Going to the movies is a fun way to spend an evening, but for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, navigating the concession stand can be a challenge. Thankfully, most movie theaters offer several snacks that are safe for gluten-free diets.
Popcorn
Plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free. Most movie theaters pop fresh popcorn in coconut or canola oil, then add seasonings or “butter” flavoring. Be sure to ask for yours to be prepared plain without any seasonings. Then add your own gluten-free toppings when you get it.
Candies
Many classic movie candies are gluten-free, including:
- Boxed candy such as Junior Mints, Mike and Ike, and Hot Tamales
- Gummy candies like Swedish Fish, Sour Patch Kids, and Skittles
- Chocolates like M&Ms, Reese’s Pieces, and Mini Mounds bars
- Licorice
- Suckers like Dum Dums and Tootsie Pops
Always check ingredient labels since formulations can change. For example, some licorice contains wheat flour.
Chips and Snacks
Look for these gluten-free chips and crispy snacks:
- Kettle chips or tortilla chips
- Pretzels
- Popchips
- Corn nuts
- Popcorn chips like Smartfood
- Rice cakes
Some flavored chips or crackers contain gluten, so inspect packaging carefully.
Nuts and Seeds
Plain nuts and seeds make a crunchy gluten-free snack. Opt for packaged nuts rather than those scooped from bulk bins, which pose a cross-contamination risk.
Frozen Treats
Frozen yogurt shops and ice cream stands are popular concessions at many theaters. Look for gluten-free frozen yogurt and ice cream flavors. Popsicles and fudgesicles are also usually gluten-free.
Beverages
All fountain sodas, juices, bottled water and sparkling waters are gluten-free. Hot chocolate is also usually gluten-free. For coffee drinks like lattes, be sure any flavorings and syrups are gluten-free.
Kids Meals
Many movie theaters offer kids packs with a snack and drink. Select gluten-free items like popcorn, gummy fruit snacks, and apple juice. Call ahead to ask about the menu.
Healthy and Allergy-Friendly Options
Some movie theaters are adding fresh fruit cups, veggie sticks, nut bars, or gluten-free pretzels to their lineups. These items provide healthier gluten-free alternatives. Again, always double-check ingredient lists.
Pack Your Own Snacks
To be extra safe, consider packing your own snacks to enjoy during the movie. That way you can control exactly what ingredients are included. Some good gluten-free snacks for theaters include:
- Trail mix
- Fresh fruit like clementines, grapes or apple slices
- Nut butter squeeze packs with pretzels or celery sticks
- Popped popcorn seasoned at home
- Corn tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole
- Baby carrots and gluten-free hummus
- Cheese cubes
- Gluten-free protein or granola bars
- Sliced deli meat rolls
Be sure to pack wet items in spill-proof containers.
Safety Tips
Follow these tips for safely enjoying gluten-free snacks from the movie theater concession stand:
- Inspect labels carefully for any wheat, barley, rye or malt ingredients
- Ask the staff if certain items are prepared in facilities that also process gluten
- Request that any scoops, tongs, ladles, etc. are changed or cleaned before handling your gluten-free snack
- Look for visible signs of cross-contamination like stray crumbs or residue on counters or inPackages
- Wash your hands before eating once inside the theater to minimize risk
Being proactive will help ensure you don’t get any accidental gluten exposure.
Dining Options Before or After the Movie
Rather than dealing with the concession stand, some people prefer to eat at a gluten-free friendly restaurant before or after seeing a movie. Many chain restaurants have gluten-free menus, like:
- Outback Steakhouse
- Chipotle
- PF Chang’s
- Texas Roadhouse
- Olive Garden
- California Pizza Kitchen
- Red Robin
Local and independent restaurants may also offer gluten-free dishes. Check websites and call restaurants directly to learn their options.
Of course, you can also choose naturally gluten-free cuisine like sushi, Thai food, Indian dishes, etc.
Enjoy the Movies Gluten-Free
Despite the challenges, you can still enjoy snacks while seeing movies. Follow these guidelines to choose safe gluten-free concession stand treats or pack your own. With some planning and diligent label reading, movies can still be a fun gluten-free activity.
Gluten-Free Movie Theater Snack Ideas
Here are some tasty gluten-free snack ideas to enjoy on your next trip to the movies:
Sweet and Salty Trail Mix
Combine nuts, seeds, popcorn, chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut flakes, pretzels, and any other favorite items. Portion into single-serve baggies.
Pizza Muffins
Make mini egg “crusts” in a muffin pan. Fill with pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni, then bake.
Veggies with Dip
Pack fresh snap peas, mini peppers, celery sticks, carrots, etc. Bring portable hummus, guacamole, salad dressing or nut butter for dipping.
Quesadillas
Assemble flatbread or corn tortillas with shredded cheese, beans, salsa. Grill in a quesadilla maker or at home then slice.
Energy Bites
Make no-bake bites with peanut butter, oats, seeds, coconut, honey and chocolate chips.
Popcorn Trail Mix
Toss popcorn with nuts, pretzels, sesame sticks, dried cranberries, chocolate and drizzle with melted coconut oil.
Fruit and Cheese
Enjoy cheese slices or cubes with grapes, berries, apple slices and dried fruits.
Veggie Sushi Rolls
Assemble sushi rice and fillings like cucumber, avocado, radish, carrot and pickled ginger in a sushi mat. Slice into bite-size rolls.
Tuna Salad Bites
Mix tuna salad and fill endive leaves, bell pepper cups, cucumber slices, etc. for an easy finger food.
Energy Balls
Whip up portable bites made from peanut butter, oats, seeds, dried fruit and dark chocolate.
Popcorn Trail Mix
Sweet and salty mix of popcorn, nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, pretzels.
Quesadillas
Whip up cheese quesadillas with gluten-free tortillas and bring wedges for dipping in salsa.
Pizza Muffins
Use hash browns or egg in muffin cups for mini crusts. Top with sauce, cheese and pepperoni and bake.
Gluten-Free Snacks to Buy for Movie Theaters
Rather than making homemade snacks, you can also pick up pre-packaged gluten-free snacks to take to the theater, like:
Popcorn
- Boom Chicka Pop
- Skinny Pop
- Smartfood Popcorn
- Angie’s Boomchickapop
Chips
- Beanitos
- Food Should Taste Good
- Terra
- Totopos
- Tostitos
Crackers
- Blue Diamond Nut Thins
- Mary’s Gone
- Simple Mills
- Schar
- Wasa Crisp’n Light
Sweet Snacks
- Annie’s Fruit Snacks
- Enjoy Life Cookies
- Glutino Pantry
- Pamela’s Products
- Smart Sweets
Salty Snacks
- Boulder Canyon
- Oberto
- Perky Jerky
- Primal Kitchen
- Sahale Snacks
Nut Snacks
- KIND
- Go Raw
- Made Good
- Nuts ‘N More
- Nuttzo
Gluten-Free Snack Recipes for Movie Theaters
Whip up a batch of these yummy gluten-free snacks before heading to the movies:
Puppy Chow
Ingredients:
- 9 cups rice or corn Chex cereal
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1⁄2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1⁄4 cup butter
- 1 1⁄2 cups powdered sugar
Instructions:
- Melt together chocolate chips, peanut butter and butter
- Pour over Chex cereal in large bowl and stir to coat
- Add powdered sugar and toss again to evenly coat
- Portion into snack bags
Trail Mix
Ingredients:
- 3 cups gluten-free o-shaped cereal
- 1 cup unsalted nuts
- 1⁄2 cup mini chocolate chips
- 1⁄4 cup raisins or dried cranberries
- 1⁄4 cup pumpkin seeds
Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl
- Portion into snack bags
No-Bake Energy Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 1⁄2 cups pitted Medjool dates
- 1 cup salted nuts
- 1⁄2 cup dried fruit like cherries, cranberries, raisins, etc.
- 1⁄4 cup shredded coconut
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa or chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Pulse dates in a food processor until small crumbs form
- Add remaining ingredients and pulse until thoroughly combined
- Roll tablespoon-sized balls and place in a container in a single layer
- Refrigerate until firm, about 30 minutes
Pizza Muffins
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground sausage, cooked and drained
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1⁄4 cup sliced black olives
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 12 eggs
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 12-cup muffin tin.
- Whisk eggs in a medium bowl. Add sausage, sauce, cheese, olives and Italian seasoning. Mix well.
- Divide mixture evenly between muffin cups, filling each about 3⁄4 full.
- Bake 20-25 minutes until set.
- Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan.
Tips for Picking Gluten-Free Movie Snacks
Follow these helpful tips for choosing safe gluten-free snacks to eat during your movie:
- Check labels – Carefully inspect the ingredient list for any hidden gluten sources.
- Look for seals – Purchase snacks marked gluten-free or look for GF certification seals.
- Stick to plain options – Simple snacks like popcorn, nuts and fruits are less likely to have gluten.
- Research brands – Find trusted gluten-free brands that work for your dietary needs.
- Think portable – Choose snacks that pack well and won’t get soggy or smooshed in your bag.
- Ask questions – Talk to staff to learn preparation details and cross-contamination risks.
- Use dedicated gear– Bring your own travel utensils and napkins to avoid trace gluten.
- Wash hands – Practice good hygiene before eating inside the theater.
- Make it fun – Getting creative with snacks makes your movie experience more enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about finding gluten-free snacks at the movie theater:
Are plain M&Ms gluten-free?
Yes, plain M&Ms without additional flavors or fillings are gluten-free. Always verify ingredients since formulations can change.
What about cookies like Oreos?
Many cookie brands like Oreos contain gluten sources, especially wheat flour. Double check labels to be sure, as some brands offer gluten-free alternatives.
Are pretzels gluten-free?
Traditional pretzels are made with wheat flour, so they are not gluten-free. Some pretzel companies like Snyder’s of Hanover make gluten-free pretzel options.
Is popcorn ever not gluten-free?
Plain popcorn is naturally gluten-free, but some seasonings or oil sprays may contain gluten. Flavored popcorn may also have malt or other gluten ingredients. Opt for fresh popped plain popcorn.
What should I look out for in candy labels?
Watch out for ingredients like malt, barley malt, dextrin, wheat flour and caramel color. Licorice candies in particular may contain wheat flour.
Conclusion
From popcorn to candy galore, there are many tasty gluten-free snacks to enjoy on movie night. Carefully inspect labels and ask questions to ensure items are prepared safely. Or, choose pre-packaged snacks from gluten-free brands. With some savvy label reading and advanced planning, you can indulge worry-free at the movies.
