Alarming ingredients in popular Bluey products spark anger online: 'This is so disappointing'

Bluey is not only a cartoon adored by parents and kids alike, but it's also a global franchise with Bluey merchandise lining the shelves of retailers everywhere. From plush toys to games, clothing, lunchboxes and even toothbrushes, few products haven't been branded with the Heeler family and their mates.

However, some products recently caused a stir online when a nutritionist pointed out how unhealthy they are for kids, prompting parents to share their disappointment and concern. Sharing a carousel of photos of food items, including Paul's Bluey Strawberry Milk and the Vanilla Flavoured Custard pouches, Paediatric Nutritionist and MindChamps' Global Nutrition Officer Mandy Sacher alerted her followers to some of the ingredients in the products that are linked to health issues.

"Let’s talk about how Bluey promotes processed food products to our kids!" Mandy begins the post. "Most parents are not food detectives, and the manufacturers (and Bluey!) take advantage of this by assuming parents won’t know how to read labels and buy snacks based on the “fun” Bluey packaging."

RELATED:

• Mum's 'terrible' Bluey birthday cake sparks comparison to season two episode: 'I am laughing'

• Bluey fans are going crazy trying figure out that mystery at the end of 'Surprise'

• Bluey fans are losing their minds over hidden detail in show: 'Makes so much sense!'

She continues, "So what do all the Bluey food products have in common? Most of their products contain processed and ultra-processed ingredients with refined sugar and additives, and set up kids eating habits to prefer these types of food products over ones made from unprocessed ingredients!"

In the Instagram post, Mandy circles various ingredients - such as carmine, which she says is linked to recurrent flares of atopic eczema, and carrageenan, which she says is linked to gut inflammation.

Continuing her Instagram caption, Mandy also points out that research suggests that clever marketing tactics, such as using licensed characters, can significantly influence kids' taste preferences and make them favour energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods. She also noted that "research shows that exposure to the marketing of unhealthy foods is an acknowledged risk factor for the development of childhood obesity."

'Our kiddos deserve better'

The post was flooded with responses from parents who were dismayed at the revelation.

"Oh wow that’s disappointing- I didn’t realise the milk was that bad," one person wrote, "Doesn’t the milk have a 3 or 4 star rating? Or are those “stars” not to go by?"

"Very disappointing - haven't and certainly won't now purchase any of these endorsed items," another wrote.

"This is so disappointing," someone else lamented.

Another person wrote, "I find this so frustrating, I wish they cared more about kid’s health than making $$$" while another tagged the official Bluey account writing "our kiddos deserve better… do better."

More parents weighed in saying that the inclusion of these ingredients was "shocking", "so sad" and "heartbreaking".

'The onus is on the parent'

Other followers agreed with Mandy that the ingredients were concerning but that parents have the power to limit the effectiveness of the marketing.

"You’re right, they absolutely use characters to manipulate decision making," said one person. "But the onus is on the parent/guardian etc to make informed decisions."

Another wrote, "Am I missing the part where we think consumerism has a responsibility to our kids health? Or to anything good? Or is that not the parents job? It’s fairly simple, ‘can I have the bluey food’ ‘no.’"

How to pick healthy snacks for kids

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, Mandy shared some tips for ensuring that the snacks parents choose for their kids are free from potentially harmful ingredients. "Remember, toddlers can enjoy foods similar to adults' without the need for sugary alternatives," Mandy says, while also encouraging parents to empower themselves by learning to read food labels.

"This skill enables you to uncover hidden sugars, detect sodium levels and be aware of additives and preservatives," she says. "Many additives and preservatives have no place in a child’s daily diet."

Citing the fact that sugar-laden diets are the leading cause of type 2 diabetes in children, Mandy also recommends avoiding 'kiddie snacks' and products with colourful cartoon characters. "These are packed with processed and ultra-processed ingredients, so steering clear of them can shield your kids from excessive sugar and harmful additives," she says.

SHOP:

• The new beauty product designed to protect your skin: 'Perfect for glassy, dewy skin'

• The breastfeeding cover mums can't get enough of: 'It's a godsend'

• The 'retreat in a box' that's saving tired mums: 'It makes me look after myself.'

"A simple rule of thumb: avoid marketed "kiddie" foods like dinosaur-shaped nuggets, sugary yoghurt pouches, and children's muesli bars," Mandy continues. "These often lack nutrition and aren't necessary for toddlers."

Another piece of advice that Mandy offers is to look for products that contain natural foods rather than artificial ingredients and excessive sugar. Instead, products and snacks with protein, whole grains, real fruits, vegetables, and fibre should be the ingredients to embrace.

Explains Mandy, "This is the best way to support your child and family's growth and well-being."

Want the latest celebrity news? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.