Going to the cinema is the best form of escapism. No matter how old you are, the novelty of climbing the stairs to take your place in a plush velvet seat in front of a huge screen never wears off.
The same goes for curling up in bed at home, either with friends or solo. Films lift us out of our own world and plunge us into another belonging to superheroes, love-struck couples and historical figures.
However, the illusion quickly shatters if your stomach won’t stop rumbling. Snacks are a must for any movie night, and there is no better category of snack than movie snacks.
Movie snacks are the most guiltless form of cheat eating. It would almost seem rude not to visit the cinema and purchase some overpriced popcorn or pick ‘n’ mix, because it’s simply tradition. Just browse Netflix for proof. From Friends to Scandal, there’s always a popcorn-munching scene - a well-worn trope for the ‘I’m sad and single’ moments.
The glisten of sugar-clad Coca-Cola bottles, the crunch of salted nachos and the satisfying slurp of a bright blue raspberry slushie go hand-in-hand with the cinema experience. Unlike office snacking, which we all know we shouldn’t do but do anyway, movie snacking is a special occasion, so it basically doesn’t count.
This gives us the perfect excuse to go all out. If you are hosting at home, then you can tailor your snacks as you wish. Go down the healthy route and supply bountiful amounts of Propercorn, vegan chocolate or nuts. Or, you can style your spread in a slightly naughtier (aka more fun) manner and splash out on classic retro candies, cookies and caramel-coated popcorn. The choices are endless.
Contrary to popular belief that movie nights are filled with girls in their matching pinstripe pyjamas having a pillow fight, we’re aiming for a slouch-tastic soiree brimming with tracksuit bottoms and treats.
Browse the best movie snacks below and fill your basket with delectable delights for all.
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Sweets in the City British Sweetshop Classics
Spoil yourself and your loved ones with some classic British sweets. This lavish jar holds a variety of all the favourites, from flying saucers to fizzy cola bottles.
Buy now £9.50, Waitrose
Joe & Seph’s Classic Caramel Gourmet Popcorn
You’ll see a stash of Joe & Seph’s gourmet popcorn at any independent cinema you enter. It’s simply the best, thanks to its hard-toffee crunch and delightfully buttery taste.
Buy now £4.05, Boots
Ombar Coco Mylk Organic Vegan Fair Trade Chocolate
Vegans will be well-acquainted with Ombar. The dairy-free chocolate brand is a creamy dream of a bar. Perfect for sharing or solo scoffing.
Buy now £3.30, Ocado
Propercorn Popcorn Sweet & Salty
Shopping on a budget? Look to Propercorn. Not only is it our go-to popcorn brand for when the munchies come knocking, but it’s affordable and curbs savoury and sweet cravings.
Buy now £1.00, Ocado
LOVE CORN Sea Salt Crunchy Corn
Another £1 option, LOVE CORN’s cheap and cheerful snack is not to be slept on. Savoury enthusiasts will appreciate the salty bite of each corn kernel, which also happens to be kosher and gluten-free.
Buy now £1.00, Ocado
Eat Real Lentil Sea Salt Chips
Moreish is the first word that springs to mind when considering Eat Real’s lentil chips. Not only do they have 30 per cent less fat than fried potato crisps, but the gluten-free bites are light with an irresistible golden crisp.
Buy now £1.50, Ocado
Ben & Jerry's Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Chunks
Follow the culinary advice of Rachel Green and Bridget Jones and bag yourself some Ben & Jerry’s. The ice cream makers have been mending broken hearts for years, and the cookie dough chunks are the best bits in the tub.
Buy now £5.15, Waitrose
M&S Milk Chocolate Cookie Dough Bites
Don’t buy her flowers, buy her M&S’ Milk Chocolate Cookie Dough Bites. These ridiculously tasty cookie dough drops are the best in business. A soft cookie dough interior is encased in a generous coat of milk chocolate. Time to treat your taste buds.
Buy now £2.40, Ocado
Gran Luchito Lightly Salted Gluten Free Tortilla Chips
Pour a large bag of tortilla chips into a sharing bowl and dress up as you desire. Add guacamole, shredded cheese or salsa to create a filling Mexican spread.
Buy now £2.65, Ocado
M&S The Original Cookie Dunker
Feast your eyes on M&S’ cookie dunker. Nine delicious dunkers are half coated in chocolate, meaning everyone can tuck in. Sharing is caring, after all.
Buy now £3.50, M&S
