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?
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LOL! Love the snarky tone of this post.
Great post! These products get me going too…
WhoNu people could be so stupid? I’m virtually gagging.
Thanks for another funny & enlightening post Sally.
I’m so sick of every product known to man being injected with vitamins and fiber. If I want an oreo, I want a freaking oreo, not a faux nutritious “cookie”. I mean really. Like you say, why don’t people just eat fruit and teach their childrens that cookies are cookies, not health food.
I loved this post! I totally agree. Thanks, Sally!
I *totally* agree! What kind of a treat is that, anyhow? Sounds gross. Plus, who is eating so many cookies that they need a healthy version like this?
Couldn’t the same thing be said about white milk versus chocolate milk? Both milks have the same nutrients; however, that chocolate milk has that extra sugar and should be considered a treat versus a daily lunch menu item.
Sharon–I agree. Which is why, if my child is going to be buying chocolate milk at school, I don’t pack any kind of sweet treat in his lunchbox. The milk is a kind of sweet treat too. Both of my boys know that chocolate milk is a “sweet drink” that we drink in moderation.