In reality, most major theaters pop their kernels in coconut oil (via The New York Times), adding Flavacol as it pops to imbue the fluffy popped kernels with that signature yellow color and salty taste (via Extra Crispy).

Do movie theaters make their own popcorn?

Most movie theaters cook their popcorn in a coconut oil blend, which adds an interesting depth and sweetness to the popcorn. You'd never say “Hey, this popcorn tastes like coconut!” but you'd definitely say “Hey, this popcorn doesn't taste right!” without it.

How do movie theaters make popcorn yellow?

Flavacol is composed, after all, of only four ingredients: “salt, artificial butter flavor, FD&C Yellow #5 Lake (E102) and Yellow #6 Lake (E110)”; the latter two “give popcorn a bright, appealing yellow color for maximum sales."