Our Stance on the Endorsement of Kraft Singles

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has recently dubbed Kraft Singles as their first “Kids Eat Right” product.
(Please refer to the article here for more information)

I disagree with this endorsement* and find it ridiculous. As dietitians, it is our duty to educate the public on how to achieve optimal nutrition through consuming whole foods. I am embarrassed the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics chose processed cheese slices as their first food to endorse to children. Their argument is that cheese slices are high in calcium and vitamin D, and that kids actually eat them. This is the lazy way to look at the issue. Last time I checked, kids love eating fruit roll ups, chocolate bars, fruit loops, etc. All of which have been touted to contain essential nutrients our bodies need. So are we going to start endorsing these products too?

While the basics of nutrition from whole unprocessed foods may not be glitzy and glamorous, it is what our bodies need to achieve health. It is our job as dietitians to teach people to have fun with nutritious food. If we can’t do it, then who will?

There are many other sources of calcium out there that are less processed including real cheese, milk, good quality yogurt, sesame seeds, chia seeds, flax seeds, almonds, soy beans, beet greens, bok choy, kale, okra, seaweed, and spinach. While these items may not be top of a child’s list of foods to eat, I guarantee you that we as parents and dietitians can create some awesome dishes with these whole foods that they will love! Leaving the creativity up to the food industry to come up with foods to help us meet our nutrition goals and get us excited about food is one of the reasons the shelves are stocked with junk.

I just don’t understand why we support the use of chemicals, artificial colours and flavours, etc. in our food supply.

If you are against this endorsement and want to take action, please join us by signing the petition to #RepealTheSeal here.

*The Academy argues that they are not endorsing Kraft Singles. However, to the public, this “Kids Eat Right” logo on Kraft Singles is perceived to be an endorsement of the food as being healthy.