Children see ads every day for unhealthy foods, but that can change

Children in the United States are inundated with food and beverage ads. Food, beverage and restaurant companies spend almost $14 billion per year on advertising, more than 80% of which promotes fast food, sugary drinks, candy, and unhealthy snacks. In 2016, kids and teens saw an average of 11 to 12 ads per day on television for these types of products. After seeing ads for unhealthy foods and beverages, kids are more likely to choose those products.

Food and beverage companies disproportionately target communities of color with their advertising. Because the beverage industry spends millions of dollars every year marketing to communities of color, African American children and teens see more than twice as many ads for sugary drinks than their white peers. Targeted marketing practices also contribute to African American and Hispanic youth consuming more sugary drinks and having higher rates of diabetes and heart disease, on average, compared to their white peers.

Policy changes can address the frequency and type of advertising to which children are exposed. Under a provision of the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010, schools may only feature advertising for foods and drinks that meet “Smart Snacks” nutrition guidelines. And a growing number of states and cities have adopted policies allowing only healthier drinks like water and milk, as opposed to unhealthy drinks like sodas, as the default options on kids’ meals at restaurants.