The Allure of Tide Pods: Why They Look (and Smell) Good Enough to Eat

Based on the influence of consumer psychology, biology and psychology on appetite, Tide Pods met a lot of the markers for what looks like a tasty treat. However they are the perfect example that looks aren’t everything, since they are extremely dangerous. While their vibrant colors and pleasant scent remind us of what food we should be looking for, please keep in mind that they are not in fact food. Don’t eat Tide Pods or any other laundry pods. Have some grapes and oranges instead. Or relive your childhood and get some Fruit Gushers and live to enjoy another day.

References:

Contento, I. R. (2016). Nutrition education: linking research, theory, and practice. Burlington,      MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Dimofte, C. V., Haugtvedt, C. P., & Yalch, R. F. (2015). Consumer psychology in a social media world. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group.

McNamee, D. (2014, February 15). How smell and hunger work together is explained in a new s  tudy. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/272641.php

Morton, J. (n.d.). Q&A-Color & Consumers. Retrieved from https://www.colormatters.com/q-and-a/qa-color-and-consumers

Slansky, M. (2013, May 31). Colors and Appetite – Colors that suppress and stimulate apettite.         Retrieved from http://www.foodpyramid.com/healthy-eating/colors-and-appetite-colors-that-suppress-and-stimulate-apettiete-9535/

Morton, J. (n.d.). Q&A-Color & Consumers. Retrieved from https://www.colormatters.com/q-    and-a/qa-color-and-consumers

Edited by Viveca Shearin