For many years, advertisements have offered consumers more than just products; they have provided concepts, expectations, and, at times, even blatant untruths. Commercials have changed our perceptions of how food should taste, how quickly things should function, and what constitutes “normal living”. Although many commercials would technically not be illegal, their claims could be viewed as purposely misleading.
This article contains some of the most common myths that commercial advertising has sold to consumers over the years, as well as the truth that was concealed by these advertisements; it will provide factual information regarding the use of various forms of marketing and how they altered the way consumers perceive reality while remaining within the confines of the law.
1. Kellogg’s Cereal Ads: “Breakfast Builds Strong Bodies”
Source: Pinterest
Kellogg’s Corn Flakes and Frosties commercials depicted active children with healthy families, hinting at their higher nutritional quality than competitors’ cereals. The commercials did not highlight sugar content; however, independent studies of some Kellogg cereals marketed to children found that their added sugar content is often nearly equal to that of desserts.
Subsequent research demonstrated that fortifying with vitamins does not prevent blood sugar levels from spiking. Kellogg’s did not disclose that their cereals are fortified after some nutrients are removed during processing.
2. McDonald’s Big Mac Commercials
Source: Reddit
The Big Mac advertisements by McDonald’s depicted giant burgers with huge patties, shiny bun surfaces, and overflowing lettuce; however, as confirmed by McDonald’s food stylists, the burgers used in the advertisements were made with raw meat, had cardboard spacers to keep them from collapsing, and were glued together.
A real Big Mac will be made using steam to cook the meat and press the bun down to flatten it. Additionally, these advertisements never represented what a person actually received, because burgers are not made using these peaks and are classified as “illustrations” under the law.
3. Axe Body Spray “The Axe Effect” Campaign
Source: Facebook
The Axe commercials portrayed that women’s attraction to men occurred as soon as an Axe was used, resulting in women literally running down the street to find a man. However, studies in psychology have shown that many individual factors influence scent, such as a person’s relationship status, prior experiences, and environmental factors.
In fact, most people report finding it unattractive when someone overuses fragrance. Therefore, the truth Axe was hiding is that confidence and social dynamics are far more important in attracting people than any spray you can buy. However, advertising a realistic approach would generate less buzz (or viral) than a deceptive approach.
4. Colgate Whitening Toothpaste Ads
Source: Reddit
Colgate advertisements claimed that people could quickly whiten their teeth; however, the American Dental Association has clarified that most people using whitening products remove only surface stains, and that true whitening requires a professional to use hydrogen peroxide treatments.
Furthermore, the hidden truth is that enamel color (the white part of your teeth) is hereditary, and therefore, excessive use of aggressive whitening toothpastes can actually destroy tooth enamel.
Marketing has existed for centuries, with some of the Oldest Advertisements Ever Created revealing how early businesses promoted their goods long before modern media.
5. Special K Weight Loss Commercials
Source: Reddit
The notion promoted by Special K’s “Drop a Jean Size” campaign was that dieting with cereal could lead to weight loss; however, follow-up research indicated that participants also consumed fewer calories from fat.
Advocacy groups claimed that the advertising was misleading because it made weight loss appear simple, whereas in fact no cereal product will result in fat; rather, caloric imbalance and established behaviour are what lead to fat loss.
6. Red Bull “Gives You Wings” Ads
Source: Reddit
According to their slogan, Red Bull implies that drinking the energy drink will improve performance and increase focus. The company reached a settlement in 2014 after a lawsuit for false advertising.
Red Bull’s performance-enhancing effects are attributable primarily to caffeine and sugar, which are also found in coffee. Consumers received monetary compensation because the company’s marketing, which used the concept of “wings” as described on its website, implied a mechanical enhancement of a human beyond that ordinarily achieved through stimulation.
7. L’Oréal Anti-Aging Cream Commercials
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The actresses presented in commercials for L’Oréal’s anti-aging creams were clearly photographed in digitally enhanced poses. The UK Advertising Standards Authority ruled that certain advertisements misled viewers about the results of the product being sold.
Experts confirmed that no topical cream on the market could reverse wrinkles within 10 years. Therefore, the product’s true effects, as shown in the respective advertisements, were attributable solely to specific lighting, makeup, and post-production.
8. Subway “Eat Fresh” Weight Loss Ads
Source: Reddit
Corporate-sponsored television advertisements featuring individuals claiming they have lost significant weight by eating at Subway and/or a few Subway sandwiches will mislead viewers about the actual caloric content of Subway sandwiches and related products.
Furthermore, the nutritional information for one or more Subway sandwiches shows that most Subway products contain a considerable amount of salt and/or highly refined carbohydrates. Ultimately, the truth is that at least half of the calories Jared Fogle consumed came from a restrictively low-calorie diet and daily walks, not solely from the Subway dinner menu.
9. Danone Activia Yogurt Commercials
Source: Reddit
Activia advertisements said they could see improvements in their digestion in as little as two weeks, yet reports soon showed that due to their lack of regulations, the fine print had to have disclaimers stating that the results would not necessarily be the same for everyone and that probiotics do affect people differently, plus there is no guarantee for results. What was not known was that to have a healthy gut, you need to eat a healthy diet, not just a certain brand of yogurt.
10. Apple iPhone Battery Life Ads
Source: Reddit
Apple’s commercials advertised that the iPhone has all-day battery life, but the company tested it under controlled conditions. Real-world use of the iPhone has shown that battery life varies depending on how the brightness is set, which applications you use, and whether you update your phone.
Eventually, Apple admitted to limiting the performance of older phones. What was not disclosed was that their controlled test conditions do not match actual use conditions (everyday use).
11. Gatorade Sports Commercials
Source: Reddit
Gatorade advertisements suggested that drinking Gatorade improves hydration and gives the drinker an athletic edge. Other scientific studies show that most active people (recreationally) won’t benefit from drinking electrolyte drinks; plain water is better than Gatorade. Also, the amount of sugar in Gatorade has been shown to be equal to that of soda in some cases.
Cultural norms have changed drastically, which is why Classic ’60s Ads That Would Stir Up Drama Today highlight how outdated messages once passed as acceptable marketing.
12. Weight Watchers Before-and-After Ads
Source: Reddit
Weight Watchers advertisements have shown how well people have transformed since they started the program. However, it was hidden in the small print at the bottom of their ads that the rate of transformation may vary greatly from one participant to another. Weight loss can be sustained in some people when they change their lifestyle, but the point system alone does not sustain long-term weight loss.
13. Febreze “Odor Elimination” Commercials
Source: Reddit
Febreze commercials claim they eliminate odors, but they actually only temporarily trap odor molecules and usually mask synthetic fragrance. According to Consumer Reports, after the fragrance disappears, in many cases, the odor will return
14. CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara Ads
Source: Reddit
Regulations in England ended the use of eyelash extensions in television advertisements because they were considered misleading and that the results could not be achieved with mascara alone.
15. Nike “Just Do It” Transformation Ads
Source: Reddit
Nike used advertisements showing extreme physical transformations, although exercise science experts have noted that it would take years of consistent training, a healthy diet, and a genetically fit body to achieve the same results. The efforts are unrealistic and don’t include an accurate timeframe for when those results would occur.
16. Herbalife Shake Commercials
Source: Reddit
Herbalife markets its shakes as a weight-loss aid and an alternative to meals, although medical studies indicate that using its products in place of meals would result in some weight loss due to reduced calorie intake.
17. Old Spice “Smell Like a Man” Ads
Source: Reddit
Old Spice created its ad campaign based on the idea that if a man used its product, he would instantly signal to women that he was masculine and worthy of desire. Experts in psychological science have noted that smell does not have the same effect on someone else’s perception of you; the only thing sold in Old Spice ads is confidence.
18. Coca-Cola “Happiness” Campaigns
Source: Reddit
Coca-Cola advertisements have shown that if you drink Coke, you will find happiness and togetherness with others while drinking Coke. The results of extensive health studies have found that regular consumption of Coke increases risk factors for obesity and diabetes. The Coca-Cola advertisements tell a story of happiness through emotional ties but ultimately mask the health risks associated with regular Coke consumption.
19. Pantene “Stronger Hair” Commercials
Source: Reddit
For ages, Pantene has marketed its hair care as “strong hair,” implying that its products have a magical effect on damaged hair. Scientists are here to break that bubble; however, damaged hair can not be repaired, but only coated.
20. Gillette Razor Commercials
Source: Canva
Gillette advertisements suggested that more blades would produce a smoother shave, whereas medical experts have indicated that increasing the number of blades usually increases the risk of irritation during shaving.
The hidden truth is that manufacturers use advertising tactics to inflate the price of razor blades, but outside of marketing, the price increase is unrelated to their needs.
21. Starbucks “Handcrafted” Ads
Source: Reddit
Starbucks for the longest time about their handcrafted coffee, but we all know the truth, don’t we? Most of it is automated, and the Baristas barely care about getting the coffee order right. So if you requested for a no-fat, no-foam, skim milk drink, it is barely going to come out like that.
22. Invisalign Smile Ads
Source: Reddit
Invisalign ads showed fast results. However, good teeth take patience, and orthodontists confirm treatment length varies widely. The hidden truth was that timelines depended on complexity and on how you take care of your teeth after invisible implants.
23. Peloton “Life-Changing Fitness” Ads
Source: Reddit
Peloton commercials implied transformation through purchase. Consumer studies showed that many bikes became unused. The truth hidden is that motivation, not equipment, drives fitness.
24. Tide “One Pod Does It All” Ads
Source: Reddit
According to many washing machine investigators, the size of the load and the hardness of the water will determine how much cleaning is actually done using Tide Pods.
Thus, using these two criteria to measure the effectiveness of Tide Pods in cleaning large amounts of laundry would be difficult. This is why the reality of how clean a Tide Pod can get a large load of wash is also unclear.
Some iconic figures continue to shape culture and commerce long after their passing, as seen with celebs making millions after death and their lasting legacies.
25. De Beers Diamond Commercials
Source: Reddit
DeBeers’ “A Diamond is Forever” campaign has created the contemporary tradition of engagement ring purchases. Contrary to what was presented in De Beers’ commercial, diamonds are not rare in nature; rather, there is an artificially created price for diamonds to maintain their perceived scarcity. This may be one of the most commercially significant lies ever told.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the commercials that sold the most lies and the truths that were hidden are not all meant to harm; however, they were sold with intent. Advertisements target emotion before reality. Understanding how a particular commercial may cause you to expect something different than what was actually advertised can make watching commercials much less influential and therefore much more informational.
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