How To Sell Fast Food

Fast Food F.A.C.T.S. was developed by the Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale. It found that the fast food industry spent $4.2 billion in 2009 on TV advertising and other media, with advertisers specifically targeting Hispanic and African-American youth. 84 percent of parents reported taking their child to a fast food restaurant at least once a week, with teens purchasing 800 to 1,100 calories in an average visit.

Salads Vs. Burgers

Much has been made these days about fast food restaurants offering healthy options on their menus. The Yale study looked at these efforts specifically. Here is a sampling of the findings as they relate to the healthy options available on fast food menus.

• Even though McDonald's and Burger King only showed their "better-for-you" foods in child-targeted marketing, their ads did not encourage consumption of these healthier choices. Instead, child-targeted ads focused on toy giveaways and building brand loyalty.
• Just 17 percent of regular menu items qualified as healthy choices.
• The average restaurant had 15 signs promoting specific menu items, but just 4 percent promoted healthy menu items.
• When ordering a kids' meal, restaurant employees at McDonald's, Burger King, Wendy's, and Taco Bell automatically served french fries or another unhealthy side dish more than 84 percent of the time. A soft drink or other unhealthy beverage was served automatically at least 55 percent of the time.

Read More:

• Fast Food F.A.C.T.S. (Rudd Center for Food Policy & Obesity at Yale)
• Taking The 'Happy; Our Of McDonald's Happy Meals? (Earth Eats)