Parents fool children with ‘brand deception’

Sneaky parents are fooling their children into thinking they are eating premium brands of food.

In fact, 22 per cent of UK parents admit to ‘brand deception’, in a bid to lower the cost of the shopping bill without the tantrum.

The study by MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, asked 1,184 parents with children under the age of five if they had been dishonest to them about the brands they buy.

A staggering 64 per cent of parents had children who were brand aware.

A 47 per cent of these had children who recognised branded food produce and 21 per cent branded clothing.
 
A popular parent deception involves cereal, with 17 per cent deceiving their children into eating a cheaper alternative.

Another 12 per cent lied about which brand of fizzy drinks they had bought.

Parenting expert at MyVoucherCodes.co.uk, says: “?Market- leading brands, particularly in the food and clothing sectors, can be marked up considerably higher than their own brand counterparts; so it is completely understandable that some parents choose to purchase cheaper versions. Although children can become rather stuck in their ways when it comes to what brands they favour, particularly when it comes to food; rarely does taste ever give this away, and cheaper alternatives can often surpass market-leading produce in terms of quality. 

“Rather than lying, I would suggest explaining the reasons behind not buying branded produce to children; particularly considering the reason is usually financial. After all, it is never too early to teach your children to save where possible.?”