1467-789X/asset/olbannerleft.jpg?v=1&s=15ff22698620ee01d01f776ffad12f77262a3446)
1467-789X/asset/olbannerright.jpg?v=1&s=df864944885e7bd5a9cfde498fb8bfe8cbd7b21d)
Assessing ‘fun foods’: nutritional content and analysis of supermarket foods targeted at children
Article first published online: 24 OCT 2007
DOI: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00418.x
© 2007 The Author. Journal compilation © 2007 International Association for the Study of Obesity
Additional Information
How to Cite
Elliott, C. (2008), Assessing ‘fun foods’: nutritional content and analysis of supermarket foods targeted at children. Obesity Reviews, 9: 368–377. doi: 10.1111/j.1467-789X.2007.00418.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 24 OCT 2007
- Article first published online: 24 OCT 2007
- Received 2 June 2007; revised 26 September 2007; accepted 1 October 2007
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Childhood obesity;
- children's foods;
- food marketing;
- nutrition
Summary
This article provides a nutritional profile of foods targeted specifically at children in the Canadian supermarket. Excluding confectionery, soft drinks and bakery items, 367 products were assessed for their nutritional composition. The article examines the relationship between ‘fun food’ images/messages, product claims and actual product nutrition. Among other findings, it concludes that approximately 89% of the products analysed could be classified as of poor nutritional quality owing to high levels of sugar, fat and/or sodium. Policy considerations need to be made in light of the fact that ‘fun food’ is a unique category that poses special challenges; as such, recommendations regarding food labelling and packaging are presented.