The Appeal of Cartoon Characters in Healthy Food Marketing
Cartoon characters can make nutritious foods more attractive to children, but is any form of marketing directed at kids acceptable?
It may not be shocking, but it offers potential as a marketing strategy: children are more inclined to select apples adorned with a recognizable cartoon character than those with an unfamiliar character or without any sticker at all.
These findings stem from a recent study conducted in the United States, where elementary school students were given a choice between apples and cookies during lunch. The presence of a popular cartoon sticker on the apples nearly doubled the likelihood that children would choose them. In contrast, the cookie remained the favored option overall.
While many of us are accustomed to seeing packaged snacks and processed foods featuring cheerful characters and vibrant packaging, this study indicates that the same marketing techniques could be applied to promote healthier options like fruits and vegetables for kids.
The Ethics of Using Cartoon Characters: Beneficial or Detrimental?
This topic raises several questions, as highlighted by various news outlets. For example, should any marketing targeted at children be permitted at all? Is incorporating cartoon characters an effective way to encourage kids to choose healthier foods, or does it exemplify the widespread nature of advertising and consumer culture? Share your opinions in the comments section below!
Encouraging Selective Eaters
For additional advice on making healthy foods appealing to children, even those who are picky eaters, check out this recent blog post.
