Category: Consumer history

In 1999, a young girl's skin turned orange after excessively drinking Sunny Delight, sparking a media firestorm that became a critical moment in consumer history. The story, coupled with growing public awareness of the drink's low nutritional value, ultimately led to a massive decline in sales, though it's a misconception that Sunny Delight was formally banned. This article uncovers the real reasons behind the brand's rapid fall from grace.

On May 5, 2014, Coca-Cola announced it would stop using brominated vegetable oil (BVO) in all its products, including popular citrus-flavored drinks. The decision to remove BVO was influenced by growing public pressure and consumer concerns over the emulsifying ingredient.

Back in 1990, McDonald's removed beef tallow from its fry recipe in response to public health pressure, leading to the first of several major recipe changes. This move prompts the question: did McDonald's make their fries healthier, or was it a misguided attempt with unintended consequences?