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USA Today is reporting on a new push to make baby carrots hip and desirable, as kids return to school and moms stock up on grab-and-go snacks. With 25 million marketing dollars behind the campaign, expect to start seeing ads, new packaging, and widespread baby carrot promotions.
It may seem silly to spend so much money promoting one of the most recognizable and common vegetables, but it can't hurt to raise their profile. Bagged spinach and other companies have licensed the use of popular television characters for the same reason. Such tactics allow them to compete with other foods in a crowded marketplace.
How can you get your own kids excited about carrots? Easy.
1. Serve carrots with quick dips at home, and pack small dip-filled containers in lunchboxes. Here's a simple bean dip, a lemony spinach-artichoke dip, and a two-minute guacamole.
2. Keep a small quantity of carrots in an easy-to-reach, easy-to-grab bag or bowl in the fridge, so little ones can see them. Store the bulk of the carrots in the produce drawer to prolong freshness.
3. Set a plate of carrots out on the counter or table as you make dinner.
4. Teach older kids how to use a vegetable peeler safely. Then ask them to help you prep standard, full-sized carrots for salads, soups, and stews.
Stay tuned to see whether baby carrot consumption increases once the new marketing campaign gets underway.
Like this? Read these!
- School Lunches, Beyond PB&J
- After-School Snacks Kids Can Make by Themselves
- How to Pack a Healthful Lunch Your Child Will Actually Eat
Cheryl Sternman Rule is a widely-published food writer and the voice behind the blog 5 Second Rule. Read all of Cheryl's iVillage posts here.
