Food Marketing

Children encounter food advertising early in life that is designed to build familiarity and preference for highly processed foods. Cereal mascots and commercials have associated sugary foods with fun, childhood, and routine. Food companies use marketing to shape consumer perception of nutritional value independently of actual nutritional content. Marketing claims and company promises about food quality should not be trusted by consumers. Avoiding television advertising and using ad-free alternatives can reduce children's exposure to food marketing pressure.