Categorizing Food by Color

This chapter thoroughly examines color culture variability in milk cartons and confectionery packaging, focusing on Rainbow cookies as a prime example. By comparing color practices in Japan and the US, the impact of color on our appetites is analyzed. The hypothesis suggests that color, ingrained in human exposure since infancy, forms the foundation of color culture. Research conducted between 2013 and 2015 involved the collection of 20 milk cartons and 120 confectionery items from various retail outlets in both countries. Colorimetry software was used to assess color schemes. The findings reveal that Japanese candy packaging features warm hues like red, yellow, and subdued grayish tones, creating a vibrant yet subtle ambiance. Another aspect explored is the "Three-colored Food Groups," found on college co-op cafeteria receipts in Japan, indicating protein (red), carbohydrates (yellow), and vegetables (green) for nutritional education. Interestingly, Mongolian cuisine also uses a similar color-coded system, categorizing meat as "red food" and dairy as "white food."