Sebastian Nguyen

Mrs. Cornor

AP Seminar – 3

13 February 2025

Annotated Bibliography

(PDF) Marketing Food and Beverages to Youth through Sports,

www.researchgate.net/publication/320678943_Marketing_Food_and_Beverages_to_Youth

_Through_Sports. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This article looks into the prevalence of food and beverage marketing targeted at youth

through sports sponsorships. It reveals that many of these sponsorships promote energy-

dense, nutrient-poor products, which can significantly influence the dietary preferences and

consumption patterns of young audiences. The study discusses the social and cultural

consequences of associating unhealthy foods with sports, which is a field usually linked to

health and fitness. It also talks about the political and ethical considerations of such

marketing practices, questioning the responsibility of both food companies and sports

organizations in promoting public health. This source offers valuable insights into the

connection between marketing strategies and consumer behavior within the context of

sports.

Bragg, Marie A, et al. “Sports Sponsorships of Food and Nonalcoholic Beverages.” Pediatrics,

U.S. National Library of Medicine, Apr. 2018,

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5869328/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

New York University School of Medicine and the College of Global Public Health. Her

research focuses on health disparities, food marketing, and obesity prevention. Published in

the American Journal of Public Health, this article examines the prevalence and nature of

food and nonalcoholic beverage sponsorships in sports. The study found that a significant

portion of sports sponsors were food companies, with a majority promoting unhealthy

products. The article discusses the potential impact of these sponsorships on consumer

behavior, particularly among children and adolescents who are impressionable and form

long-term habits during childhood years. The authors show the ethical considerations and

public health concerns associated with promoting unhealthy foods through sports

sponsorships. This source provides a comprehensive analysis of the intersection between

sports marketing and public health, offering insights into the political and social

implications of such sponsorships.

Dixon, Helen, et al. “The Impact of Unhealthy Food Sponsorship vs. pro-Health Sponsorship

Models on Young Adults’ Food Preferences: A Randomised Controlled Trial.” BMC

Public Health, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 20 Dec. 2018,

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6302434/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This study, published in BMC Public Health, investigates how different types of

sponsorships influence young adults' food preferences. The researchers conducted a

randomized controlled trial to assess the effects of unhealthy food sponsorship compared to

pro-health sponsorship models. The findings revealed that exposure to unhealthy food

sponsorship led to higher awareness and more favorable attitudes toward unhealthy food
 brands. Participants also perceived a stronger association between the sporting event and

the unhealthy food sponsor, which in turn increased their preference for the sponsor's

products. This study provides empirical evidence on the social and cultural impact of food

company sponsorships in sports, highlighting how such partnerships can shape consumer

attitudes and behaviors toward food choices. It shows the need for considering the

implications of sponsorship types on public health, making it a valuable source for

analyzing the cultural and social dimensions of sports sponsorships.

E240: Do Food Companies Manipulate Us with Sports Sponsorships?” World Food Policy

Center, 30 July 2024, wfpc.sanford.duke.edu/podcasts/do-food-companies-manipulate-us-

with-sports-sponsorships/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This podcast features Dr. Christina Roberto, the Mitchell J. Blutt and Margot Krody Blutt

Presidential Associate Professor of Health Policy at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr.

Roberto specializes in psychology and health policy, focusing on the influence of food

industry practices on public health. This podcast episode from the World Food Policy

Center at Duke University explores the complex relationship between food companies and

sports sponsorships. It discusses how companies like Coca-Cola have been long-standing

sponsors of major sporting events, such as the Olympics, since 1928. The conversation

highlights the political and historical aspects of these partnerships, looking into how they

have evolved over time and their impact on public health policies. The episode also

touches upon the cultural implications, considering how these sponsorships shape

consumer perceptions and choices, especially among younger audiences. This source
 provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted influence of food company

sponsorships in sports.

Elvins, Sarah. “History of Food Advertising.” Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Food Studies,

17 July 2024,

oxfordre.com/foodstudies/display/10.1093/acrefore/9780197762530.001.0001/acrefore-

9780197762530-e-88?d=%2F10.1093%2Facrefore

%2F9780197762530.001.0001%2Facrefore-9780197762530-e-

88&p=emailAY6D9LXd9QIGQ. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This entry in the Oxford Research Encyclopedias offers a comprehensive overview of the

history of food advertising, highlighting how marketing strategies have evolved over time.

It discusses the role of cultural and social factors in shaping food advertising and how these

advertisements influence consumer behavior. The article also examines the political and

historical contexts that have impacted food advertising practices, including regulations and

public health campaigns. By providing a historical perspective, this source helps

contextualize the current practices of food sponsorships in sports and their influence on

consumer food choices. It is a valuable resource for understanding the historical and

political lenses of food advertising in the context of sports sponsorships.

Fraser, Isabel. “Public Health Experts Want Coca-Cola and the Olympics to Break Up.” Wired,

Conde Nast, 6 Aug. 2024, www.wired.com/story/public-health-experts-want-the-olympics-

to-drop-its-oldest-sponsor/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

on technology, science, and health topics. This article talks about the ongoing debate over

Coca-Cola’s sponsorship of the Olympic Games, a relationship that has existed for

decades. Public health experts argue that Coca-Cola, a brand synonymous with sugary

drinks, should not be a major sponsor of one of the world’s largest sporting events. The

piece outlines the political debates surrounding corporate sponsorships in sports and the

historical precedent of unhealthy food companies funding major athletic competitions. It

highlights how these partnerships influence consumer perception, making soda seem like a

normal or even beneficial part of an active lifestyle. The article also explores the broader

issue of corporate responsibility in public health and how food companies navigate

regulatory challenges. By providing a mix of historical context and political debate, this

article acts as a strong resource for understanding how corporate sponsorships in sports

have evolved and their impact on public health policies.

G;, Maher A;Wilson N;Signal L;Thomson. “Patterns of Sports Sponsorship by Gambling,

Alcohol and Food Companies: An Internet Survey.” BMC Public Health, U.S. National

Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16608525/. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This research, available on ResearchGate, explores the prevalence of sponsorship by

gambling, alcohol, and food companies in sports. The study conducted an internet survey

to identify sponsors across various sports organizations' websites. The findings revealed

that a notable percentage of sponsors were food companies, with a significant portion

promoting unhealthy products. The study discusses the potential influence of these

sponsorships on consumer behavior and the ethical considerations involved. By analyzing

dynamics of sports marketing and its impact on public health. It serves as a valuable source

for understanding the broader implications of corporate sponsorships in sports.

Ireland, Robin, et al. “Exploring the Relationship between Big Food Corporations and

Professional Sports Clubs: A Scoping Review.” Public Health Nutrition, U.S. National

Library of Medicine, July 2019, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6558258/. Accessed

13 Feb. 2025.

Dr. Robin Ireland is an Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Glasgow's School of

Health and Wellbeing. He is the former Chief Executive of the Health Equalities Group,

where he established initiatives like Healthy Stadia and Food Active. His research focuses

on the intersection of public health and sports sponsorship, particularly concerning the

promotion of unhealthy products. This study explores how major food and beverage

corporations partner with professional sports clubs to increase brand visibility and drive

consumer purchases. It highlights how sports sponsorships by brands like McDonald’s and

Coca-Cola shape consumer food choices by associating unhealthy food with elite

athleticism. The paper also discusses the ethical concerns surrounding these partnerships,

as they often promote fast food and sugary drinks that contradict the principles of sports

and fitness. From a social and cultural perspective, the study sheds light on how these

sponsorships normalize unhealthy dietary habits, particularly among young sports fans.

The research further examines how these collaborations affect public perception of

nutrition and reinforce unhealthy eating behaviors. It provides evidence-based insights into

the potential long-term public health consequences of these sponsorships. This makes it a
 strong source for analyzing the cultural normalization of unhealthy food consumption

through sports advertising.

Mialon, Melissa, and Jonathan Mialon. “Analysis of Corporate Political Activity Strategies of

the Food Industry: Evidence from France.” Public Health Nutrition, U.S. National Library

of Medicine, Dec. 2018, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10260908/. Accessed 13 Feb.

2025.

This research article investigates the political strategies used by major food corporations to

influence public health policies and consumer behavior. Companies like Coca-Cola,

PepsiCo, and McDonald’s engage in lobbying, funding research, and forming alliances

with policymakers to protect their business interests while downplaying the health risks

associated with their products. Historically, food corporations have successfully shaped

legislation and public narratives by positioning themselves as partners in health rather than

contributors to obesity and diet-related diseases. The article provides real-world examples

of corporate influence on food policy, making it a strong resource for understanding the

political and historical dimensions of food marketing in sports. It also discusses how these

corporations use sponsorship deals with sports organizations to maintain public goodwill

and avoid scrutiny. The paper’s use of concrete case studies and policy analysis makes it a

valuable academic source for examining the intersection of business, politics, and public

health.

Numerato, Dino. “Giulianotti, R. & Numerato, D. (2018). Global Sports and Consumer Culture:

An Introduction. Journal of Consumer Culture, 18(2): 229-240.” Academia.Edu, 30 Nov.

2024,
 www.academia.edu/36867719/Giulianotti_R_and_Numerato_D_2018_Global_Sports_and

_Consumer_Culture_An_introduction_Journal_of_Consumer_Culture_18_2_229_240.

Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

Published in the Journal of Consumer Culture, this article introduces a special issue

dedicated to exploring the complex intersections of global sport and consumer culture. It

discusses how sports have become a significant platform for consumer culture, with

corporations leveraging sports sponsorships to promote their products. The article delves

into the cultural and social implications of this phenomenon, examining how consumer

identities and behaviors are shaped through sports marketing. It provides a theoretical

framework for understanding the global dynamics of sports sponsorships and their

influence on consumer culture. This source is valuable for analyzing the cultural and social

lenses of sports sponsorships and their impact on consumer food choices.

Social and Cultural Influences on Food Choices: A Review,

www.researchgate.net/publication/348474114_Social_and_cultural_influences_on_food_c

hoices_A_review. Accessed 13 Feb. 2025.

This review paper explores the various social and cultural factors that influence consumer

food choices, including advertising, peer influence, and sports sponsorships. It discusses

how food corporations strategically align with cultural and social symbols—such as

professional sports teams—to make their products more appealing. The study explains how

food choices are shaped by more than just personal preference; they are influenced by

branding, athlete endorsements, and societal norms. One key takeaway is that the

sponsorship of unhealthy food by sports organizations sends mixed messages to

also touches on how different cultures perceive fast food and processed snacks, further

adding to the complexity of consumer decision-making. Because this paper provides an in-

depth look at how cultural and social narratives are used to market food, it is an excellent

source for examining this topic through a social and cultural lens.