Change
The twist you can’t resist!
Twizzlers are a well-loved, delectable candy that many Americans eat. But some critics disagree that this candy’s production should be shut down for good. Since many love Twizzlers, (especially the strawberry flavored ones) most would disagree with these critics. But after looking into the contents of the candy, most would agree that they have a point. But, all in all, most would never want the Hershey's company to shut down the production of Twizzlers. Well, they certainly need to improve their sugar content, amounts of food dye, and artificial flavoring. But all that can be changed. So, Hershey’s should not discontinue Twizzlers, but improve the quality of the candy in order to create a brighter future for the company.
One reason why Twizzlers should be thought over again is that they have high sugar content and artificial sugars. Twizzlers have 19 grams of sugar per serving. That is equivalent to 4 and ¾ teaspoons of sugar. Imagine almost 5 whole teaspoons of sugar. That’s a lot! Sugar is bad for the heart, and causes obesity. Did you know that the U.S is the #1 in obesity? It’s true! While many popular candies use artificial sugars, (including Twizzlers) natural sugars like cane sugar, fructose, (sugar from honey and fruits) and beet sugar can be used instead. These are natural and are from plants that already contain sugar in them.
Another reason why some qualities in Twizzlers should be changed is because of the oodles of harmful food dye(s) in the candy. We can all agree that food dye is bad for you, so why dump it in candy for children to eat? In the NPR Heath segment titled “FDA Probes Link Between Food Dyes”, Michael Jacobson, director of the Center of Science in the Public Interest, says,”Food dyes are simply added to make the food fun. They serve no purpose whatsoever.”The text also states “Red 40 dye may cause symptoms of hypersensitivity in some people, including swelling (specifically around the mouth) and hives. Researchers have also associated food dyes with problems in children, including allergies, hyperactivity, learning impairment and irritability and aggressiveness. ”Strawberry Twizzlers Twists® contain Red 40 dye. While most popular candy companies use food dye with lots of harmful chemicals, such as benzene, a known carcinogen in Red 40 and Yellow 5 and 6, they could use natural coloring. For example, instead of using Red 40 dye in Strawberry and Cherry Twizzlers®, the company could use the vibrant red coloring of beets. Trust me, they stain quite well. The company could also use raspberries as a red food dye. Thankfully, these natural food dyes do not interfere with the taste. This is just another considerable reason for Hershey’s to reconsider their Twizzlers and adjust the factors to make this candy better.
A third reason for Hershey’s to change Twizzlers is because of the artificial flavors. Almost all the Twizzlers candies have artificial flavoring (not just the Twizzlers Twists, but the Filled Twists, Bites, Nibs, and Pull n Peel) except the black licorice flavored candies. The FDA’s definition of natural flavor is "The essential oil, oleoresin, essence or extractive, protein hydrolysate, distillate, or any product of roasting, heating or enzymolysis, which contains the flavoring constituents derived from a spice, fruit or fruit juice, vegetable or vegetable juice, edible yeast, herb, bark, bud, root, leaf or similar plant material, meat, seafood, poultry, eggs, dairy products, or fermentation products thereof, whose significant function in food is flavoring rather than nutritional." The FDA's definition of an artificial flavor is any substance that does not meet the definition of a natural flavor. Although artificial flavoring might be time saving, since it doesn’t need fields of a certain plant first, it can cause chest pain, headaches, fatigue, nervous system depression, allergies, and even brain damage. Unfortunately, this is only the beginning of the list. Other symptoms include, seizures, nausea, dizziness, and many more. A great substitute for artificial flavor is, wait for it…… real flavor from extracts of real plants and fruits! The best way to give something its flavor is to add extracts of the flavor.
Changes in Twizzlers mean a better future for Hershey’s and a better candy for the public. I mean, who wants to eat candy with almost 5 whole teaspoons of sugar, and effects of chest pain, headaches, fatigue, nervous system depression, allergies, and even brain damage from artificial flavoring? But wait, there’s more! The candy also includes food dyes that cause hyperactivity, learning impairment and irritability and aggressiveness (That was a mouthful). Yet, this candy is far too delicious to be discontinued, and is way better than Red Vines. It even has resealable packaging! Plus, all of this unhealthy content can be changed. So we can kick out the harmful chemicals and keep America’s well-loved candy.
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