edible/drinking items with colors such as blue and black are less desirable for eating or drinking;usually red and green increase appetite.
So why is it that Coke is so desirable, even with children, despite its color?
-MC
Here are my personal unscientific thoughts about your interesting question.
The only red drinks I like are V8 (with a dash of worcestershire), Singapore Sling and Bloody Mary. There used to be a popular soda fountain drink called Green River. I used to like Hawaiian Punch and Nehi Strawberry (both red) but not anymore. All I remember is the cloying sweetness. Green River may have lost popularity because of all the food coloring it contained.
People like Cokes because they taste good and have a kind of battery-acid "kick". At least the Coca Cola Classic still does.
To add to Drwls's thoughts --
Aren't "appetizing" colors a matter of habit and culture?
To me, Coke is dark brown. Think of these popular brown foods -- hamburger, barbecued ribs, chocolate, baked potatoes, coffee, toast.
Would you want to eat green meat, eggs (despite Dr. Seuss), or butter?
During World War II, butter was rationed, so people switched to margarine. However, the dairy industry influenced the laws that prohibited the sale of yellow margarine and only white margarine was sold. We mixed it with a small capsule of yellow food coloring to get yellow margarine. One time my mother mixed the white margarine with green food coloring. That mixture turned off the family -- and she never tried anything but yellow margarine again.
Yes but some foods like herbs are green, and sauces are red.
I get the general point though..thanks :)
-MC
An "instinctive" preference for red and green may have evolved during and following the early days of hunter-gatherers. red = meat (or blood) and green = edible plants.
The desirability of colors in food and drinks can vary and is sometimes influenced by cultural and personal preferences. While it is true that certain colors like red and green have been associated with increased appetite, it is essential to consider other factors such as brand recognition, advertising, and taste.
In the case of Coca-Cola (Coke), its desirability can be attributed to several factors:
1. Branding and Advertising: Coke has established itself as an iconic and widely recognized brand through decades of successful marketing campaigns. The brand's association with happiness, fun, and sharing creates a positive image that can translate into desirability, especially among children.
2. Taste: The taste of Coke, with its unique combination of sweetness and carbonation, is often enjoyed by many people. The flavor profile, rather than the color, plays a significant role in its desirability.
3. Cultural Influence: The cultural impact of Coke cannot be overlooked. It has become a symbol of celebration, togetherness, and refreshment in many societies, which enhances its desirability regardless of its color.
It's worth noting that the color of Coke is not actually blue or black, but rather a dark caramel brown. The presence of caramel color, along with the iconic red and white branding, might also contribute to the overall appeal of the product.
Therefore, while color can play a role in food and drink preferences, other factors like branding, taste, and cultural influence heavily impact the desirability of products like Coke, making it popular despite not aligning with the traditionally appetite-increasing colors.