Marketing is fascinating. It amazes me how companies can get consumers to purchase their products based on misleading information that specifically appeals to the target audience's beliefs and concerns.
I will never forget when the "water infused with vitamins" came on the market. It was advertised hat it would give me more energy with natural vitamins and minerals. I thought "wow, that is so cool". It appealed to my health conscious self that was also a tired mom of 3. I picked it up, turned it over, only to find out it had as many calories and sugar as a sports drink and soda. This was probably 8 years ago. This "water" is still on the market and educated, health conscious people still buy this product for what it appears to be. When I work with families and we learn how to read labels, I always pull this drink out and kids and parents are always shocked.
This post was prompted by some kids I heard talking at school last week. A student had a "sparkling juice" (let's call it a Buzzee) in her lunch and came running, with her friend, in to the office saying her "Buzzee had been stolen!" "What is a Buzzee?" a teacher asked. At exactly the same time one child said soda and the other said juice.
I was in my office and I laughed to myself but I did not get involved though I wanted to yell "It is a SODA! They are trying to trick you and your parents!" But I didn't.
Since companies don't care about our health, it is up to us to educate ourselves and learn how to read and understand labels. I want people to know what they are eating and drinking. Fine, pack your child a Buzzee, but please don't pretend it is a healthy choice - it is a SODA!
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I will never forget when the "water infused with vitamins" came on the market. It was advertised hat it would give me more energy with natural vitamins and minerals. I thought "wow, that is so cool". It appealed to my health conscious self that was also a tired mom of 3. I picked it up, turned it over, only to find out it had as many calories and sugar as a sports drink and soda. This was probably 8 years ago. This "water" is still on the market and educated, health conscious people still buy this product for what it appears to be. When I work with families and we learn how to read labels, I always pull this drink out and kids and parents are always shocked.
This post was prompted by some kids I heard talking at school last week. A student had a "sparkling juice" (let's call it a Buzzee) in her lunch and came running, with her friend, in to the office saying her "Buzzee had been stolen!" "What is a Buzzee?" a teacher asked. At exactly the same time one child said soda and the other said juice.
I was in my office and I laughed to myself but I did not get involved though I wanted to yell "It is a SODA! They are trying to trick you and your parents!" But I didn't.
Since companies don't care about our health, it is up to us to educate ourselves and learn how to read and understand labels. I want people to know what they are eating and drinking. Fine, pack your child a Buzzee, but please don't pretend it is a healthy choice - it is a SODA!
.
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