Tuesday, September 25, 2007

BK Apple Fries

Advertising to kids is a tricky game. They are perceived as easy to manipulate, and they are subjects to protection by parents and society in general. So watch out if your product is or can be perceived to be unhealthy.

Joe Camel has already been taken down, even the old favorite Ronald McDonald has cowed to pressures. Now the latest victim of the push for defending our children from harmful products is the King.

Beginning in late 2008, Burger King will be offering new kids meals, to include specially cut unsweetened apples that look like french fries. Also of change will be the beverage option – 1% chocolate milk will be offered – and the selection of flame-broiled chicken nuggets as opposed to fried.

This all comes from the Better Business Bureau’s Children’s Food and Beverage Advertising Initiative, who is trying to make fast food healthier for kids. But I think this noble goal is missing the main point – fast food is not healthy, and whether kids are getting nutritious options or not (which is a dubious claim to begin with) they are still establishing unhealthy eating habits.

No comments: