5 Tips to Avoid Deceptive Marketing Tactics Making Your Kids Crave Junk Food
Deceptive Marketing Tricks
Today’s food marketing is everywhere, targeting even our youngest kids with bright packaging, social media influencers, games, and their favourite cartoon characters.
One minute you're ticking off your grocery list, the next you're caught in a full-blown tug-of-war over a box of cartoon-covered cereal. If you’ve ever taken a toddler shopping, you know how easily one brightly coloured packet can derail your entire trip - and your healthy intentions.
Today’s food marketing is designed to bypass logic and speak directly to children’s emotions. From eye-level placement and animated characters to influencer promotions and “collectible” treats, the tactics are slick, strategic, and relentless. The goal? Get kids hooked on ultra-processed, high-sugar products before they even learn to read.
For Aussie parents trying to raise healthy eaters, it can feel like you're constantly swimming against the tide.
But here’s the good news: once you understand how these tactics work, you can flip the script - and teach your kids to do the same.
FIVE Practical Tips for Reducing Kids’ Exposure to Deceptive Food Marketing
Most parents are time-poor and it’s impossible to make everything from scratch. So, here are some top strategies to help you avoid food marketing traps, along with simple swaps for healthier alternatives. Remember, it’s all about balance and finding a solution that works for you and your family.
1. Skip the Cartoon Packaging
The Problem: Brands use characters like Bluey, Paw Patrol, and Elsa to build emotional bonds with children; bonds that drive loyalty and cravings. These characters become trusted “friends” , creating strong emotional bonds. Food brands know that featuring these characters on packaging tempts kids into choosing—and craving—ultra-processed foods, regardless of their nutritional value. I recommend avoiding brightly packaged “kids’ foods” from an early age. If it’s never introduced, kids won’t miss it
The Strategy: Avoid introducing these cartoon-branded products in the first place. If it never enters your home, it won’t become part of your child’s expectations.
Smart Swap: Offer fun, nutritious snacks, such as bliss balls, veggie sticks, popcorn, cheese, roasted chickpeas, or plain yoghurt, in reusable containers that your child can decorate. This creates the same sense of ownership and excitement, without the marketing trap.
2. Focus on Family Foods Over “Kiddie” Products
The Problem: The idea that kids need special food is a marketing myth. These items often cost more and offer less nutrition.
The Strategy: Feed toddlers what the family eats, just with slight modifications. It encourages adventurous eating and sets a powerful example.
Smart Swap: Instead of pre-packaged “kids’” yoghurt pouches with cartoon characters and added sugars, offer plain, full-fat yoghurt in a reusable squeeze pouch or small container. Let your child choose their mix-ins — like berries, mashed banana, or a sprinkle of cinnamon — to personalise it and build independence.
3. Buy in Larger Sizes and Decant into Containers
The Problem: Single-serve packs are designed for impulse buying and repeat purchases. They're often less nutritious and more expensive per serve.
The Strategy: Buy larger sizes of real food and divide into smaller, fun portions
Smart Swap: Instead of buying brightly packaged, single-serve cheese snacks or crackers marketed to kids, buy a block of real cheese and cut it into fun shapes using cookie cutters. Pair it with wholegrain crackers or seed crackers in a small container. It’s cheaper, less processed, and still feels like a fun snack for your child.
4. Skip Products Marketed as “Lunchbox-Friendly”
The Problem: “Lunchbox-friendly” doesn’t mean healthy, it often just means nut-free, with a side of sugar and additives.
The Strategy: Read the ingredient list, not the marketing claims. Don’t assume a product is healthy just because it’s marketed to school kids.
Smart Swap: Make a batch of oat-based muesli bars using real wholefoods. Freeze extras to save time. They’re cheaper (around 18 cents a bar), lower in sugar, and far more nourishing.
5. Teach Food Literacy and Involve Kids in Cooking
The Problem: If kids don’t understand what’s in their food, they’re more likely to be influenced by advertising.
The Strategy: Build food literacy through hands-on learning. When kids help prepare food, they’re less swayed by packaging and more excited to eat what they’ve helped make.
Smart Swap: Ditch the jarred pasta sauce and make your own (try my simple homemade version) with your child—grated veggies, tomatoes, herbs. Let them stir and taste. It’s a fun activity and a powerful lesson.
Common Concerns from Real-Life Parents
“My child feels left out at school.”
Make their lunch feel just as special with personalised containers, cute notes, or a frozen yoghurt treat. Explain how their food is made with love and helps them grow strong and healthy.
“Grandparents buy junk food.”
Pick your battles. Occasional treats from loved ones won’t undo your everyday choices. Consider suggesting non-food gifts, such as books, art supplies, or shared experiences.
“What about parties?”
Use these moments to teach balance. Let your child enjoy special treats at events while explaining that home is where healthy habits live.
Your Weekly Challenge: One Small Shift
You don’t need a complete food overhaul overnight. Choose one tactic from this list to try this week—maybe it’s buying yoghurt in bulk, making a homemade snack together, or simply saying no to a cartoon-covered cereal box. Small wins lead to big change.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to take your skills to the next level and see through the marketing hype and making smarter choices for your family, join my upcoming Smart Shopping Workshop. In this session, you’ll discover how to choose truly nutritious options and avoid the deceptive tactics that food manufacturers use. Don’t miss out on the early bird discount—Sign up now to secure your spot!