It’s no secret that kids love colorful, enticing snacks and treats. But have you ever wondered why certain products seem to have an irresistible pull on their taste buds?
This man dives into junk food marketing, exposing clever tactics to capture your kids’ attention and appetites.
The Allure of Familiar Faces
“Kids don’t know a grain-free cereal is, but they know who Mickey Mouse and Disney stars are.”
Ever noticed how children readily identify Mickey Mouse and Disney stars while remaining unfamiliar with the concept of grain-free cereal? This discrepancy is not accidental.
Advertisers have recognized that kids are naturally attracted to characters they adore, and they skillfully connect these beloved figures with their merchandise.
Whether it’s the infectious tune of “Daddy Shark Doo-Doo” or the enchanting world of Baby Shark Doo-Doo, these vibrant and familiar faces dominate the spotlight, eclipsing healthier alternatives.
Colorful, Crave-worthy Goodies
“…And humans are attracted to colorful things.”
Marketers are well aware of the innate human attraction toward vibrant and visually striking elements.
The packaging of junk food, specifically, is meticulously designed to captivate attention through the use of bright colors and enticing imagery.
Consequently, when your child catches a glimpse of a sugary, rainbow-colored snack, their eyes instantly light up like a Christmas tree, while healthier options tend to fade into the background.
The Illusion of Nutritional Density
“Kids don’t know a grain-free cereal is…”
Imagine your kids facing a box of cereal labeled as “grain-free.” However, it’s highly unlikely that they comprehend the significance of this claim. Instead, their decision-making is often based on familiarity and recognition.
This knowledge gap is skillfully exploited by junk food marketers who prioritize eye-catching packaging over the actual nutritional value of the product.
EWG’s analysis ¹ of more than 1,500 cereals, including over 180 children’s cereals, reveals that a child who eats a bowl a day for a year ends up consuming 10 pounds of sugar. Moreover, cereals with the most added sugar often come in packaging adorned with cartoon characters to appeal to kids.
A single serving can contain nearly as much sugar as three Chips Ahoy! cookies, and more than two Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies.
They understand that a box adorned with vibrant cartoon characters will leave a more lasting impression than a mundane yet wholesome alternative.
It’s crucial not to fall into the trap of assuming that such visually appealing options equate to nutritional density. In fact, 11 of the 13 most heavily sugared children’s cereals feature marketing claims like “Good Source of Fiber,” misleadingly suggesting that the products are healthful.
The Social Media Influence
“Kids, just in case you’re wondering. From marketing, see all crappy brands. And then social media influencers, colorful, well-known brands”
In today’s digital age, social media has transformed into a powerful platform for product endorsements, exerting a profound influence on consumer behavior, particularly among younger audiences.
This is particularly evident in the way kids are easily swayed by renowned online personalities who frequently endorse vibrant and widely recognized brands. For instance, envision a child engrossed in their favorite YouTube star’s video, where the star excitedly praises a particular snack.
The impact of such an endorsement on the child’s desire to acquire the same item is likely to skyrocket, compelling them to fervently request their parents to provide them with a similar experience.
Recognizing this phenomenon, marketers skillfully exploit these connections between social media influencers and popular brands to create a sense of longing and drive sales, capitalizing on the tremendous potential for brand exposure and consumer engagement that social media offers.
The Candy Conundrum
“And then not to mention the most addictive thing in the world – candy. There is no age limit on this. And we all know way too many adults are addicted to flaming Hot Cheetos.”
Age is not a determining factor when it comes to the irresistible allure of addictive treats, and candy stands out as one of the most captivating indulgences in the world. It knows no boundaries, extending its grasp even to the adult population.
The ubiquitous presence of flaming Hot Cheetos, a prime example, confirms that adults, too, can succumb to the addictive qualities of these delectable snacks. The absence of an age limit for such treats expands their market, enticing individuals of all ages to partake in the guilty pleasure of sugary goodness.
So, the next time you catch sight of an adult clutching a bag of these treats, it’s important to recognize that they, too, have become entranced by the captivating world of candy, falling victim to the tantalizing candy conundrum.
Breaking the Cycle
“If we increase sugar, remove fiber, and raise glucose levels..we can lower brain-derived neurotrophic factor..People develop mental illnesses..Pills won’t work..It’s a genius system to keep people sick and make money.”
To empower individuals and promote healthier choices, it is essential to address the skepticism surrounding the effectiveness of pills and the profit-driven nature of the pharmaceutical industry.
While acknowledging the concerns, it is important to focus on proactive measures like educating oneself and children about balanced nutrition, emphasizing the benefits of whole foods, fruits, and vegetables.
Involving children in meal planning and preparation fosters a positive food environment and reinforces the significance of healthy eating.
Encouraging critical thinking about marketing tactics, advocating for stricter regulations on junk food marketing, and supporting initiatives promoting healthier food options and transparent labeling all contribute to a healthier future.
Opinions from the Viewers
The following are comments from viewers sharing their thoughts on junk food marketing and its impact on kids’ preferences.
A viewer shares their personal shopping strategy to avoid purchasing unnecessary extras influenced by junk food marketing, saying,
“That’s why I shop alone while the kids are home with their mom! We can’t afford any extras!”
“Thank you for this. We’ve normalized Red 40 and blue foods and obscene sugar intake, much like we normalized car loans and staying in eternal debt.” One also commented.
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Sources
- ewg.org/research/childrens-cereals
@homeostatic.life The children of earth need you. Let’s raise the collective consciousness together.
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♬ original sound – Joshua Daniel
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
