Conventional Processed Foods

Bright colors can function as a cue that a food may contain conventional additives or artificial ingredients. Choosing the least problematic option in a highly processed setting does not ensure a clean food choice. A seemingly better conventional food option may still contain ingredients that a health-conscious family usually avoids. A typical mass-market ice cream sandwich may contain oils, high-fructose corn syrup, gums, carrageenan, colorants, and caramel coloring. A conventional ice cream option may be selected as the best available choice based on visible cues such as bright colors.