The Milwaukee Business Journal has a short article about the rising prices you may be seeing at the concession stand of your favorite theater:

Rising demand for corn for ethanol is one reason theater operators are paying more for popcorn, which typically accounts for nearly a third of their revenue. Some theater operators already have raised prices on popcorn and tickets, but so far others are swallowing the higher costs.

Click the Read link below to view the full article, but you may have to register and pay for access to read the entire contents of the article. 

Since most movie theaters make the majority of their money at the concession stand and not at the box office, any fluctuations in their costs of those supplies are going to be felt hard and they are most likely going to pass that pain along to the moviegoing public.

If the prices are rising at your favorite theater, be sure to ask some questions about the product that you are getting. Is it popped fresh? Are they using artificial flavorings or real flavorings (just say no to nasty butter-flavored oil!)?

Due to my distaste for rotten-tasting popcorn one too many times and my dislike for hulls ravaging my teeth afterwards, I've turned to other snacks instead. There are so many great alternatives, don't be afraid to look beyond the popcorn...

One of my particular favorites is the soft pretzel sticks served at the Showtime Cinema in Franklin, Wisconsin. I really wish they would provide something other than nacho cheese sauce, but even plain, they're much better than popcorn!