New Smarties packages aid smarter snacking
TORONTO — The famous Smarties jingle used to ask chocolate lovers if they ate the red ones last.
Now, Nestle Canada is asking consumers to consider eating fewer of the candy-coated chocolate treats and save the red ones for later. The company is revamping the packaging of Smarties to make it easier for consumers to parcel them out into healthier portion sizes.
“I think it’s probably no surprise to anybody that we’ve lost a bit of our sense of what an appropriate-size portion is of food,” said Catherine O’Brien, vice-president of corporate affairs at Nestle Canada in Toronto. “We’re … providing a package that’s a tangible way for consumers to be a bit more mindful about their choices when having a treat. It’s a physical disruption to your eating pattern, just to make you think before you overdo it.”
The new Canadian-developed package is slightly smaller — down to 45 grams from 50 — and each box is divided into three compartments. Each compartment contains 15 Smarties, which add up to 70 calories. Those 15 Smarties contain just shy of 11 grams of sugar, or the equivalent of about three cubes’ worth.
“The package is an actual physical separation of portion, with the notion of enjoy some now and enjoy some at another time,” said O’Brien.
The company is discontinuing its king-sized Smarties boxes. Bags of Smarties weighing 203 grams are being replaced with recyclable canisters, with lids that double as measuring cups that pour out a 70-calorie, 15 Smartie portion.
“I could see where it would be useful for those people who are health-conscious and aware or trying to manage their portion sizes,” said registered dietitian Shannon Crocker.
“I could also see where it wouldn’t work for everybody. My teenager would blow through all (three) sections (of a box) with no trouble,” added the mother of two boys, aged 11 and 13. “I think it could be a good instructional tool for parents … to help teach kids how we can enjoy treats in moderation. We know from research that restricting foods that kids love as a strategy to force healthy eating backfires.”
Crocker and O’Brien both remind consumers candy is not nutritious and should not be eaten regularly. Canada’s Food Guide advises limiting foods and beverages that are high in calories, fat, sugar or salt.