Gia G.

Candy

Can you believe that Americans eat an average of 22 pounds of candy each year, split almost equally between candy and chocolate? Unfortunately, eating this much candy can have the effect of kids gaining weight and becoming obese. Even though some would argue that's not the case, after intense research, this expert would say that is indeed the case. In fact, there need to be limits on how much candy the average kid consumes because it leads to obesity. In addition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, childhood obesity has more than tripled in the past 30 years, putting children at risk for diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension. Clear evidence shows that Hershey and Mars, two major American candy companies,  should change their candies in order to benefit the health of all Americans.

One reason Hershey and Mars should change their candy is because of the marketing techniques they use.  For example, have you ever noticed that candy is at eye level for kids? Kids will spot the delicious treats and beg for the candy, and when the mother/father has had enough, he/she will finally just say to put it in the cart. Also, calories should be put in bolder text on candy wrappers and other unhealthy food items. Nutrition expert Marion Nestle said food companies may object. They really don't want you to "know how much sugar there is,” she said. This quote from Marion Nestle proves that companies may disagree, but it’s best for our health to have more obvious information about what we are eating. You'll be shocked to learn that Americans spend more than 8.8 billion dollars a year on candy. This amount of money is not right for people to be spending on candy! There are so many other worthwhile things people could be spending their money on.  Even though candy is not expensive, people also need to consider that it’s bad for your teeth and health. Marketing should be changed so it is not targeting kids!

Another reason why Mars and Hershey should change these candies is because of the lack of nutrition in candy. For example, too much added sugar is bad for your health. Eating too much candy leaves unhealthy substances in your body, such as sugars and fats. Science shows that too much sugar of any type in your diet can lead to cavities, weight gain, and overall poor nutrition, especially if the sugary foods are taking the place of foods containing nutrients and vitamins. Also, sugary alcohol should be added to more sugary foods such as candy because sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners that affect blood sugar less than other carbohydrates, which can make them useful as a weight loss aid. I know you're thinking sugar alcohol in candy? But there is no real alcohol in candy. In addition, when you take a big bite out of a gooey, yummy Twix, dopamine is being released and makes you want more, and the next thing you know, you ate the Twix right up and bought another one. Clearly, that is not the best choice! When the sugar reaches your stomach it jump starts your body into a sugar rush. The evidence is clear: we need more nutrition in candy.

The last area in which changes need to be made is regarding how Hershey and Mars are  manufacturing their candy. For example, child labor hasn't stopped on cocoa farms. Even though cocoa companies offered $10 million to stop child labor, it didn't work; Hershey and Mars need to do better. First of all, there are no child labor rules in West Africa and many other places where the cocoa used in chocolate is grown. The work on cocoa farms is dangerous and  prevents kids from a bright future. A future is the most important part of life. As if child labor wasn’t enough, Hershey and Mars also add artificial coloring to their products. Did you know that the amount of food dye Americans consume is crazy? We Americans are eating 5x as much food dye as we did in 1955. Food dye is not good for the body unless it is naturally made. (Natural food dye is made with fruit for the color.) As you might imagine to be the case, when some kids eat too much artificial food coloring, they feel weird. The dangers of artificial dyes are often an issue in food safety, with many claiming them to be toxic and a factor to the rise of ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in recent years. ADHD is a common condition that affects kids and and can continue into adulthood. 3% to 5% of children have ADHD. In addition to artificial dye, the U.S.A uses red 40 and yellow 5 and a lot of other types of food dyes too. In other countries like the U.K., food producers use pumpkins, carrots and other foods to make natural red food dye. The U.S.A.,  especially Mars and Hershey,  should start making natural food dye instead of toxic food dye. This food dye problem has to stop. Even more importantly, the child labor problem has to stop. If we can make this manufacturing better it would be great.  Can you imagine every time you bite into a Hershey's or a Mars chocolate bar you think of child labor? That’s a serious problem, and it needs to stop. It is clear that Hershey and Mars have some serious work to do in the area of improving the manufacturing of their candy.

Critics like Hershey and Mars executives will argue that their marketing is perfectly fine and that there are plenty  of nutrients in their products, or maybe even that their manufacturing is okay.  But after intensive research, this fifth grader knows the truth:  it really isn't. While Hershey and Mars might be right in some ways, in others they are not.  There are many health crises from sugar and artificial dyes, like diabetes and ADHD. ADHD is a big problem you might have to face, all from sugar. Don’t increase the risk of getting diabetes or ADHD just from a little sugar. Personal insider experience supports this claim. This fifth grader looks for the eye level candy and will eat it all up... and this newly sugar conscious eater has gone through so many cavities, it’s not funny. Candy should not be at eye level for kids: that proves that Hershey and Mars are using irresponsible marketing techniques.The  evidence is overwhelmingly clear: steer clear from Hershey and Mars products until they change their candy!