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Food marketing targeting children: toward more nutritious choices?

27 March 2025

From the star character of a recent animated film on a yogurt container, to star- and rainbow-shaped cereals, to the claim that a granola bar is “perfect for the lunchbox,” there are a wide variety of marketing strategies designed to capture young children’s interest and steer families toward certain products.

 

While data from the most recent Canadian Community Health Survey reveal that children in Quebec consume excessive amounts of sugar, saturated fat, and sodium, what is the reality regarding the quality of processed foods designed to appeal to young children? Beyond catchy slogans and attractive packaging, how can we make informed choices for their health? Julie Fortier, a member of the Observatory team, has examined this issue.

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