Diet Marketing

Written by: Angelica Guadalupe, Intern

Edited by: Gabi Kahn, MS, RD, LDN

You know when you’re casually walking through the supermarket and you come across yummy Oreos, but then see the thin Oreos next to them? You may feel guilty, sad, and wind up picking the thin Oreos in hopes they’re “better” for you.

The same goes for skinny popcorn, cauliflower pizza, sugar free candy, and other thin cookies. Diet marketing can be extreme and make you believe one food is better than the other.

Although calories don’t need to be counted, I want to demonstrate the way diet marketing fools you! Regular Oreos are 140 calories per serving (2 oreos) and thin Oreos are 140 calories per serving (4 oreos). Because regular Oreos are more stuffed, they’re basically the same exact amount. The fat, carbs, and sugar are also the same!

Now don’t get me wrong, a thin, crispy cookie could be more appetizing to you, and that’s fine! What’s not fine, is if you choose the “thin, skinny, low-fat” options just because you assume they’re “better!” Many times they’re pretty comparable and if you rather enjoy your regular Oreos then please do so. Remember, health is not always the smaller, greener, and/or low-fat options. 

Another famous diet marketing product is PB Fit (powdered peanut butter) versus regular peanut butter. Because this product is powder, it contains less fat. People get lured in by the fact this brand has the word “fit” in it. Even if it may contain less fat, who said fat is the enemy? Fat is needed to create a fulfilling, satisfying meal. Again, if you prefer PB Fit over regular peanut butter that’s fine! If regular peanut butter satisfies you more, then do not be afraid to eat it instead.

This is just a reminder that diet marketing is yet another way diet culture consumes our lives and affects our choices. So, I challenge you to focus more on what you truly enjoy and crave, and less on what the advertisements on your favorite food products say.