It seems like the label “natural” doesn’t really mean anything these days. Especially when it comes to advertising, these labels seem like just another marketing tool. Natural can be applied to anything as long as it doesn’t contain artificial flavors, synthetic substances, or added color.
That being said, “natural” doesn’t apply to the use of pesticides, hormones, antibiotics, or foods containing natural sweeteners like high fructose corn syrup. Naturally, we’re upset! Another bit of natural info: when your favorite shampoo states 98% of natural origin, it is referring to the water. You are welcome.
Subway
A classic scam; the footlong sub was never really a footlong. When it was measured, the sandwich came to be only 11 inches. When trying to defend their decision, Subway said that their "Footlong Sub" is just a trademark as a descriptive name for the sub and was not intended to measure length.
The cost of the famous sandwich jumped significantly escalated in the past few years, so we're hoping they changed its length to the advertised size, or else, in the future the measuring tape will become a necessity whenever going out for a sub.
Starbucks
You know when you think you know someone and then one day you realize that you don't know them at all? Well, that is exactly what happened to many with Starbucks. If there's one reason people wait for all-year-round for fall, it's Starbucks's Pumpkin Spice Latte. At first, it seemed like there was no reason not to love the sweet latte; it even gained a cult-like following.
That was when in 2015, food blogger Vani Hair, also known as Food Babe, revealed that there was no pumpkin in the Pumpkin Spice Latte. It has many other - not so healthy - ingredients. All of that being said, it hasn't stopped the masses from lining up at Starbucks the moment leaves start changing colors.
Snickers
When we talk about trust issues, this is what we mean. When you advertise a Snickers bar that is twice the size of the regular one, make sure you get rid of all the regular Snickers candy bars in sight. Otherwise, consumers will catch on to you pretty fast, as they did here. It's like Snickers didn't think anyone would bother making a size comparison.
We can't speak for you, but we know we won't be falling for this offensive display of marketing any time soon! Since then Snikers has replied and said that the number two refers to the number of units and not necessarily of the original size. Sorry Snikers, you still haven't convinced us.
Olio
We all know that going to the grocery store means you'll be confronted with an overwhelming number of choices when it comes to cooking oils. If you're looking for olive oil, this bottle of Olio may stand out. After all, the words "olive oil" stand out in big, bold letters.
The words "sunflower oil," on the other hand, are cleverly hidden, so you won't know that you're only getting 10% olive oil. Look again, yes, right there! 90% sunflower oil and 10% olive oil - this was not an accident! Where are the regulators? Where is legislation? Why do food companies get away with this?