Photo: Vicki Wasik
As people become more and more health conscious, they are paying close attention to what they put into their bodies. As a result, up to 49% of households in the USA are trying to avoid foods using artificial flavours and colours. Nutritionist Julia Zumpano of the Cleveland Clinic, says studies have shown that there may be a correlation between colour additives and behavioural problems in children. This includes issues such as: hyperactivity (ADHD), irritability, depression and asthma.
In reaction to this growing concern, General Mills converted all of the artificial colour additives in their breakfast cereal Trix to natural sources. In 2016, General Mills president Jim Murphy said, “People eat with their eyes. And so food has to look appealing, and colors give it an appealing look.” He went on to explain, “People don’t want colors with numbers in their food anymore.” The neon-looking cereal was replaced with a more somber alternative, coloured by ingredients such as fruit and vegetable juices and turmeric extract. Because healthy alternatives could not be found for the zippy blue and green pieces, they were eliminated altogether. Sounds like a progressive move. But wait, the story doesn’t end there.
Two years later, after a considerable number of loyal Trix consumers complained about the new bland colours, General Mills re-introduced the familiar neon cereal. “We heard from many Trix fans that they missed the bright vibrant colors and the nostalgic taste of the classic Trix cereal,” said spokesman Mike Siemienas. The next time you’re buying groceries check the cereal aisle and see for yourself – “Classic Trix” sits on the shelf alongside Trix, giving breakfast lovers a choice between an electric or unplugged start to their morning.
