Children are targeted by big food pushing packaged foods high in sugar
Children Are Targeted By Big Food Pushing Packaged Foods High in Sugar

A recent study focuses on the fact that packaged foods marketed to kids are significantly higher in sugar and lower in other nutrients than other products. This is alarming because it shows how the food industry is exploiting children’s vulnerability and preferences for sweet and salty foods, and potentially contributing to their addiction to these foods.

The study, Child-appealing packaged food and beverage products in Canada–Prevalence, power, and nutritional quality, published in the journal Nutrients, analyzed over 3,000 packaged foods sold in Canada and found that those marketed to children had 36% more sugar, 10% more sodium, 8% less protein, and 9% less fiber than those marketed to adults or not marketed by age group. The researchers also found that foods marketed to children were more likely to have cartoon characters, bright colors, and claims like “fun” or “made for kids” on their packaging.

These findings are concerning because they suggest that children are being exposed to unhealthy foods that can trigger their reward system and make them crave more of these foods. This can lead to overeating, obesity, diabetes, and other health problems later in life. It can also make it harder for them to develop a healthy relationship with food and their bodies.

So what can we do as parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates to protect our children from these harmful foods?

Here are some suggestions:

        • Educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of food addiction and how to recognize the signs and symptoms.
        • Avoid buying packaged foods that are marketed to children and opt for fresh, whole foods instead.
        • Read the nutrition labels and ingredient lists of packaged foods and look for added sugars, sodium, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives.
        • Limit the exposure of children to food advertisements on TV, social media, and other platforms.
        • Support policies and initiatives that regulate the marketing of unhealthy foods to children and promote healthy eating environments in schools and communities.

By taking these steps, we can help our children develop a healthy and balanced diet that nourishes their bodies and minds, rather than leads to a progressive food addiction. We can also prevent them from becoming addicted to foods that harm their future well being.

Download the recent article by Christopher Curly for Medical News Today, May 3, 2023

New Episode: Breaking Free from Food Addiction with David Wolfe

Struggling with food cravings and addictive eating behaviors?

Episode 35 of The Food Addiction Podcast features David Wolfe, Certified Food Addiction Counselor and co-founder of SUGARx Global, sharing powerful insights on recovery.

David co-authored The Fix for Cravings with Cynthia Myers-Morrison, offering practical strategies to manage cravings and sustain long-term recovery. In this episode, he covers:

✅ Identifying food addiction patterns
✅ The role of community support and counseling
✅ Breaking through denial, shame, and guilt
✅ Removing trigger foods for lasting recovery
✅ Educating healthcare providers on food addiction

At SUGARx Global, David helps individuals understand the addictive nature of certain foods and develop a personalized path to healing. His own journey with obsessive food behaviors led him to The INFACT School, where he discovered the science behind addiction and recovery.

🎧 Listen now!

📢 Share this episode with anyone who needs hope and real solutions!

Warm regards,
Esther Helga Guðmundsdóttir
Founder, INFACT School

Tune in now!

We’re thrilled to announce the Monthly Guest Lecturer Series, featuring the biggest names and brightest minds in food addiction research and treatment! This is your chance to learn directly from the pioneers shaping the field, including:

  • Dr. Vera Tarman, MD – Renowned addiction expert and author of Food Junkies: Recovery from Food Addiction.
  • Nicole M. Avena, PhD – Leading neuroscientist and author of Why Diets Fail, specializing in the science of food addiction.
  • Susan Peirce Thompson, PhD – New York Times bestselling author and founder of Bright Line Eating.
  • Robert H. Lustig, M.D. – World-famous endocrinologist and author of Fat Chance, known for his expertise in sugar addiction and metabolic health.

…and many other trailblazing thought leaders!

💡 Want to learn from the best? These lectures are open to everyone—no CFAP certification required!

🎓 Pricing Options:

  • $40 per individual lecture
  • $325 for a 10-lecture bundle (save $75!)

This is an incredible opportunity to hear directly from the experts driving change in how we understand and treat food addiction. Whether you're a professional or simply passionate about the topic, these lectures will empower and inspire you.

Message us to learn more!

Are you interested in discovering if you are a food addict?

The INFACT School now offers you access to a free diagnostic tool called the Yale Scale. If you’re curious to find out whether you might have a food addiction or just keen to see the self-report measure in action, you can complete the questionnaire below.

Once you complete the questionnaire, we will be in touch with the next steps to help you in your recovery process.

Complete questionnaire
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