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How many small plots of food packaging do you know?
In today's world, we live in a packaging-driven era. Snacks on store shelves come in all shapes and sizes, from small individual packs to large family-sized bags. While most of us might not think much about the science behind packaging, food companies invest heavily in research to make sure that our cravings are satisfied—and often exceeded. Their goal is simple: keep your mouth busy and your hands reaching for more.
One classic example is the oversized popcorn bucket at movie theaters. These giant containers look intimidating, but they’re designed to keep you eating throughout the film. Researchers at Cornell University conducted an experiment where some moviegoers were given popcorn in large buckets, while others received smaller portions. The results were clear: people with larger containers ate 30% more popcorn than those with smaller ones, even when they admitted it wasn’t very tasty. This phenomenon is known as "unit bias"—we tend to finish whatever is in front of us, regardless of how much we actually want or need.
This is why movie theaters intentionally use big buckets. They know that once you're immersed in the story, you won't stop until the bag is empty. Even if the popcorn isn't great, the size alone makes it hard to resist.
But it's not just popcorn. Other packaging tricks also influence our eating habits. For instance, some companies have found that people get annoyed by the hassle of peeling candy wrappers, which can reduce consumption. To solve this, one company introduced sugar-free candy in ziplock bags. Instead of tearing paper, consumers simply pull the zipper open, take a few pieces, and reseal it. This convenience made the product popular, especially among drivers who wanted to eat without distractions. Sales of this candy increased by 14% in a year, compared to only 4% for traditional wrapped candy.
The key takeaway here is that packaging can be a powerful tool—both for companies and for us. If we want to control our eating habits, we can create artificial obstacles ourselves. For example, choosing products with difficult-to-open packaging forces us to pause and think before taking another bite. Small packages, which require more effort to open, can also help curb overeating by giving our brains time to process whether we really need more.
Even subtle signals in packaging can affect our behavior. In a study, researchers gave college students potato chips in tubes. Some had red chips mixed in, while others didn’t. Those who encountered red chips ate half as much as the others. The red chips acted as a visual signal, prompting the brain to slow down or stop eating.
So next time you’re shopping for snacks, ask yourself: Are you choosing the package that makes it easy to eat more, or the one that encourages mindful eating? Sometimes, a little inconvenience can be the best way to keep your mouth closed.