Dear Polar Seltzer, 

With all of the different diet trends in recent years, it comes as no shock that companies all over the world have at least thought about taking the weakness of health conscious buyers and turning it into a money maker.  I’ve seen so many people jump at the chance to buy certain foods and beverages just because the package said “zero calories” or “guilt free”, and they fall right into the trap of marketing techniques.  It’s understandable that if you have the opportunity to make money, why wouldn’t you want to reel people in- after all, that’s quite literally why marketing and persuasive advertising is so effective- but at whose expense?  “Guilt free” products have been a popular concept for many in recent years as their objective is to replace “bad” items, typically foods or drinks, that yield feelings of shame and guilt and substitute them for better alternatives.  

For as long as I can remember, I have been an avid seltzer drinker, and Polar Seltzer is without a doubt my favorite brand.  One of the very things my dad and I bond over is our shared love for seltzer water, and we always look forward to shopping for more bottles.  Considering that Polar Seltzer advertises their drinks as “guilt free”, it is crucial to recognize that labeling items in this manner is extremely harmful to those with eating disorders.  This type of advertising further perpetuates the negative attitudes and connotations that are placed amongst food and drinks. I’m a Polar Seltzer lover and am in eating disorder recovery, so it struck a nerve to see that the support I give to a favorite brand of mine is not reciprocated.  Despite being in recovery, falling back into familiar negative and harmful habits is something I combat each and every day.  I want to keep drinking Polar, but I can’t help thinking of the setbacks and defeat that people with eating disorders go through when they see that “guilt free” is exhibited on packaging.  

Approximately 2.8 million Americans suffer from Binge Eating Disorder, a disorder that feeds off of overwhelming feelings of guilt, which plays a major role in the cyclical pattern of the disorder.  According to Walden Behavioral Care, an eating disorder treatment center, studies have conveyed that “... the more self-critical someone was, the more severe their eating disorder symptoms were.”  Binge Eating Disorder is not only the most common eating disorder, but statistics also show that it is more common than both breast cancer and HIV.  Each step taken towards creating a better future and spreading awareness around eating disorders can be life changing.  

Please join me in demanding that Polar Seltzer remove the “guilt free” label on their packaging in an effort to eliminate negative attitudes surrounding food and drinks, in addition to spreading awareness.