A lab analysis commissioned by the advocacy group found that the two largest movie chains (Regal and AMC) understate the number of calories and amount of fat in their popcorn.

A medium popcorn and soda combo at Regal had 1,610 calories and 60 grams (three days worth) of saturated fat, according to CSPI tests. That's equal to three McDonald’s Quarter Pounders with 12 pats of butter, the CSPI says.

Regal claims that its medium popcorn has 720 calories and that its large has 960, according to CSPI. But lab tests found Regal’s medium and large sizes each had 1,200 calories and, thanks to being popped in coconut oil, 60 grams of saturated fat," the CSPI press release said.

A "small" at Regal has 670 calories and 34 grams of saturated fat, about as many calories as a Pizza Hut Personal Pan Pepperoni Pizza—except the popcorn has three times the saturated fat.

AMC, the second-largest theater chain, also pops in coconut oil but has smaller serving sizes, reducing the calories and fat consumed. And third-largest Cinemark, which has theaters in Illinois, pops in heart-healthy canola oil but it's popcorn is as high in calories as that from the other chains and has the most sodium--about twice as much as Regal or AMC.

If you really want to wreck your movie-going experience, go to the CSPI Web site for information on the soda and oversized boxes and bags of candy. Or read the cover story in the December issue of the CSPI's Nutrition Action Healthletter.

Oh grow up people-coconut oil is one of the healthiest oils,those old studies were on hydrogenated coconut oil,"hydrogenated" was the villian not coconut oil-let the old science die. Canola oil is unstable and has a low smoke point. They know what they are doing. Read about it: http://www.westonaprice.org/knowyourfats/coconut-oil-studies.html

As a Registered Dietitian, I advocate that there are no "bad" foods. Going to the movies is a fun event and movie theatre snacks, while they can be high in calories and fat, can be enjoyed in moderation, as an occasional treat. I advise my clients, which includes food and beverage companies, that all foods and beverages can be enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Educating individuals about the calories in their food is key to helping them make better choices, lambasting particular foods is not. Truly the bottom line to a healthy diet is eating a wide variety of foods (which can include those occasional foods) in healthy portion sizes and engaging in regular physical activity.

The comments made by the "Registered Dietitian" (in capital letters!) are embarrassing. She sounds like a pitchman for the processed food industry, who probably donate huge sums of money to the schools in exchange for a hand in writing the curriculum. Students think that if they're taught something in school, it must be true. These are the same food companies that tell you that Froot Loops is a "Smart Choice" for breakfast. Don't trust them.

Leave my movie popcorn alone also... I go to the movies about twice a year and can not stand the cardboard they cut up now and sell as "movie popcorn" I have also read interesting articles on coconut oil... how do the many different islanders manage to live so well and have coconut oil...EVERYTHING IN MODERATION... GIVE ME A BREAK PLEASE... SANTA now Movie Popcorn... geez.... smile.. if I ate it every day three times a day, maybe... you have a case just maybe.