Literally. A new study proves that the presence of a cartoon character on a box can actually alter a child’s taste!
So wait…Fruity Pebbles aren’t good? Have we been fooled by Fred Flinstone all along?
In a study, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg School for Communications developed four make-believe cereal boxes ├óΓé¼ΓÇ£ two marked “Healthy Bits,” and two marked “Sugar Bits.”
Study author Sarah Vaala explained the results, saying:
“If there was no character on the box, children who saw the ‘healthy’ on the label liked it more than the sugary one, even though they tasted the very same cereal. When there was a character on the box, they chose the one with the character, whether it was healthy or not.”
It is good news to hear that children liked the “healthy” option the best without the presence of a convincingly cute cartoon character, but Vaala adds:
“Friendly characters on the box was enough to override that judgment of the health merits of the food. Unfortunately, these characters are used overwhelmingly on unhealthy products.”
It’s no surprise that kids are easily influenced, but that means healthy cereal companies can easily influence children to try a healthier alternative to their usual favorites!