The “Dune” Popcorn Bucket: A Nutritional Nightmare or Movie Magic?
In the world of cinema, the giant sandworm from the “Dune” movies strikes fear into the hearts of soldiers and moviegoers alike as it devours everything in its path. In real life, however, humans watching movies indulge in a different kind of consumption – popcorn. Now, these two worlds have collided in the form of the “Dune” popcorn bucket, a sandworm-shaped tub that is taking the cultural scene by storm.
But is there more to this novelty snack holder than meets the eye? Lindsay Moyer, a senior nutritionist at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, sat down with The New York Times to discuss the nutritional implications of the “Dune” popcorn bucket. While she hasn’t seen the bucket in person, she notes that its design may not be ideal for easy snacking due to its intricate shape.
Popcorn itself is considered a healthy whole grain snack, but when consumed at movie theaters, it often comes with added oils and buttery toppings that can significantly increase its calorie content. The “Dune” bucket, which sells for $24.99 and comes with a separate large popcorn for refills, may contain around 980 calories before any additional toppings are added.
Moyer also highlights the surprising fact that the buttery topping commonly found at movie theaters is often made with highly refined soybean oil and artificial flavors, rather than actual butter. Adding just two tablespoons of this topping to a large bucket of popcorn could bring the calorie count up to a staggering 1,220 – equivalent to two Big Macs.
While enjoying a movie with a bucket of popcorn is a classic pastime, Moyer urges moviegoers to be mindful of their snacking choices and to be aware of the nutritional content of their treats. So, the next time you reach for that “Dune” popcorn bucket, remember that while it may be a fun movie accessory, it’s important to consider what you’re really consuming during your cinematic experience.
