If We Have the Choice, Why Is It a Problem? Food Environments and Free Choice
T H E I L L U S I O N O F F R E E C H O I C E
Let’s face it, our food choices are shaped by the “food environments” we navigate in. From the food ads that are pushed in our faces to the promotions and discounts offered at supermarkets, our eating patterns are heavily influenced by the Big Food Industry.
Few Food and Beverage companies control most brands we see in the supermarket, meaning we actually have very limited choice to select healthy vs. unhealthy products.
These few, mega conglomerate companies want to give us the notion that we have almost unlimited choices to hide how much of a grip they have on the market. But psychologically, this “abundance” of choice is fake.
Let’s explain:
You are walking down the aisle and suddenly stop to look at the vast options of cereal boxes until you finally choose one.
But suddenly, you get this feeling that maybe there is a better product out there... So you look again to check what’s the most appealing cereal box with a promotion and you buy it.
These companies tempt you with thousands of logos and labels on their products - distracting you from asking important questions about your purchases.
Like what? The following buzzwords may create a false halo of health making you think that such products are always healthy.
Why is this important to know about?
The healthy food choice must be the most affordable one: food prices need to send the right signal and support the shift to diets richer in fruits/veggies/ and pulses
The healthy food choice must be widely available and attractive: the availability and appeal of healthy food must be improved, while restrictions must be in place for unhealthy products.
The healthy food choice must be the most marketed: a ban on the marketing of unhealthy foods and beverages should be in place particularly for children under 18 years.
“Ta ذغ iya” by Sarah Zahr
Rethink your food choices when you find yourself unconsciously adding products to your basket while walking down the supermarket isle!
A metaphor representing this post:
Sources
- Image from unknown source
- Zimmerman, F. J., & Shimoga, S. V. (2014). The effects of food advertising and cognitive load on food choices. BMC public health, 14, 1-10.
- Epha the illusion of choice report European Public Health Alliance, 2023
