#ConsumerAwareness

A new wave of research is shedding light on the subtle psychological techniques marketers use to influence our daily spending decisions—tactics so powerful that they can lead consumers to buy things they never truly wanted or needed. Drawing on the latest insights from psychology, this investigation reveals how neuromarketing manipulates perception, emotion, and judgment to shape shopping habits, with implications that extend deeply into the Thai retail landscape and the lives of local consumers.

A growing body of research reveals the psychology marketers use to nudge Thai shoppers toward purchases they may not truly need. The findings show neuromarketing can influence perception, emotion, and judgment, affecting everyday spending in Thai markets, malls, and online platforms.

Shopping in Thailand is a cultural staple, from busy wet markets to gleaming malls and convenient mobile apps. Yet many shoppers bring home items that seemed irresistible at checkout but prove unnecessary later. Recent insights highlight how sophisticated marketing tricks override rational choice, tapping into cognitive biases that steer spending—an issue with real implications for Thai households.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit has reignited concerns over the safety of artificial sweeteners—specifically erythritol, a popular sugar substitute found in countless sugar-free and “diet” products worldwide. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that heighten the risk of stroke and heart attack—an alarming development for consumers and health officials alike as the use of sugar substitutes remains widespread, including in Thailand’s urban and health-conscious communities.

A new study presented at the 2025 American Physiology Summit raises fresh questions about the safety of erythritol, a popular artificial sweetener found in many sugar-free and “diet” products. Researchers report that erythritol may trigger cellular changes that increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, a finding that matters to Thai readers amid widespread use of sugar substitutes in beverages, snacks, and personal care products.

In Thailand, awareness of sugar’s link to obesity and diabetes has driven demand for sugar-free options. Erythritol has been promoted for its low calorie count and minimal impact on blood sugar, making it a common choice for people managing diabetes or reducing sugar intake. The latest findings challenge the assumption that erythritol is risk-free, highlighting the public health relevance for Thai consumers and health authorities alike.

A sweeping US policy to phase out eight artificial food colorings by 2026 is prompting global discussions on safety and labeling. The move, led by the US FDA, targets petroleum-derived dyes and warns that the health risks may outweigh their familiar rainbow appeal in snacks, drinks, and even everyday pantry items. The policy signals a major shift in how synthetic colors are regulated worldwide, including in Thailand.

For Thai readers, the ban casts light on the hidden ingredients in many foods beyond imported sweets. Breakfast cereals, flavored yogurts, noodles, and even some pickled vegetables can contain these additives. As Thailand continues to enjoy bright, modern snacks, questions arise about how such dyes affect local diets and how producers might respond.

The US government’s bold decision to phase out a suite of artificial food dyes by 2026 has sparked global conversations about food safety and consumer protection, sending ripples across Thailand’s food industry and raising fresh questions for local parents, shoppers, and health experts. The move—unfolding under the direction of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)—targets at least eight petroleum-derived synthetic colorants, with US officials warning that the dyes’ risks sharply outweigh their rainbow-hued appeal in familiar snacks, beverages, and even unexpected pantry staples.

A mounting wave of scientific warnings highlights a hidden danger: microplastics—tiny plastic particles smaller than five millimeters—are showing up in ordinary products, food, and water. Research warns that exposure can occur after a single use, prompting both policy scrutiny and personal vigilance in Thailand as urban life embraces takeout culture and packaged goods.

Microplastics have infiltrated daily life, appearing in air, water, and food. Data from the U.S. National Ocean Service show they originate from the breakdown of larger plastics, wear from synthetic fibers, and microbeads once used in cosmetics. Despite steps to curb the problem, including bans on microbeads, microplastics remain a rising health and environmental concern. Thailand is not immune, as packaging sectors and consumer habits intersect with rising plastic pollution.

A wave of urgent scientific warnings has gripped international health and environmental communities as researchers uncover the pervasive contamination of everyday products with “invisible” microplastics—tiny particles of plastic less than five millimeters in size that can easily enter food and drinking water, impacting people after just a single use. This silent invasion, previously believed to be a concern mainly with overused or degraded plastic items, is now recognized as an immediate health issue, requiring both policy responses and personal vigilance, including here in Thailand (Yahoo News).

A new health buzz surrounds a so-called “wonder supplement” that tabloids claim could prevent cancer, improve heart health, and slow skin aging. While international outlets spark curiosity, Thai readers deserve a careful, evidence-based view on whether this hype translates to real-world benefits.

Media caution is warranted. A recent headline from a prominent U.S. outlet highlights a dietary compound supposedly delivering triple benefits, but experts stress that such bold claims require long-term human trials to confirm real-world effectiveness. The World Health Organization also emphasizes diet and lifestyle as the foundation of disease prevention, rather than relying on a single supplement.

A new wave of health buzz surrounds a so-called “wonder supplement” that, according to recent headlines, might prevent cancer, boost heart health, and slow skin aging. With claims making the rounds in international media, including the New York Post, Thai health enthusiasts are keen to know: Does this supplement live up to the hype – and should it be part of everyday wellness here in Thailand?

The recent New York Post article, “The wonder supplement you’ve never heard of prevents cancer, makes your heart healthier and slows skin aging” (source), shines a spotlight on a dietary compound that supposedly delivers a triple health benefit. While the article stops short of naming the supplement in its headline and lead (pending full content access), such bold claims inevitably spark debate among health professionals and everyday consumers alike. For Thai audiences accustomed to a surge of imported wellness trends—ranging from collagen powders to herbal extracts—skepticism and curiosity go hand-in-hand.

Strolling down the aisles of any modern supermarket, shoppers from Bangkok to Buriram are awash in attractive food packaging touting claims like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” or “low-carb.” But intriguing new research and regulatory discussions are challenging whether these tempting promises really hold up—and how consumers in Thailand and worldwide might be misled by what’s known as “nutriwashing” or “healthwashing” Yahoo.

What is nutriwashing? Marketers routinely use buzzwords like “natural,” “gluten-free,” and “immune-boosting” to confer a health halo on processed foods. Yet, as Lindsay Malone, a registered dietician and nutrition instructor at Case Western Reserve University, tells Yahoo Life, “These claims influence consumer decisions by creating the illusion of healthiness, leading shoppers to choose products they believe are better for them when, in reality, they may still be highly processed and nutritionally poor.” Her warning echoes international studies that found many foods labeled as “high in protein” or “whole grain” may contain surprisingly high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives PubMed, 2024.

Shoppers across Thailand are bombarded with labels like “heart healthy,” “high in protein,” and “low-carb.” New research and regulatory debates question whether these claims are trustworthy and how they influence buying decisions. In many cases, the marketing buzzwords create a health halo that may mislead consumers about the true nutritional value of the product.

Nutriwashing, a term gaining traction worldwide, describes how marketers sprinkle health-oriented terms onto processed foods. A registered dietitian at Case Western Reserve University notes that such claims can steer people toward products they believe are healthier, even when those items are highly processed. International studies echo this concern, showing that some “high in protein” or “whole grain” labels accompany high sugar, artificial sweeteners, and preservatives.

A recent Washington Post column questions the belief that “natural” foods automatically mean better health. The discussion invites Thai and international readers to reassess food choices in light of science, culture, and everyday eating habits.

In Thailand, organic and naturally labeled products have surged in popularity. Bangkok and Chiang Mai farmers’ markets buzz with shoppers seeking what they perceive as healthier options. While a varied, unprocessed diet supports well-being, some so-called natural foods may still carry health risks. Natural sugars and fats, for example, can contribute to obesity and heart-related conditions that already affect Thai communities.

The long-standing notion that “natural” food equates to superior health benefits is under scrutiny, inviting Thai and international readers to reconsider their food choices. A recent column by Tamar Haspel in The Washington Post explores why humans, including Thais who value health and traditional diets, are naturally drawn to foods labeled as “natural,” even in the absence of scientific backing source.

This discussion is particularly significant as it aligns with growing trends in Thailand where organic and naturally labeled foods have become immensely popular. Farmers’ markets across Bangkok to Chiang Mai are bustling with consumers seeking the perceived benefits of natural products. While consuming a varied diet of unprocessed foods aligns with a healthy lifestyle, some so-called natural foods may still pose health risks. For instance, natural sugars and fats can contribute to obesity, heart disease, or hypertension, issues already prevalent in Thai society.

In a world increasingly obsessed with healthful eating, snacks often come under scrutiny. Recent insights from a gut-health expert reveal that our perceptions of what constitutes a “healthier” snack may not always align with nutritional reality. Dr. Megan Rossi, a renowned dietitian, highlights that baked potato chips, traditionally deemed the healthier option compared to regular potato chips, may not be as beneficial as previously thought.

While the allure of lower calories and reduced fat content makes baked chips an attractive choice for the health-conscious, Rossi explains that they may come up short in other nutritional aspects. Unlike regular chips made from whole potatoes, baked versions often use potato flakes—a form of ultra-processed potato that can strip away vital nutrients such as potassium and vitamin C.

New insights from a gut-health expert challenge the idea that baked potato chips are a healthier choice. Research from a leading dietitian suggests that baked versions may not deliver the nutritional benefits many assume. The takeaway for Thai readers is simple: look beyond calories and fat when judging a snack’s healthiness.

The appeal of baked chips lies in their lower fat and fewer calories. Yet, processing can offset these advantages. Many baked chips are made from potato flakes rather than whole potatoes, which can reduce minerals such as potassium and vitamin C. In addition, processing may introduce extra flavors and sometimes sugar, blurring the line between healthful snacking and indulgence. For better choices, seek snacks with a short, recognizable ingredient list.

A recent consumer report highlights the nutritional pitfalls of popular fast-food options, a message that resonates with Thai readers who want to protect long-term health. The findings point to meals from well-known chains that are high in calories and salt, underscoring why moderation matters for busy lifestyles.

For example, some bacon-loaded burgers can approach 1,200 calories with sodium around 2,270 milligrams, while other heavy burgers deliver high levels of fat and saturated fat well beyond daily recommendations. A common chicken strip combo is also alarmingly high in sodium, prompting concern from health professionals and mindful diners alike.