Better Packaging

There is so much nonsense in our food that it quite literally erodes us over time. Luckily, we’re starting to make some progress on that front.

Many companies have agreed to remove food dyes like Red 40, Yellow 10, and Blue 1 in the next handful of years. While there isn’t a ton of evidence that food dyes are harmful to humans, studies show that some have caused tumor growth in male lab rats.

So whether it will kill us or not, it’s certainly not something that is good for us.

The only purpose food dyes serve is to make these products pop more on a grocery store shelf. Tell me, which looks more appealing to you?

European Fanta looks like orange juice, reflecting a more natural look to what’s inside. American Fanta resembles a juicy orange, ready to be devoured.

Then there are products like Fruity Pebbles, chock full of food dyes, that present as a wonderful rainbow. But, in reality, you are looking at a bowl full of artificial bullsh*t.

Soon, these colorful marketing schemes won’t be allowed anymore, and companies are going to have to find a new way to present products.

Cereal and other food products containing these dyes won’t have to change much. It is not the color that grabs people with those products; it just looks more fun in your bowl.

But the Fantas of the world will have to find a new path. They don’t have to go Euro-mode and just present it as orange juice or some other less-desirable product. It can be an opportunity to up their game and make the wrapping what sells the product. Isn’t that what it’s supposed to be, after all?

Sacrificing people’s health to make them more likely to buy the product is immoral and luckily will soon be illegal. It’s sad that we’ve had to sacrifice so many before finally taking that step, but it is progress nonetheless.

Grocery stores will look a lot different over the next few years. The companies with worthwhile marketing teams won’t take a hit - and consumers will come away with a much better experience in the long run.