Some anthropomorphic brand mascots are cute. Take the iconic Tony the Tiger and his highly quotable Frosted Flakes catchphrase, “They’re Grrrrreat!” Then there are the food mascots that seem to be so taken with their own deliciousness that they happily offer themselves up for the slaughter. The jolly cartoon turkey on the packaging of Koch’s Turkey Farm brand Lil’ Gobblers Turkey Bites seems a little too happy, considering he’s advocating the consumption of turkey nuggets.
I also doubt that it’s “every egg’s dream” to be made into part of an Egg McMuffin, as this billboard from Leo Burnett Worldwide would imply. And these print Thai ads for Rachachuros Seasoning, created by Far East DDB Bangkok, depict chicken and duck carcasses making come-hither eyes at the camera, like nude models at a sexy photo shoot. The California Raisins spots from the 1980s are another good example. The raisins are adorable – and super cool in their sunglasses – but also suicidal.
These talking sausages could not be creepier. Created as one in a series of shorts for the British Food Standards Agency to promote healthier eating, a fried sausage with a face has a chat with a grilled sausage, opining “Oooh, I feel so fat. Why didn’t they grill me like you?”
Of course there are cases of the converse, like Chik-fil-A’s “Eat Mor Chikin” campaign in which cows encourage consumers to “take a vacashun frum beef.” The initiative launched back in the early 2000s with a direct push supported by outdoor, in-store and targeted direct mail – and the cows are still at it. They even have their own Twitter feed now. On Tuesday the cows tweeted: “Weer thankful 4 supportrz of cowkind. And chikin eaterz. And reely thankful 4 pepul who r both.”
Other examples of anthropomorphic animals with a death wish:
- Kellogg’s Mini-Wheats: The Mini-Wheats take a steam bath in a bowl of milk.
- Charlie the Tuna: Wise-talking Charlie is thrown off-course when he confuses “tunas with taste” with “tunas that taste good.”
- Kool-Aid: The Kool-Aid Man generously gives of himself to some thirsty kids.
What’s your favorite anthropomorphic food mascot? Leave a comment for us.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
