Forbes’ ‘Snake Oil in Your Snacks’ examines food masquerading as drugs
Matthew Herper
- Forbes writers Matthew Herper and Rebecca Ruiz write that grocery shoppers should be wary of foods masquerading as drugs. Photo by Flickr.com user Jaako.
Matthew Herper and Rebecca Ruiz of Forbes went to the supermarket to survey the health claims on food labels. They write:
“Foods masquerading as drugs are the hot spot in the packaged-food business. The world’s biggest food companies are stuffing ostensibly beneficial bacteria, omega-3 fatty acids and other additives into packaged foods….The foods promise to boost immunity, protect your heart and digestive system or help you sleep.
“More than 2,000 so-called functional food brands generated $31 billion in U.S. sales in 2008, up 14% from 2006, according to the market researcher Packaged Facts. Globally, it is a $160 billion business. Sales are growing at a 7% annual clip.”
The story then examines the claims in six popular categories of food, including energy drinks and vitamins.
Today’s Tip: Break your material into sections to make it easier to write, Matthew says.
Each category starts with a marketing label, such as the ones used on products. This organization conveys the information efficiently. The online version also gives readers a chance to jump to a specific category.
Organizing ranks along with lede writing as among the toughest challenges that even seasoned writers face. Bob Baker’s Newsthinking site offers tips on organizing longer stories. Also, see Jonathan Rockoff’s piece about how he wrote a Giants article for The Providence Journal.
