Investigating Unhealthy Food Advertising Online: Insights from Melbourne Study
The Australian government’s scrutiny on banning online unhealthy food ads parallels the UK’s upcoming restrictions starting October 2025. Recent research using the Australian Ad Observatory delves into how these ads target parents, children, and young men, advocating for a healthier digital landscape.
The study, leveraging data from 1,909 volunteers who contributed 328,107 unique Facebook ads, reveals pervasive strategies by advertisers promoting high-fat, high-sugar “discretionary” foods. Notably, fast-food giants like KFC and McDonald’s dominate these ads, comprising a quarter of observed promotions. Additionally, brands like Cadbury and Coca-Cola heavily feature in campaigns, influencing food preferences and consumption habits.
The research underscores children’s vulnerability to such marketing, influencing their food choices and potentially fostering unhealthy habits. Similarly, young adults aged 18 to 24 are significantly targeted, shaping their food attitudes and norms.
As calls for stricter regulations on junk food advertising persist, these findings highlight the urgent need for policies to create a healthier digital environment, aligning with global efforts to mitigate the impact of online promotions of unhealthy foods.
This comprehensive analysis provides critical insights into the pervasive influence of junk food advertising and supports initiatives aimed at fostering healthier lifestyles among online users in Australia and beyond.
