On my Sunday perusal through the coupon circulars, I came across an advertisement for a new product that stopped me in my tracks.
WhoNu? cookies may look a lot like Oreos but according to the ad, they pack as much fiber as a bowl of oatmeal, as much vitamin C as a cup of blueberries, the calcium of 8 oz. of milk, the iron of a cup of spinach, the vitamin E of two glasses of carrot juice, the B12 found in a cup of cottage cheese and fruit, and as much vitamin A as a cup of tomato juice in every 3-cookie serving.
Take a peek at the “testimonials” on the product’s website:
“Hopefully these cookies will take the place of the junk food that our children eat in today’s society and help cut down on obesity.” – Audrey S., Monett, MO
Cookies fortified with vitamins are exactly what we need to finally put the brakes on the obesity epidemic. Brilliant!
“We’re constantly trying to get more iron and vitamin C into the girls’ diets, so the cookies are a great way to do that with a snack.” – Mary S., Cincinnati, OH
Exactly. I mean, they could eat a half cup of strawberries and get more than a day’s worth of vitamin C, but why bother giving kids strawberries? Cookies are a much easier sell.
“As I start having to think more about solids for Parker, I like the idea that there is another option for him in terms of dessert/something sweet.” Heather O., Los Angeles, CA
Because really, it’s never too early to start thinking about giving cookies to a baby who is just beginning solids.
“Who knew delicious could be so nutritious?” the advertisement asks. Actually, I did. So did my seven-year-old. Ditto for anybody who actually eats real food.
I’d rather give my kids Oreos with the clear understanding of what they are: cookies. Cookies are not fruit. Or oatmeal. Or blueberries. No matter how many vitamins and minerals are crammed inside.
Kids already know the difference. So why don’t the grown-ups?
