Sugary Beverage Companies Are Targeting Hispanic Kids, Teens

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Children and teens—especially Hispanics—are exposed to a substantial amount of marketing for sugary drinks, such as full-calorie sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks and fruit drinks, according to a new report from the Yale Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity.

The report indicates that sugary beverages are specifically targeting Hispanic and black youth:

• Beverage companies have indicated that they view Hispanics and blacks as a source of future growth for sugary drink product sales.
• Marketing on Spanish TV is growing. From 2008 to 2010, Hispanic children saw 49% more ads for sugary drinks and energy drinks, and teens saw 99% more ads.
• Hispanic preschoolers saw more ads for Coca-Cola Classic, Kool-Aid, 7 Up and Sunny D than Hispanic older children and teens did.

The report recommends ways that parents can make a difference, as well as indicates that beverage companies must change their harmful marketing practices.

Get the full report here.