Cartoon Character: Pitchman of Junkfood

There is never a serious battle against junk food in the world.  Not to mention the small fights between a mother and a kid in the grocery store. The problem has been present for many years and yet it’s continuing to take its domination among children.

                Who cares when the government benefits from the revenues it generates? To think of it, there is a wide array of food products that are mainly composed of snacks packed with much sugar and salt. Like a chocolate bar which contain half the recommended amount of fat for children ages 6 and above. Saddening but true, the fight against these yummy snacks with low nutrients are getting worse.

                If you would ask kids about their favorites, you can be sure that one of these would be their reply: potato chips, chocolates, candies; among other “junk foods.” What more can you ask for? Aside from these snacks kids also love cartoon characters like Sponge bob Square Pants, Dora the Explorer and Shrek. Speaking of cartoon characters and junk food, would you believe that they get along very well? Marketing applies to the process or techniques of promoting, selling and distributing food products including future advertising. To enumerate some of these, consumer product use a celebrity, tie up with a movie, give freebies like coloring books and use a cartoon character. Yes, you got it right- using a cartoon character.

                Unfortunately, the target market of junk food is kid’s ages 6-12 years old. According to a recent research in the US, more than fifty percent of kids would likely prefer snacks adorned with cartoon characters. They also think that food with such packaging is more delicious than the same food packed in a plain packaging.

                “Marketers know that cartoon characters sell food products that’s why they use them,” says Marion Nestle, Ph. D., a professor of nutrition, food studies and public health at the New York University.

                No wonder, the use of TV and movie characters on food packaging is designed to access certain feelings and memories. In addition, cartoon figures are associated with fun so psychologically it can pose a big influence on how children appreciate junk food as delicious and fun to eat. Looks can be deceiving perhaps. It can deliver a feeling of fondness as we know that cartoons are well-loved by children.