Changing Soda Serving Sizes
Found this awesome post on Sociological Images, comparing advertised soda servings from the 1950’s vs. today.
Ben Ostrowsky sent in a great example of changing norms of consumption, highlighting the enormous increase in what is considered a standard serving of soda.
In this 1950s ad for soda, the text proudly proclaims that a 12-oz. can is “king-size,” and includes 2 full servings…
…Compare it to this sign at Long John Silver’s, where the smallest size is 20 oz., and a 32-oz. medium soda, presented as the default size, is nearly 3 times as large as the 1950s king-size double serving.
I have to admit, the 1950’s ad (click above to view) caught me a bit flat-footed… even I have a hard time thinking of a 12 oz. beverage can as “king-size.” But it just goes to show you how out-of-whack our perceptions of serving size have become.
October 27, 2010
Changing Soda Serving Sizes – http://blog.ultimatefatburner.com/2010/1…
October 27, 2010
Changing Soda Serving Sizes – http://blog.ultimatefatburner.com/2010/1…
October 28, 2010
I guess that just shows that we now have a “super size” world. If you like your serving size at 12oz thats great, but wait we’ll give you 20. Not good enough, how about 32.
More is better I guess. Even if it isn’t better for you.
I was born in the 50’s and remember growing up that a 10 oz bottle of pop was awesome. Pails in comparison now-a-days.
October 28, 2010
The thing that makes it interesting, is how this tactic shifts our perception of what’s “normal,” and becomes the new standard for making comparisons. Looking at the 50’s ad, the notion that 12 oz. could be two “full servings” seems absurd on its face. But it makes perfect sense when you look at it from the perspective of the times. And the times emphasized moderation… almost to extremes.
As a Mystery Science Theater 3000/Riff Trax fan, I’ve seen more than my share of old “Public Service Announcements” (PSAs) and other short films (such as those created for use in schools) designed to communicate societal expectations. For example, in this one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYU_GSL1MGc dinner is presented as an incredibly elaborate production, in which people eat only what they’re served, and that’s that. Ditto here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyUj–SMhvM
Restraint was the order of the day – obviously, this had its negative side, too (I have no desire to re-create the 50’s, lol), but it certainly illustrates how profoundly our “food culture” has changed.
October 29, 2010
It is amazing to see how the “food culture” has changed. The first vid is a great example.
I just wonder what changes will be coming down the road. Good or bad.