A Healthy Water + A Healthy Wariness
Believe it or not, Coca-Cola have made a nutritional drink. It’s called VitiminWater and you’ve probably seen it around since it’s had a really big promotional push. The bottles and colours are undeniably snazzy looking and come with an explanation that it’s “definitely au naturel” and comes with “triple antioxidants”. In addition to that the VitiminWater website says the drink can even boost immunity and help out our joints stay flexible! Now that is what I like to hear! In fact, that’s what a lot of us seem to want to hear in these nutritionally aware times. And that’s really great…
…kind of.
It’s great that we’re thristy for things that are better for our bodies, but nearly all of us have got a way to go before we’re not vulnerable because of this. It seems our honest and growing desire for ‘goodness’ can mean we get a bit seduced by anything that seems healthy. I guess we feel that thrill when we we find something that says the right things, looks the part and feels as it should.
VitiminWater is a perfect example. So perfect in fact that Coca-Cola (the inconspicuous producers) are actually being sued at the moment by The Centre for Science in the Public Interest after consumers bought into the buzzwords, the branding and the marketing only to later feel cheated. It turns out each bottle contains two heaped table spoons full of sugar and the antioxidants come from only one per cent of actual fruit juice. Also, the calorie count is apparently measured at less than 50% of the bottle’s volume, so to get the full accurate picture consumers must read the info, double check it against the volume of the bottles contents and then do the maths themselves.
In this instance it’s served me that I come from a bit of a cynical background when it comes to certain brands and products, though I admit I probably had too strong negative assumptions quite a few years back. But now, as I do try and look for the positives in everything (this drink is a healthier option than normal Coca-Cola so it’s a step in the right direction) I carry with me a healthy wariness.
So how do we not get duped or unfairly seduced? Well, one idea I had is to take note of a companies other products and it’s past as this can give a good snapshot of it’s underlying values. But there must be more things we can do…
Any ideas on how we can be less vunerable as consumers? Any other good examples of unresponsible marketing and misinformation? Ever been duped? How can SFHP do better and be more upfront and honest? Let us know know by clicking comment below….
Topics: Economic Steps, Environmental Steps, Happiness, Social Steps, Us Happy People | 3 Comments »
February 17th, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Look at Tescos packaging of it’s ’standard’ chickens as highlighted by Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s last program. The picture showed a farmer outside, suggesting that the chickens were reared outside when in fact they were reared indoors in intensive conditions. Thinking about it, there’s so much packaging out there that misleads. Subtle things like use of colour, typeface and wording all help mislead us. The best thing to do is to steer clear of ‘added value’ ready-meal foods and just go for the raw ingredients.
February 20th, 2009 at 8:35 pm
Yeah, completely! A good example of that subtle but powerful use of colour that I see a lot is that deep brown and light cool blue that screams ‘Fairtrade’ but often isn’t. I guess brown and blue together can’t be copyrighted.
Some would blame graphic designers…but I’d say it’s more complicated than that ; )
October 22nd, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I agree, Rich. I think it is more complicated than the graphic design tactics used to appeal to people. We all know that people gravitate to things that look pretty or good for them. I remember when the Vitamin Waters came out hre in the US and although at the time I had no idea they were a Coca-Cola product, there was something about them that just told me I would be better off drinking just water.
I myself do not recall having ever been duped by a product, I tend to observe before trying something new and research it before I jump on the band-wagon and with a chemist for a father just one look at certain products is enough to tell me that there’s something lurking there! LOL!
Here in the US there are so many things that are sold to consumers that are just wicked but advertised as easy and good for you, take Hamburger Helper for example. That stuff is loaded with 5+ kinds of salts, depending on the particular type you buy and not only that but it is all artificial. People know it is not good for them but they still buy it because of the economical aspect as well as the fact that it takes next to no time to make. Yet, at what cost? Are we all that willing to sacrifice our health and the health of our children for the sheer sake of time and economy?
It’s sad but consumers and producers alike are to blame. Producers for having duped people for so long in the past and consumers for now having the information and still consuming the products and putting their lives and the lives of their children at risk of greater health problems.
I like your idea of looking at a company’s past when considering buying a new product they sell. I also think that you guys are being as transparent as you can be about your product already. Your ability to connect with your consumers and would-be consumers in an upfront and honest way through social-networks and blogs is commendable. Keep it up!