Going to the movies is about more than just watching a film. It’s a ritual. The dim lights, the hush before the previews, the crunch of snacks — they’re all part of the experience. Movie snacks have come a long way in Australia. Once it was all about meat pies, but today you’re just as likely to find M&Ms or even a lamington. Each treat tells a piece of the cinema’s story, and shops like The Australian Food Shop keep that tradition alive for fans near and far.
A Quiet Start: Early Cinema Culture
In the early 1900s, attending the movies was considered a respectable evening activity. Cinemas were dressed-up affairs with velvet curtains, chandeliers, and ushers in uniforms. Snacks weren’t really part of the picture yet. Eating was considered rude or low-brow in such settings. If anything, you might get a cup of tea during an intermission, but the idea of munching through a movie hadn’t caught on.
That changed in the 1920s and 30s. As more people started going to the cinema and talkies became the norm, things got louder. Audiences loosened up. Cinemas began to look for ways to boost profits, and food was the answer.
The American Influence: Popcorn and Soft Drinks
Popcorn, which had already gained popularity in the U.S. during the Great Depression, made its way to Australian cinemas by the 1940s. It was cheap, easy to prepare, and had a comforting crunch. It also didn’t need refrigeration or fancy packaging, which made it ideal for cinema owners.
Soft drinks followed, and soon, cinema foyers were filled with the familiar sounds of popping kernels and fizzing cola. The “combo” of popcorn, a drink, and maybe some lollies became standard fare.
But while American imports dominated, Australians still held onto some local favourites.
Homegrown Snacks: Choc-Tops, Jaffas, and the Rogue Lamington
Ask any Aussie about classic cinema snacks, and you’ll likely hear about Jaffas. These orange-coated chocolate balls were designed to roll. And roll they did, usually down the sloped floors of movie theatres during quiet scenes, to the annoyance of everyone except the person who let them loose.
Then there were Choc-Tops. These were scoops of ice cream dipped in hardened chocolate, sold at the candy bar just before the show started. Each cinema seemed to have its own version. Some were homemade, others mass-produced, but all were messy, nostalgic treats.
And occasionally, you might spot something more unusual, like a lamington.
The lamington, a square of sponge cake dipped in chocolate and rolled in coconut, isn’t a typical cinema snack. But it’s distinctly Australian and has occasionally appeared at community or fundraiser film nights. In rural or suburban halls where a local group was putting on a screening, it wouldn’t be surprising to see homemade lamingtons for sale alongside the tea urn.
So while the lamington never became a mainstream cinema staple, it still earned a small place in Australia’s movie-going memory.
Multiplex Era: Bigger Screens, Bigger Snacks
By the 1980s and 90s, cinemas were changing again. Multiplexes were popping up in shopping centers, offering a more commercial and convenient experience. Alongside them came larger snack options, such as giant sodas, large tubs of popcorn, frozen Coke, and branded candies in plastic bags.
Snack bars started to resemble mini fast-food counters. Nachos, hot dogs, and even mini pizzas made their way onto the menu. The focus was on volume and convenience, with less room for charm.
Still, some independent cinemas held onto the old-school feel. At these places, you might find boutique snacks, locally made choc-tops, or, in rare cases, baked goods from nearby cafés. It was a quiet nod to the homemade vibe of the past.
The Rise of Gold Class and the Return of “Fancy”
In the 2000s, the “Gold Class” cinema experience introduced a new level of luxury. Instead of lining up for popcorn, you could have wine and a cheeseboard delivered to your recliner seat. Some theaters even offered full meals, including sliders, dumplings, and sometimes desserts with a lamington-inspired twist.
These luxury cinemas marked a shift in how we think about movie snacks. It wasn’t just about keeping your hands busy anymore. It became a curated, indulgent night out.
Where We Are Now: Nostalgia Meets New Trends
Today, Australian cinema snacks are a mix of old and new. You’ll still find popcorn and Jaffas at most screenings, but also vegan gummies, craft sodas, and gourmet choc-tops. Independent cinemas are thriving on nostalgia, bringing back hand-written signs and locally sourced treats. Bigger chains continue to focus on convenience and upselling.
Outdoor cinemas and film festivals have also created space for picnic-style fare—cheese platters, sparkling wine, and yes, maybe even a homemade lamington or two.
A Cultural Snapshot
What we bring to the movies says something about us — our habits, our tastes, even our sense of national identity. The lamington may never rival popcorn in popularity, but its occasional appearance reminds us that Hollywood doesn’t just shape Aussie cinema culture. It’s shaped by the local church hall, the community fundraiser, the homemade choc-top, and the Jaffa rolling down the aisle.
Cinema snacks, like cinema itself, are constantly evolving. But they’re still part of what makes the movies feel like a treat.
