food marketing

Child influencers have a huge following on social media. Now a new study from the University of Connecticut's Rudd Center for Food Policy and Health finds these videos are frequently exposing young viewers to junk foods like candy, salty snacks and sugary drinks.

Health & Safety

Kid YouTube stars make sugary junk food look good — to millions of young viewers

7:01am February 16, 2023

by Maria Godoy

The platform banned food advertising, yet many videos viewed by millions of kids continue to showcase candy, soda and packaged snacks, likely affecting kids' food preferences, researchers say.

A Florida woman has filed a class action lawsuit accusing Kraft Heinz of misleading advertising, saying its Velveeta microwavable mac and cheese takes longer to prepare than the 3 1/2 minutes on the label.

National

A woman sues Kraft, claiming Velveeta macaroni preparation time is misleading

11:30pm November 28, 2022

by Rachel Treisman

Kraft Heinz says its Velveeta Shells & Cheese cups are "ready in 3 1/2 minutes." The proposed class action lawsuit counters that microwaving is one of several steps and seeks $5 million in damages.

It's well-known that junk food ads on TV can strongly influence what kids want to eat. A study finds social media influencers can have the same effect on kids --but not when it comes to healthy foods.

Social Media May Sway Kids To Eat More Cookies — And More Calories

1:00pm March 04, 2019

by Patti Neighmond

It's well-known that junk food ads on TV can strongly influence what kids want to eat. A study finds social media influencers can have the same effect on kids, but not when it comes to healthy foods.

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Focusing less on the meat-free or health aspects of plant-based dishes, like this jackfruit burger — and more on their flavor, mouthfeel and provenance — could go a long way toward getting meat lovers to choose these options more often. That's accordi

How To Get Meat Eaters To Eat More Plant-Based Foods? Make Their Mouths Water

11:05am February 10, 2019

by Maria Godoy

Vegetable-based dishes may be better for the Earth but don't always sound seductive on menus. Marketers, researchers and food chains think they know how to get meat lovers to make the swap more often.

A variety of cuts of beef and ground beef are displayed for sale at Union Market in Washington, D.C. A new Missouri law says only products like these cuts that are "derived from harvested production livestock or poultry" can be labeled as meat.

What's Meat, Anyway? Missouri Label Law Says It Comes From An Animal; Some Disagree

5:02pm August 29, 2018

by Emily Sullivan

A state law prohibits plant-based products like soy deli strips from packing descriptors like "roast beef style" or "meaty." The ACLU and others are suing.

The USDA is expecting Americans to eat record amounts of meat this year.

National

Missouri May Be First State To Get Serious About The Definition Of Meat

8:00am May 23, 2018

by Erica Hunzinger

A bill that awaits a signature by the state's governor would restrict "meat" labeling on anything that doesn't come from livestock or poultry. The topic is also being considered at the federal level.

The hardworking Instant Pot, touted by its fans on social media, is Amazon's top-selling item in the U.S. How it got to No. 1 is a lesson in viral marketing savvy.

National

Not Just A Crock: The Viral Word-Of-Mouth Success Of Instant Pot

1:51pm January 18, 2017

by Grace Hwang Lynch

Launched in 2010, the multifunction cooker became a sleeper hit last year. That's when its maker harnessed the enthusiasm of owners – self-dubbed "addicts" – to spread the word online.

Beyonce inked a $50 million endorsement deal with Pepsi in 2012.

This Is How Much Celebrities Get Paid To Endorse Soda And Unhealthy Food

3:49pm June 08, 2016

by Allison Aubrey

Beyonce got $50 million to push Pepsi. Justin Timberlake: $6 million in a deal with McDonald's. A study describes the lucrative deals celebs popular with teens and young adults inked to sell food.

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Chipotle restaurant workers fill orders for customers in Miami, Fla., on April 27, 2015, the day that the company announced it will only use non-GMO ingredients in its food.

National

Class-Action Suit Alleges Chipotle's GMO-Free Campaign Is Deceptive

4:00pm September 02, 2015

by Allison Aubrey

The campaign claims the chain has removed all ingredients made with genetically modified organisms from its menu, with few notable exceptions. A lawsuit says the campaign amounts to false advertising.

Marketers Turn To Memories Of Sweeter Times To Sell Cereal

12:46am February 05, 2015

by NPR Staff

The taste of foods from our childhood can trigger intense emotional reactions. Thanks to the power of food nostalgia, General Mills is bringing back the sugary cereal French Toast Crunch.

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