The “Halo Effect”
Once upon a time you could count on going to the supermarket and finding only whole, fresh produce in the produce department. Makes sense, right? After all, the only food items defined as produce are fresh fruits and vegetables, whether or not they’re conventional, local, or organic. So what are all of those other foods doing, lurking among the apples, arugula, and asparagus?
It seems that other non-produce items have been appearing more frequently among the fruits and vegetables that you know are whole and healthy foods. For example, have you seen the tubs of caramel sauce stacked next to the apples? How about the creamy ranch dip next to the celery stalks? Or the Nutella chocolate hazelnut spread slipped in next to the bananas? Lately, maple glazed pecans have also found their way into the produce section next to the winter squash. So does that mean these foods are healthy, too?
The answer, 99% of the time, is no. Supermarkets place these non-produce items among the fruits and vegetables in hopes that the “halo effect” will influence you to think they’re healthy, too, and to buy them along with your produce. Much research goes into why items are placed where they are in a supermarket, and it always comes down to trying to sell you more so the store can make more money. By putting processed, sugary, unhealthy items right next to the items you seek out for their nutritional benefits, they hope you think those foods are healthy too, or overlook the nutrition label and just throw it in your cart. But will you?
Just because one supermarket store department seems “safe” in terms of finding high quality, nutritious choices, doesn’t mean everything in that department is healthy. In addition to produce, the same rule applies to the fish counter: even among the wild salmon and fresh trout fillets, which are fantastic, healthy protein sources, you can find crab cakes loaded with mayonnaise, breaded shrimp, or flounder fillets stuffed with cheese, breadcrumbs, bacon, etc. The point is to be aware of this “halo effect,” and to defeat it by sticking with the foods you know are healthy.
Most of the time you will know, just by looking at it. When there is a doubt, however, read the label (always!), or ask the person behind the meat/fish counter what additional ingredients are in or on your protein. Just because the supermarkets are influencing some consumers through their marketing tactics doesn’t mean you have to be tempted, too. Be smart when you’re shopping, and stick with foods you know are nutritious, minimally processed, low in fats and sugars, and whole. Outsmart the supermarket strategies. Your body, and your grocery bill, will thank you. You’ll feel smarter, too!
(Nutrition article written by Samantha Reiff, Nutrition Student at FMAR)
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