Food Advertising Research Articles

Exposure effects to unfamiliar food advertisements on YouTube: A randomized controlled trial among adolescents

Despite the societal relevance of the topic, experimental evidence on the effects of digital food marketing on adolescents' food attitudes and choice behavior remains relatively scarce. Drawing on the logic model explaining the influence of marketing on health-related responses, the current between-subjects experiment sought to (i) evaluate the effects of exposure to unfamiliar food advertisements on YouTube with respect to adolescents' advertisement and brand recall, brand recognition, attitudes, and food choice in a hypothetical scenario; and (ii) compare the effect of exposure to advertisements promoting healthy (vs. unhealthy) food. Uruguayan adolescents (N = 433; 51% female) were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups: a control group not exposed to any advertisement, a non-food group exposed to a clothing advertisement, an unhealthy food group exposed to an advertisement promoting a burger, and a healthy food group exposed to an advertisement promoting a salad. Following exposure to the advertisement, participants provided responses linked to advertisement and brand recall, brand recognition, attitudes, and food choice. The findings revealed that the largest effects of exposure to food advertisements emerged for advertisement recall and brand recognition (i.e., the most proximal steps in the logic model). Further, the burger advertisement was more easily recalled than the salad and the non-food advertisements, presumably due to its higher reward value. The effects of the food advertisements on brand attitudes and food choices were more inconclusive, although participants’ sex and frequency of burger consumption consistently moderated the impact of ad exposure on these outcomes, through mainly influencing males and adolescents who consumed burgers more frequently. Together, these results contribute to the literature on the effects of digital marketing by providing causal evidence for the role of advertisement exposure on adolescents’ advertisement and brand recall, brand recognition, brand attitudes, and choice behavior.

Monitoring Food Marketing Directed to Portuguese Children Broadcasted on Television.

Children are massively exposed to food marketing through television and other forms of media. Marketing strategies promote unhealthy eating behaviours and contribute to childhood obesity. The main aim of this study was to assess the potential exposure and power of food advertisements aimed at children, broadcasted on Portuguese television. Television data was recorded for two weekdays and two weekend days between 6 am and 10 pm during November 2021 from four free-access Portuguese television channels. Data was analysed according to the World Health Organization television protocol and Portuguese Legislation. We identified 5272 advertisements, of which 11.2% were for food and beverages (n = 590). Most advertised food categories for children and adolescents were chocolate and bakery products (42.0%), soft drinks (26.7%), and yoghurt (16.0%), and none met the nutritional profile outlined by the national legislation. Unhealthier food advertisements targeting youth were shown in children's non-peak time and morning during news and entertainment programmes. Product uniqueness, humour, and fun were the most frequent primary persuasive techniques. Most advertisements showed a high use of brand logos, product images, and premium offers. In conclusion, Portuguese children and adolescents are potentially exposed to large numbers of unhealthy food advertisements on television, despite marketing regulation and restriction policies.

Childhood Obesity as a Global Problem: a Cross-sectional Survey on Global Awareness and National Program Implementation

The rising global epidemic of childhood obesity is a major public health challenge. Despite the urgency, there is a lack of data on the awareness and implementation of preventative measures. The aim of this study was to identify areas for improvement in the prevention and management of childhood obesity worldwide. A cross-sectional electronic survey was distributed to 132 members of national pediatric societies of the International Pediatric Association. Twenty-eight (21.2%) participants, each from a different country across six World Health Organization (WHO) regions completed the survey. Most participants reported that national prevalence data of childhood obesity is available (78.6%), and the number increased during the Coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic (60.7%). In most countries (78.6%), the amount of sugar and salt in children’s products is provided but only 42.9% enacted regulations on children-targeted advertising. Childhood obesity prevention programs from the government (64.3%) and schools (53.6%) are available with existing support from private or non-profit organizations (71.4%). Participants were aware of WHO’s guidance concerning childhood obesity (78.6%), while fewer were aware of The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund’s (UNICEF) guidance (50%). Participants reported that WHO/UNICEF guidance acted as a reference to develop policies, regulations and national programs. However, progress was hindered by poor compliance. Lastly, participants provided suggestions on tackling obesity, with responses ranging from developing and reinforcing policies, involvement of schools, and prevention across all life stages. There are different practices in implementing prevention measures to counter childhood obesity globally, particularly in statutory regulation on food advertising and national programs. While support and awareness was relatively high, implementation was hindered. This reflects the need for prompt, country-specific evaluation and interventions.

Food for thought or food for emotions? An analysis of marketing strategies in television food advertising seen by children in Colombia.

To establish the relationship between the marketing strategies and nutritional quality of foods and beverages promoted in television food advertisements (TV ads) seen by Colombian child audiences overall and based on child gender and socio-economic strata (SES). A quantitative content analysis of marketing appeals was combined with nutritional data of the food products advertised and matched with TV audience ratings data for each food and beverage ads for Colombian children between 4 and 11 years. All beverages and foods TV ads cable or over-the-air channels in Colombia in 2017. N/A. Compared with rational appeals (e.g. freshness, health or nutrition messages), emotional appeals (referencing or depicting human senses or emotions, e.g. using cartoons to suggest fun) were more frequently used in the TV ads most viewed by Colombian children. Female children and children in lower SES tended to be more exposed to emotional appeals in TV ads than their male or higher SES counterparts. Furthermore, TV ads using more emotional appeals tended to be for products high in problematic nutrients. The findings of this study highlight the need to implement statutory measures to reduce the deleterious effect of food marketing on children.

Food Advertised to Children: A Content Analysis Study of Saudi Food and Drug Authority Food Advertisement System

Introduction: Evidence showed that some food advertisements may encourage unhealthy dietary practices among children; therefore, regulatory developments were implemented to overcome this issue. Different countries control or ban unhealthy food advertisements marketed to children, whereas in Saudi Arabia, no regulations exist until now. Thus, identifying and analyzing food advertisements aimed at children is crucial for further implementation. Methods: A content analysis of food advertisements was obtained from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority advertisements electronic registration system (Ealan). The data extracted for this study consist of all Ealan system food advertisements’ requests targeted at children (<12 years) and collected over 16 months (from January 2020 to April 2021). We created a codebook to analyze the advertisements’ persuasive techniques. Results: Forty-one advertisements were analyzed; 58.5% were marketed as posters, whereas the rest (41.5%) were visual advertisements. About 95% of the advertisements were aimed to be marketed through social media, and 35% were aimed to be featured on television. The persuasive techniques used in the analyzed advertisements were children (73.2%), health claims (68.3%), and taste appeals (34.1%). In addition, milk powder products were among the most marketed food type (60.9%). Conclusion: This study found that the primary persuasive techniques used in children’s advertisements were children’s appearance, health claims, and taste appeals. Furthermore, most food companies chose social media to promote their products. We recommend designing preventive policies and restrictions to control children’s exposure to unhealthy food and making modifications to the system before implementing any further restriction.

Food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil.

To analyze food advertising on YouTube channels aimed at children in Brazil and the interaction of the public with this type of advertising. We analyzed the 10 most popular videos from the 25 YouTube most-watched channels with content aimed at children in the country in 2018. The presence of general advertising, food brands and food services was identified. When there was advertising in the videos, the foods and their respective brands were described, the first being classified according to the NOVA system. In cases of advertising of a specific food brand without its product having been displayed or mentioned, the classification was carried out according to the predominance of that company products. The number of visualizations and interactions ("likes" and "dislikes") was also collected. General advertising was identified in 45.6% of videos, while food and food service advertising was present in 12.9% and 1.6% of videos, respectively. Food advertisements were mostly represented by ultra-processed products (n = 30; 93.8%). In channels led by Kid YouTubers, there was a higher frequency of general advertising, food and food services in the videos. In these channels, the advertisements of food in general and ultra-processed foods were respectively 2.79 and 2.53 times higher than in videos of channels not led by Kid YouTubers. The number of times videos were tagged "liked" was higher in videos with food advertising (1.67 × 105) compared to videos without food advertising (1.02 × 105), p = 0.0272. YouTube is a potential medium for children's exposure and interaction with ultra-processed food advertising. The results of this analysis reinforce the importance of enforcing regulations prohibiting children's advertising on this platform.

Acceptability and perceived harm of calorie labeling and other obesity policies: A cross-sectional survey study of UK adults with eating disorders and other mental health conditions.

We assessed perceptions of recently proposed UK obesity policies (mandatory calorie labeling, banning of advertisements of unhealthy food and drinks online and before 9 pm on TV, and banning "buy one get one free" deals for unhealthy food and drinks) in people with an eating disorder (ED) and other mental health conditions. A total of 1273 participants with a self-reported lifetime mental health condition (N = 583 with an ED) completed an online survey in September-November 2022. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine support for and potential adverse effects of policies in participants with and without an ED. A qualitative analysis of the potential effects of the policy on current ED symptoms was also conducted to better understand how and why policies may be damaging or beneficial. Participants with an ED had a lower level of support for the implementation of the calorie labeling policy compared to those without an ED (43% vs. 58%). Half of the participants with an ED (55%) reported that labeling may worsen their ED symptoms. Qualitative data indicated perceived potential harm (e.g., a gateway to relapse, negative effects on mood) and perceived benefits (e.g., feeling informed and reassured) of calorie labeling in participants with an ED. No differences in support or perceived harms of the other two policies were observed between participants with versus without an ED. Future studies are warranted to explore the potential effects of calorie labeling and how to mitigate negative impacts on people with an ED. This research is the first to assess the perceptions of UK obesity-related policies in people with an ED and other mental health conditions. Participants with an ED (vs. without) were more likely to disagree with the government implementing the calorie labeling policy. These findings highlight the potentially harmful effects of calorie labeling in people with an ED and the need for future research to understand how to mitigate negative impacts.

The interplay of information order and locus of attention on the truth effect in healthy food advertisements

AbstractThe perceived truthfulness of advertised claims plays a vital role in healthy food marketing, shaping positive consumer responses. This study investigates how the presentation order of healthy ingredients and food products commonly featured in advertisements influences the perceived truthfulness of these claims, also known as the truth effect, using the congruency effect as a theoretical framework. Two studies were conducted to explore the impact of the compatibility between a contextual factor (presentation order) and cultural/individual difference (locus of attention) on the subjective experience of processing fluency, and how it subsequently enhances the truth effect, wherein consumers believe the advertised claims about the product. Studies 1 and 2 revealed that individuals, depending on their locus of attention, are more likely to exhibit a heightened truth effect when the food product is presented first, followed by the healthy ingredient as an attribute, or when the information is presented in the opposite order. Additionally, the observed effect was found to be completely mediated by processing fluency. These findings make theoretical and practical contributions by highlighting the role of the congruency effect as a novel determinant of the truth effect.

Advertising Media, an analysis of Code in Compilation of Food and Beverage Ads on YouTube

The utilization of coding within advertising discourse is an imperative means of communication, effectively demonstrating the wide array of linguistic frameworks employed in promotional campaigns. The deliberate inclusion of diverse languages in advertisements serves the dual purpose of capturing attention and safeguarding regional languages by utilizing advertising platforms to uphold and enhance their significance. The objective of this study is to analyse instances of code switching and code mixing in compilation videos of food and beverage advertisements uploaded by Rofif Satria on the YouTube Satria Channel account. The utilization of a qualitative methodology employing descriptive techniques in data collection entails the process of observation and subsequent documentation through note-taking. The researcher carefully examines each advertising video, meticulously documenting both the spoken and written narratives conveyed within them. The instances of code-switching and code-mixing in the compilation videos are subsequently identified, annotated, and documented. The data that has been gathered is organized and classified according to its type, as well as the specific forms of code-switching and code-mixing that are present. The research findings indicate instances of code-switching and code-mixing, which encompass both internal and external forms. These include the insertion of words, phrases, clauses, and basters. The contextualization of data, including words, phrases, and clauses, is integral to the interpretation within the discourse of advertising.

Green Animation Advertising of Food: Influence on Green Trust and Green Customer Citizenship Behavior

We explored how the attributes of green animation advertising influence green trust and green customer citizenship behavior by conducting a survey with people who had previously seen Guangdong Weinuoguan Food's animation advertisement in China. There were 568 effective samples gathered for analysis. The results showed that green animation advertising influenced green trust through reliability, attractiveness, and informativity, and also exerted a positive effect on the relationship between green trust and green customer citizenship behavior. Moreover, green trust mediated the link between green animation advertising and green customer citizenship behavior. This enhances understanding of the role of green animation advertising in the formation of consumers' attitudes and behaviors. Sellers should focus on the elements of reliability, attractiveness, and informativity when applying green animation advertising.

Mc. Donald’s Sebagai Sarana Propaganda Amerika di Dunia

Propaganda is a form of planned communication that contains messages that have been designed in such a way with the aim of influencing the attitudes, behavior and emotions of the propaganda target in accordance with what the propagandist wants to hope for, a means of propaganda used by the government to provide an image of a country. America as a large country in providing imagery also makes propaganda efforts, one of which is through fast-food advertisements, especially Mc Donald's. With various forms of advertisements displayed, America hopes that other countries will know that America is a big country that needs to be reckoned with. The method used in this research is descriptive analytical method. The technique of collecting data is by conducting literature and literature studies with the hypothesis that McDonald's fast-food advertisements are quite an effective tool for conveying propaganda. As a conclusion in this research, through fast food advertisements, Mc Donald's America has succeeded in raising its image in the international world as a big country both in the economic and military fields

History Lesson

History teaches us that while public health advocates can do much, a country needs well informed and courageous members of Congress to put useful public health measures into law. In the late 20th century, the work of one such individual, Congressman Joseph Moakley (D-MASS), helped to revolutionize the laws on food advertising and labeling and resulted in major gains in information for consumers. Given the recent modernization of nutrition labeling, this article attempts to highlight the initiatives led by the unsung hero of recent past, Congressman Moakley. Specifically, in the practice of nutrition, the behind-the-scenes initiatives that have helped standardize food labels and better educate the consumers to improve public health often go underrecognized. This article presents a brief overview of Moakley's contributions in these domains and identifies gaps for future works in the field of nutrition labeling.

OR07-01-23 Could Google's Mysterious Nutrient Profile Model Help Curb the Extensive Advertising of Unhealthy Foods to US Children and Adolescents?

OR07-01-23 Could Google's Mysterious Nutrient Profile Model Help Curb the Extensive Advertising of Unhealthy Foods to US Children and Adolescents?

Unmasking the Perils: A Critical Analysis of Advertising of Pre-Packaged Foods in India

Unmasking the Perils: A Critical Analysis of Advertising of Pre-Packaged Foods in India

P24-134-23 Content Analysis of Food and Beverage Television Advertisements in Urban Accra, Ghana

P24-134-23 Content Analysis of Food and Beverage Television Advertisements in Urban Accra, Ghana

P28-027-23 Portrayal of Different Body Sizes and Genders in Goal Frames Used To Promote Food and Beverage Advertisements in Ghana

P28-027-23 Portrayal of Different Body Sizes and Genders in Goal Frames Used To Promote Food and Beverage Advertisements in Ghana

A Study on the Customers Perception About Advertisement of Organic Toddler Food

Purpose: This study assesses the impact of organic toddler food labelling on customer attitudes towards advertising, brand loyalty, and purchase intentions as well as consumer perceptions of healthiness and tastiness. Theoretical Framework: These advertisements negative effects on the lower middle class are significantly more severe. Quite frequently, these food products develop snob appeal, and people from less affluent backgrounds are persuaded to buy them as dietary supplements and a means of ascension. Design/methodology/approach: Researcher used Purposive sampling technique This study concentrates on the impact and awareness of advertisement in organic toddler foods. Both ancillary and principal data were used in this study. Researcher has taken 384 as a sample for research study which is greater than the minimum statistically accepted sample size. The data were analyzed using the SPSS_22. Pearson’s Coefficient of Correlation Chi-square Findings: Study reveals that there is no association between demographic variables and legal consideration of advertisement. It depicts that unlike gender and age, qualification has association opinion about legal consideration of advertisement. There exists a high positive relation between attitude toward advertising of toddler organic foods and awareness about legal issues related to toddler organic foods. Research, Practical and Social Implication: Customers should evaluate the value of advertisement and take buying decision. They should be given a clear picture on the myths and reality and identify the source and authenticity of advertisement. They should understand the legality related to advertisement. Originality/value: The importance of health in customers food shopping decisions has increased as their interest in health-related problems has increased.

A Proposed Strategy against Obesity: How Government Policy Can Counter the Obesogenic Environment

An epidemic of obesity emerged in the USA in 1976–1980. The epidemic then spread to many other Westernized nations. Many interventions have been carried out with the goal of lowering the prevalence of obesity. These have mostly taken the form of various types of health promotion (i.e., providing people with education, advice, and encouragement). These actions have achieved, at most, only limited success. A strategy with a better chance of success starts with the recognition that the fundamental cause of obesity is that we live in an obesogenic environment. It is therefore necessary to change the environment so that it fosters a generally healthy lifestyle, thereby leading to enhanced health for the population, including improved weight control. A major goal is to increase the intake of healthy foods (especially fruit, vegetables, and whole grains), while decreasing intake of unhealthy foods (especially ultra-processed foods such as sugar). This will require major changes of many government policies. Some of the required policies are as follows. Schools should implement policies that create a healthy environment for children. For example, they should adopt a policy that only foods of high nutritional quality are sold in vending machines or given to students within school meals. Policies need to go well beyond the school setting; a broad strategy is needed that creates a healthy environment for children. Another important policy is the manipulation of food prices in order to shift the diet toward healthy foods. This requires using subsidies to lower the price of healthy foods, while adding a tax to less healthy foods to increase the price. This policy has been implemented in many cities and countries in the form of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs). The advertising of unhealthy foods (including fast-food restaurants) should be banned, especially where children and adolescents are the major target. Such a ban could be extended to a complete ban on all advertising for unhealthy foods, including that directed at adults. The proposed policy measures are likely to be strongly opposed by food corporations.

Open-label placebo treatment for reducing overeating in children: A study protocol for a randomized clinical trial with an app-assisted approach

Food advertising has become almost ubiquitous in Western societies. In adults as well as in children this omnipresence of food cues has been shown to trigger cravings and overeating, which can lead to overweight or even obesity. This is concerning because obesity is a leading cause of preventable diseases. The planned project aims at reducing craving and overeating in overweight/obese children using a placebo treatment. A total of 80 children (40 girls, 40 boys; aged between 8 and 12 years; body mass index >90th percentile) will take part in the study. A randomized controlled cross-over design will be implemented, which will include four weeks with daily placebo treatment and four weeks without placebo treatment. The placebo will be introduced without deception as an open-label placebo (OLP), that can help to control food cravings. The study will use an app-assisted approach: The children will rate the intensity of their cravings, the occurrence of binge-eating episodes, their emotional state, and placebo usage via a smartphone application. It is expected that the OLP will help the children to reduce cravings and body weight. If effective, this OLP approach could be implemented in weight-control programs for children.

Advertisement of unhealthy commodities in Bristol and South Gloucestershire and rationale for a new advertisement policy

BackgroundBristol City Council introduced a new advertisement policy in 2021/2022 which included prohibiting the advertising of unhealthy food and drink (HFSS), alcohol, gambling and payday loans across council-owned advertising spaces. This mixed methods study is part of the BEAR study, and aimed to explore the rationale and the barriers and facilitators to implementing the policy, and describe the perceived advertising environment prior to implementation.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were carried out with seven stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of the advertising policy. A stakeholder topic guide was developed before interviews took place to help standardise the lines of inquiry between interviewees. A resident survey was developed to collect socio-demographic data and, for the purpose of this study, information regarding observations of advertising for HFSS products, alcohol and gambling.ResultsFifty-eight percent of respondents residing in Bristol and South Gloucestershire reported seeing advertisements for unhealthy commodities in the week prior to completing the survey. This was highest for HFSS products (40%). 16% of residents reported seeing HFSS product advertisements specifically appealing to children. For HFSS products in particular, younger people were more likely to report seeing adverts than older people, as were those who were from more deprived areas. An advertisement policy that restricts the advertisement of such unhealthy commodities, and in particular for HFSS products, has the potential to reduce health inequalities. This rationale directly influenced the development of the advertisement policy in Bristol. Implementation of the policy benefitted from an existing supportive environment following the ‘health in all policies’ initiative and a focus on reducing health inequalities across the city.ConclusionsUnhealthy product advertisements, particularly for unhealthy food and drinks, were observed more by younger people and those living in more deprived areas. Policies that specifically restrict such advertisements, therefore, have the potential to reduce health inequalities, as was the hope when this policy was developed. Future evaluation of the policy will provide evidence of any public health impact.