How design influences what we eat?

The Hidden Ingredients of Our Health

#FoodPackaging #Marketing #Healthmnnn

Food packaging is no longer merely functional nowadays; it's an art form that profoundly influences our choices. The colors, fonts, images, and materials chosen for a food package are not random decisions. They are calculated strategic tools that food companies employ to communicate, entice, and even manipulate consumer preferences unveiling how they shape our dining decisions and why it's a field ripe for artistic innovation.

Consider the packaging of Tropicana juices. It appears fresh and healthy, but most of us would not turn the pack and consider reading the ingredient list. The unpronounceable additives and chemicals listed on the package are often overlooked because of the attractive packaging design. 

The design of a food package is our first impression, and as the saying goes, first impressions matter!

Vibrant colors often suggest freshness and flavor. 

Food packaging designers are well-versed in the psychology of color and symbolism. For example, fast food brands often use red and yellow on their packaging to stimulate appetite and excitement.

Think of popular fast food chains like- Pizza Hut, Domino, KFC, Burger King, McDonalds, Kellogg, Wendy's and many more. 

Alternatively, if you look at Subway, they use green on their packaging to signal natural, health and organic qualities, positioning themselves as a healthy fast food option. Similarly, the packaging of ice cream often incorporates cool colors like blue and purple to evoke a sense of freshness and coolness.

These colors are so powerful that we often do not think twice about the ingredients and the long-term effects of them. We forget the synthetic colors, hydrogenated oils, artificial sugars and processed preservatives. 

The next important factor to consider is the functional design. Cup Noodles are a classic example of well-functionally designed packaging. First, the design of cup noodles is portable which makes it convenient to carry it anywhere. Secondly, it eliminates the need for any additional cookware. (true savior from dishwashing!). Its brightly colored packaging and tempting image have the ability to catch one's attention, and create a sense of excitement and cravings for what's inside. 

In a supermarket, my favorite section has always been the food section. You'll find me there always. The variety of sauces, pasta, noodles, biscuits, coffee, yogurt, cakes, and the sheer joy of putting your hand into the rice. 

Each of the packaging has its own story to tell. They have secret powers to make us buy just everything in sight. 

But, amidst all the flashy designs, we really should not overlook the most crucial aspect and that is the ingredients. It is essential to ensure that we make informed choices as smart consumers about what we put in our bodies. It's always wise to be mindful of the contents of the products we purchase and consume that are in line with our health and wellness goals.