruit
fresh fruit, all cut up
snap pea crisps

I generally just stick with water. I'll sometimes have some Maker's.

[Kajikit]

Movie theater food is so expensive that I try not to buy anything there if I can help it... but I make an exception for drinks because they don't travel well - I bring my own sweet treats in my purse (and sometimes a bag of goldfish or some Pirates Booty) and buy a big bottle of water while I'm there.

[J T]

I've been kicked out halfway thru a movie for bringing my own food in. I told the usher that I didn't want to pay $5 for a large popcorn and that I hadn't had Jiffy-Pop in ages.

[luv2bake]

I was so happy when I looked grown up enough to not have the ticket takers be suspicious that I might have something in my bag! haha They used to actively search bags at the one big theater when I was a teenager. Now that we have so many theaters, though, maybe they've just given up. Who knows. Anyhow, in addition to the occasional veering from the tried and true, here are the typical things I like to sneak in to eat with the outrageously-priced popcorn I buy at the theater 90% of the time:

Hot Tamales
Jujyfruits
Junior Mints
homemade trail mix
dried fruit (usually apricots)
peanut butter M&Ms
Milk Duds

a water bottle filled with Crystal Light Ruby Red Grapefruit drink

my own bottled water (especially in the summer, when my husband can sneak in 4 bottles in this great pair of shorts he has with huge pockets)

[Mermazon]

OH Luv2Bake, you always crack me up!! ;-) Your poooor hubby with his baggy, bumpy shorts at a theater! I bet he gets some looks! Please don't tell me you give him four (4), LITER size bottles, I think I'll be ROFLMAO!! O=;)

[ArtemisNYC]

I usually don't like eating during a movie, and I'm not a big a soda drinker, either. So I'll usually just smuggle some jelly beans (Jelly Belly's pear-flavored ones are my fave) if I'm up to it.

[Ruby Louise]

Generally when heading to the big multi-plex at the mall, the husband and step-kids have a burrito and weird candy-from-the-candy-shop ritual.

At a cozy, restored old fashioned theatre here in the Napa Valley, I've seen folks bring in bottles of wine, openers and big, expensive glasses. I've been known to sneak in lattes with small bottles of Bailey's, brie, baguette, beer, and sushi.

[E.Kolliopoulos]

Nothing irks me more than the sound of popcorn chewing, like so much styrofoam, while watching a movie, even worse; people who self consciously open their wrappers. As if opening them slowly will be less of an annoyance. Just get it done!

In Greece we have outdoor movie theatres, with directors chairs, patio tables and potted plants. Nothing could be more dreamy than watching Jacques Tati under a full moon, the volume bouncing off the adjacent apartment buildings. We drink Amstels, never eat anything, but here, sunflower seeds reign as movie food.

With that who needs to bring anything? Just watch the movie.

[duckduck]

Years ago, a friend and I once snuck in a full order of chinese food in under our coats. It was funny watching someone a few rows up lean to their companion for the evening and say "Do you smell fried shrimp?" We used to take McDonald's into the same theater.

[Mermazon]

It'd be great if someone knew the kind of food shown on the screen and brought that into the theater! A bit of Aromatherapy! LOL! ie: "Wow! This film is so lifelike!"

Hmmmm...Which could go wonderfully....or, errr, terribly wrong depending on the food and the person!

[hominaray]

I usually don't sneak in food. My favorite contraband is a pint of Jamesons. Just enough for two people for two hours. Makes the most of whatever horrible movie you're watching.

[gridder]

Holy liver transplant, Batman!

[ngardet]

The reason I don't go to movies anymore is because I can't stand the noise of people eating and slurping during the movie as well as the smell of the various junk foods. It is an absolute disgrace, a total lack of respect for others and of course it ruins the entire experience. I guess cinema is too much of a mass culture to require or deserve proper etiquette. Or it's just that the ever decreasing quality of movies forces us to compensate with food.

[HillJ]

ngardet-I still go to small neighborhood theaters but I'm put off by the sticky floor and seats that result from waaaay to many treats! I think video killed movie etiquette...socially we might forget it's not our living room :)

[Mermazon]

As a child I recall my feet sticking to the floors and seats mussed at movie theaters. This is when you could ONLY buy the theaters fare. "Outside" foods were not allowed to be brought in, and sometimes people/bags/purses were frisked if they looked
--- Suspicious ---. I think times have changed that theaters need to be more flexible BECAUSE of videos being released so soon. They want to keep the customers coming, and are wise to "let" us indulge a bit. Perhaps SOME take it to the extreme, a bit too far maybe, but I am not bothered as long as they are respectful of others.

But, truthfully, there have always been slobs and inconsiderate people. However, I know on the flip side, there are still decent, respectful people who go to the movies and aren't there to ruin your experience. So, I wouldn't blame video as much as I would blame (some) people. I wouldn't be sloppy in my own home, so I am not going to be in public, either. My hubby and I pick up when we're done and never try to have anything too smelley or noisey.

We bring in food (usually snack type foods) b/c the prices at the movies are exhorbitant! Although I confess, the theater popcorn still 'gets' me on occasion-why, I've no idea, for I am a popcorn efficianada-but it does!

[ngardet]

Yes I was talking about some people. But I do believe it is possible to eat and drink in relative silence during a movie.

[puppymomma]

I bring TJ's lightly salted dry roasted Edamame. It's crunchy and delicious, and healthy!

I also sneak in pretzles, iced tea, or crystal light of some sort.

Oh, and protein bars for my hubby.

Perhaps I wouldn't if they offered anything healthy there. Nah, I would anyway because their food and drinks are a complete rip-off.

[billjriv]

I don't go to movies too much to tell the truth.I guess I got older and realize there mostly b.s.and I see enough of that from the time I open my eyes,but if I went id probably sneak in an apple or an orange.Oranges are good cause when you unpeel them its obvious there snuck in cause no movie theater sells something as nutritious as an orange and everyone looks around sniffing the air and the whole theater smells like an orange for an hour.HAHAHAHAHAHA i'm a genius(right)!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[rabaja]

Let's just say we're glad you're not going to the movies much anymore. :)

[billjriv]

hah

[tbear]

I love the scene in "Crimes & Misdemeanors" when Woody turns to Mia in the movie theatre and asks "do you want another cheeseburger?". "Sure" she says, promptly unwrapping an obviously smuggled treat.

[mermaidsd]

edamame. gives me the satisfaction of popcorn but it's better for you.

it's especially good with some cajun seasoning.

[luv2bake]

Now that's a good idea. I always want popcorn - partially because it's a MOVIE for goodness' sake, and partially salt. I'm trying edamame next time!

[Morton the Mousse]

Beer. I use a Klean Kanteen, which is kind of like a stainless steel Nalgene. Stainless steel keeps the beverage cold, the well sealed lid keeps it carbonated, and the metal exterior prevents prying eyes from identifying the content- most would guess it's just water.

[Cereal Killer]

I second that emotion, although I just put two large beer cans in my pockets and wander in. However, now that movies are getting longer and longer, I may need to limit my consumption to one large can!

CK

[vicki_vale]

squid jerky.

this only works
a. in a matinee or empty theater
b. in Asia, where everyone is eating smelly fish snacks

[pinstripeprincess]

a pint of ben and jerry's with a couple of spoons.

i'll bring anything into the theatre. tortellini pasta salads, sandwiches in oversized boxes, candy of all kinds... my only requirement is that i can eat it easily without distracting myself from the movie or distracting anyone else.

[bworm42]

I'm a firm believer in a quick Trader Joe's impulse run before a movie, but the absolute best was on my twentieth birthday. I went with six of my friends to see the Two Towers LOTR movie, which had just come out and was quite crowded. I carried in three large bacon and white clam pizzas from Pepe's (New Haven). We got some really wierd looks from the people working at the theatre, but it was just so blatant that nobody said anything. I'm sure the smell and mess were a little annoying, but we made up for it by offering slices to all of our neighbors.

[EllenMM]

When I was a teenager - a million years ago - my best-friend and I would go to Sat. matinees. Before we bought our tickets, we went across the street to the Chinese restaurant and got two orders of egg rolls, to go, and a lot of napkins. I wish my metabolism and b.p. could still handle that type of indulgence!

[emilief]

Don't bring it because the community Theatre we frequent sells beer and wine and has nice fresh hot popcorn.

[RShea78]

When I was growing up till my early 20's you should never try sneaking things passed the "bouncers" this one movie theater. Heck, I think only the x-ray equipment was missing, otherwise their security was tighter than the Airports were for the time. You were subject searches if they thought you were a carrier.

No drinks or foods. You had to disclose what candy you had. If it looked excessive you were pre-charged a concessions fee and given tokens for later redemption. Getting caught, you were tossed out and subject to the no refunds policy.

Now more popular was the Drive In as they did not care what you brought in unless you looked like a suspicious teenager sneaking in some beer. And even then they just asked you to "keep it down" or park your vehicle in a way not to bother others.

-----

BTW- On an Edit: I haven't been to a Movie Theater for probably 15 years or so. About the same for a Drive In, but DI's have mostly gone for the new fangled Multi-Plex Theaters that costs $50 to get out of.

-----

[Loren3]

A note on the wine - if you don't want to open it at home, pick one with a screw off cap - "Stelvan closure".

We pick up individual-sized bottles that are served on airplanes (we have a great source). Believe it or note, there are some tasty ones available.

Another portable single-serving drink is sake in the little bottles.

[kimmer1850]

As a teenager (yes, we were drinking underage) my friends and I got an entire case of long neck Buds into a movie just by shoving them into our purses and the inside pockets of our denim jackets. Haven't done anything like that in a long time but if I ever get the urge to return to my long, lost youth...

[gridder]

Nothing like the sound of an empty beer bottle rolling down the cement floor towards the front of the theater. (Been there.)

[Carrie 218]

We always bring alcohol of some sort... I have a decent-sized purse to bring in a bottle of wine, Wyders pear cider, or a nippy bottle or two of cognac or grappa.

Then I add charcuterie to the mix; pre-cut cheeses and meats mostly. Finish up with a decent bar of bittersweet chocolate and I'm set!

[Mermazon]

I wanna go to the movies with you! LOL!

[Pei]

LOL. This thread is great. I could never be so creative.

People like you are why my local theater decided to throw its hands up and let everyone bring in whatever they wanted to from the food court. This, of course, pretty much meant that all bets were off regarding outside food. I mean, who's going to check that your Panda Express takeout bag actually also includes a dozen homemade brownies? Or that your Hot Dog on a Stick lemonae is spiked?

[kloomis]

I once brought in Taco Bell (I was in a hurry and didn't have time to stop to eat). It stunk up the place awful and was loud with the crinkly paper. I wouldn't do that again!

[beevod]

one-half pint of Jack Daniels -- an entire pint if the movie features talking animals.

[Bostonbob3]

Nips of Jameson. Habenero jerky.

[thegolferbitch]

Attaboy on both. I could actually use that right now as a work snack.

I have brought (my husband calls it "muling" (mule-ing?) very tightly made italian cold cut subs with a tiny bit of oil. Don't want anything too drippy/stinky. Also...a must...PB&J's.

[maryanne.d]

Thank you Bob for your nice words to me ,regarding the bar.I'm not on the bar anymore but I am on the floor,and now that I know that you drink Jameson I'll have to pay extra special attn.

[Velma]

Not as exotic as the other items mentioned in this thread but the popcorn at our local theater is popped in peanut oil and we have an allergy to peanuts at my house so I have to pre-make popcorn for hubby and bring it in. I buy a box of buttered for myself.

[tastytamarind]

I'm Jewish -- so every Christmas eve my family and our close friends used to bring Chinese takeout straight into the movie theatre. We're the only ones in there anyway, and if they notice, they don't care.

[french roast]

If you like an adult beverage, try the little Sofia Coppola blanc de blanks. They come in a 4 pack of chic little pink cans, complete with a straw. They're small and easy to sneak in a small purse.

[rworange]

... but have you ever tried these? I mean ick. They make Andre absolutely sparkle by comparison.

There are a lot of boxed wines these days tho, some of them in small, almost juice-box sized. Vendage is about the same as what is in the bottle. So if you like the bottle, you'll like the box. It has a plastic screw cap, but is something you would need to need to drink with a straw. As trashy as my wine-drinking ways can be, never could get on board with drinking wine with a straw.

[KCJ]

Popcorn Puffs -- but I take them out of the very noisy bag and put them in big size zip lock bags instead.

Jr. Mints from the Dollar Store

Bottled fruit flavored carbonated water or Propel

[billjriv]

if your diabetic your sneaking days are over ...wink wink

[Emme]

Pudding... specifically Stalone's protein pudding... no crunchy noises. Yeah I'm a health nut. That or a protin shake or bar. Occasionally I'll splurge on these Lean Protein Bites, that are low carb, high protein, but also high in saturated fat... but they are movie/candy like :)

[soypower]

this is a true story.

i went to visit a friend in palm springs who had an enormous affinity for KFC and star wars. so with my 6' tall big brother along, they let us bring in a whole bucket of extra tasty crispy chicken, some biscuits, and coleslaw. i made a deal with the ticket guy that we would leave our drinks outside and buy them from the concession stand. the kid gets paid minimum wage so he said he actually didn't care if we brought the drinks in or not. i think the manager was probably off duty that night. :o)

[hbgrrl]

My DD and I like to stop at Trader's and load up on the packaged sushi, noodle salad and drinks...and of course, their yummy chocolates.

[spigot]

Be fair to others - nothing smelly or noisy!

(I remember an Air Canada Toronto > Halifax flight with six bikers in the back eating KFC; that was *weird*.)

Personally, I bring junior mints and buy popcorn; a frighteningly excellent combination of texture and flavour.

[Mermazon]

Yes! I was gonna continue with the thread asking what combos people enjoy with their popcorn!! I adore Jr. Mints...also a few Sweetarts can work with popcorn, but not as many as the Jr. Mints!!

[sll]

1 box of hot tamales must go into the (unbuttered) popcorn. My regular theaters don't sell hot tamales, so I either grab a box before (which a rarely remember to do,) or it's a great surprise treat if we go to a theater that has them. A little popcorn with one tamale is super, and it's fun to find them as little surprises in your popcorn.

[Mermazon]

Oooo, I like how you add them INTO your popcorn...I'll have to try that! I always see those at the '99 Cents Only' stores in the So Cal area, but I think 'The Dollar Tree' is a chain throughout the US and I have seen "Hot Tamales" there, too.

[luv2bake]

Our Wal-Marts, Walgreens, and Sam's Club all have Hot Tamales.

[sll]

Good to know... I should hit the 99 cent store and just keep some hot tamales in the car! (You never know when you might let your day be detoured by a matinee...)

[SusanSDG]

M&Ms, regular, not peanut, go into the hot popcorn. Salty, sweet, yum!

[kloomis]

M&M's right into the hot popcorn is my favorite- and I normally do it at home with the microwave stuff too.

[cooknKate]

For me it's Twizzlers (ONLY strawberry) and popcorn. The taste combination is second to none

[sll]

Drinking your sprite through a twizzler instead of a straw is pretty righteous too, if I remember correctly... :)

[luv2bake]

Now that's a "blast from the past" that I forgot about. I wonder if my kids ever did that? I will have to introduce them to that!

[Mermazon]

I agree with you sll! My husband loves those things, and when I snag one from him, I STILL drink things through them, just like a straw. (you should try that Luv2Bake!!) Agreed, Sprite/7-UP is best, but with regular Coca-Cola, it's good too. Hmmmm...
I suppose I'll always do that-it's fun!! O=:)

[sll]

Root beer is also excellent in a twizzler straw...

[Mermazon]

YUM! Yes, I forgot about good 'ol rootbeer!

[luv2bake]

Oh, I did it plenty of times as a kid. I just totally forgot about it.

Unfortunately, my kids aren't much on licorice - even red, although they will occasionally, if there's nothing else, muddle through one. Surely I can talk them into something like that, though!

[S U]

Friends and I usually sneak snack stuff in, like cookies, chips, nuts, etc...

the title of this thread made me stop and laugh... it reminded me of this one time I went to a theater next door to a Quizno's. My friend and I snuck meatball subs in to watch... H20 (Halloween 20 yrs later) -- I will never again mix tomato sauce with gory movies.

[luv2bake]

lol

[tomishungry]

sour gummy bears!

[piccola]

There's very little I won't take into the theatre. Most employees are teenagers who don't care whether or not you do (I bet they do the same). I've walked in with grocery bags and no one batted an eye.

A few determining factors: portability, messiness, noisiness and healthiness.

Based on those, some of my favourites: grapes; strawberries; air-popped popcorn; soy crisps; mini rice cakes; rice crackers; Quaker Corn Bran or Nature's Path Heritage O's cereals; edamame.

The weirdest (yet tasty) - Gerber's fruit puffs for toddlers. They're so yummy!

[hmrlovr]

I have an extremely large handbag I bought in Turkey. That sucker can hold about a weeks worth of rations, but since I only need it to hold about 2-3 hours worth of provisions, I usually stuff it with A)my Nissan vacuum cup with locking lip of course. It's content depends on wether it's a matinee-then I usually take a soda or fresh lemonade or if it's a night movie it'll usually hold a cocktail- perhaps a lemon drop martini.I also tailor my snacks according to what movie I'm seeing. For instance if I know the film will be absorbing, like Pans Labyrinth or Children of Men, I'll take something non melting as it could be a bit before the treat gets from bag to mouth. If I'm going to fluff, like Night at the Museum, I'll take chocolate or toffee or something I can literally throw into my mouth.I also try not to take anything to loud or with crinkly packages, as I personally cant stand to hear people chewing and chomping during an intense scene.

[Elizzie]

We bring our own popcorn (I carry a BIG purse) and bottles of water in my husband's deep coat pockets. I like the wine idea....but how to open?

[rworange]

Open at home ... put in an empty water bottle. No need for a straw. Yikes ... I guess this makes me one flask away from AA meetings. Disclaimer: Make sure you have a designated driver.

The thing with movies in order not to avoid the rare hassle ... don't bring in anything with a noticable smell or that can't be contained in a large purse ... ya don't want to be toting in a pizza in a box, for example. Once darkness decends ... you are safe ... no peeling oranges tho ... if ya want oranges peel them at home and put them in a tupperware container

I don't usually bring in food. It is my excuse for popcorn with usually phony butter ... mmmm, fake butter.

[MikeLM]

Gotta open it beforehand. Put the cork back in, loosely, or just cover with a baggie and a rubber band.

Mike

[MikeLM]

My son and his wife, going to the movies in cold weather, like to tuck a bottle of wine and a couple of straws in the inside pocket of his jacket.

A little harder to work out in summer.

Mike

[Mermazon]

Great idea!
(hopefully no employees from movie theaters reads this?! LOL! I'd like to try that sometime!)
I used to adore going to the Drive-In! We'd BBQ a bunch of delicious meats and veggies and bring a huge cooler of beer, wine, etc. We'd plop our beach chairs and blankets down, snuggle to our SO (or one of the dog's tagging along-the 4-legged furry kind-depending if we were sans a partner or just po'ed at them!!;-) and just have such great times!

[Anita Drink]

Refreshing to know that I'm not the only one who takes booze into the theater! I always sneak in a small bottle of Jack Daniel's and then buy a small diet coke. They never act suspicious when I ask if they can only fill it up 3/4 of the way!