Anything made by McDonald's tastes better, preschoolers said in a study that powerfully demonstrates how advertising can trick the taste buds of young children.Even carrots, milk and apple juice tasted better to the kids when they were wrapped in the familiar packaging of the Golden Arches.
The study had youngsters sample identical McDonald's foods in name-brand and unmarked wrappers. The unmarked foods always lost the taste test.
Study author Dr. Tom Robinson said the kids' perception of taste was "physically altered by the branding." The Stanford University researcher said it was remarkable how children so young were already so influenced by advertising.
Pradeep Chintagunta, a University of Chicago marketing professor noted that parents play a strong role in controlling food choices for children so young. But Robinson argued that because young children are unaware of the persuasive intent of marketing, "it is an unfair playing field.
Source: CNN
Image: Tspauld / Flickr
Tags: McDonald | Advertising
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