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Determination of Popcorn Portion Sizes from Local Movie Theaters in Tarrant County Compared to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Recommended Serving Size
Hembree, Alex
Hembree, Alex
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2014
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2014-05-02
Abstract
For many foods, portion sizes have increased over the past twenty years. Consumption of larger portions is associated with increase rates for obesity and many chronic diseases. The purpose of this research was to determine individual popcorn portion sizes from Fort Worth movie theaters and compare to USDA recommended /serving size. Samples of medium popcorn bags were purchased at five movie theaters in Fort Worth and weighed on a scientific metric scale in the TCU Nutritional Sciences Laboratory. Each weight (5) was recorded in ounces and measured into cups. Average weights of medium size popcorn purchased at five movie theaters were compared with USDA serving size (3 cups= 1 oz) to determine possible statistical difference between weights and difference in cup sizes. Statistical tests included descriptive analyses, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA. A p<0.05 was considered significant. Individual popcorn portions (cups) from each of the five movie theaters ranged from 8.0 - 20.5 cups, and had a mean of 4.539 oz., 15.9 cups. Portions purchased were significantly greater (p<0.01) than USDA standard serving size (3 cups= 1 oz). The results from the present study suggest that average popcorn servings from Fort Worth movie theaters are significantly greater than the amount (3 cups= 1 oz) recommended by the USDA. Health conscious consumers, individuals on weight loss management programs, and consumers with chronic diseases may need to decrease or restrict consumption of popcorn served by Fort Worth movie theaters.
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Nutritional Sciences
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Gorman, Mary Ann