Mikey D

Remember a few years ago when all the fast food restaurants went on a health-kick and really pushed their healthy alternatives? I do. I hated it, too. Fast food is what it is- cheap and not good for you. I'm not there for carrots, water, and yogurt. And while some probably appreciated the new menu choices, the majority of fast food eaters could probably have cared less. And because I am part of that majority, I'd much rather see a sign or commercial for a delicious Big Mac burger surrounded by hot, crispy, golden fries than a commerical for an adult Happy Meal with a free pedometer as a "toy".

The point I'm trying to make is that fast food restaurants were trying to be something they were not- good for you. While there were some foods on the menu that were somewhat healthy, there were far more choices that were terribly bad for your body. For every carrot stick, there was an onion ring, chicken fry, and french fry. And yes, it's all about offering choices, but people don't choose Burger King based on if they have carrot sticks. People choose Burger King because of its, surprise, burgers. So don't waste our time promoting carrot sticks when what we want is burgers.

Now there is a reason for that rant. I recently bought a 12-pack of Coca-Cola and was intrigued by the message written on the side of the box. It read:
"Who knew soft drinks could be hydrating?
It’s true. All beverages hydrate, including soft drinks. So if you are looking for hydration, but want the delicious and refreshing taste you get from Coca-Cola, don’t compromise — go for it! You’ll be hydrating your body with each and every sip.

We offer over 80 ways to hydrate, energize, nourish, relax or enjoy every drop of life. For more information on the benefits of hydration, go to: hydration.thecoca-colacompany.com"

Wow. Really, Coca-Cola? You actually went there?

Intrigued, I visited their website. It's basically a promotion for staying hydrated. Apparently water is good for you. Oh, and if your thirsty, you should drink something. Good must-have information for everyone there. Highly recommended.

I did a Google search, hoping to find out more about the reasoning behind this ad-campaign. Most Americans know that soft drinks only offer a quick sense of hydration. Then the sugars and caffeine take over and act as diuretics that lead to dehydration. Simply put, there are better alternatives than Coca-Cola, and we all should know it. And Coca-Cola knows it, too. Their ad-campaign and press-releases don't deny it, but they also don't say it. Their press releases say things like, and I quote:
"The Coca-Cola Company, of course, has a special interest in water. We are a hydration company. Every product we sell contains water. In fact, water, itself, is an important and growing product category. Without water, we have no business."

Shut up. Get out.

All mockery of the press release about their ad-campaign aside, it is interesting to note that their campaign through the press release talks about getting water to everyone in the world. "Matching water with people," as they like to say. It's a good cause to fight for, and I hope they can succeed in their mission.

But why the marketing on the box? Yes indeed it's hydrating, but what Coca-Cola is doing is misleading its customers. There is zero nutritional value in drinking a coke and the hydration is only temporary. Why do you want to pretend you're something you're really not, Coca-Cola?

So yes, while your marketing and facts are completing accurate and well within your rightful boundaries, you are also misleading your customers, and it's disappointing to me. Don't mislead us like the fast food giants before you. We know what you are. We know that water is better than Coca-Cola when we are thirsty. We choose coke because of it's taste, not because of its hydrating qualities. I will always enjoy the taste of a coke (especially with my Whopper), but please, and I beg you, don't use this marketing campaign to get people to drink Coca-Cola. Be who you are, and fight for a great cause, like "matching water with people" around the world.

~Mikey D