While the word “Marketing” may encompass “…communicating the value of a product or service to customers”, these days, the true value of consumer goods and service may be stretched a little too far while marketing the good to the public.

Nutella.  A childhood favourite.  An adolescence favourite.  An adulthood favourite.  My favourite.  Nutella claims that “Breakfast Loves Nutella”, but my question to Nutella is, who is “Breakfast”? Is “Breakfast” aware of the sugar content of this delicious spread?  Or does it stand beside the thousands of consumers misled each and every day by your clever marketing?  Is “Breakfast” concerned with the long-lasting health impacts of this chocolate-y goodness?

Companies such as Nutella are undoubtedly successful marketers, however, they are not marketing their products in a way in which reflects the true value behind it.  For example, Nutella markets their breakfast spread in a way that makes it seem like a healthy start to the day.  This is so far from the truth it may be considered a lie.  In various Nutella commercials, it is stated in the last few seconds that Nutella is “…made with simple quality ingredients: hazelnuts, skim milk, and a hint of cocoa…breakfast never tasted this good”.  In no commercial is the sugar content mentioned.  Per two tablespoons of Nutella, the average amount on a piece of toast, comes along 5.5 tablespoons of sugar.  To put this into perspective, this is the equivalent of the sugar content in 5 oreo cookies.  I wonder what “Breakfast” would say if it knew that! Would “Breakfast” still love Nutella? Maybe for it’s taste, but certainly not for it’s overload of sugar!

As evidently shown with the Nutella example, marketing is increasingly covering up the truth with a twisted, more favourable outlook.  They may get more consumers, but at what cost? The health of consumers who may not have time in their busy lives to look into the sugar content of what may be deemed as “healthy”.  Afterall, “Breakfast loves Nutella!”.