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May 12, 2009

Red Mango

Posted by Gordon Smith

I have been casting about for a new franchise to feature in my casebook, and with the help of a student, I was looking at Red Mango ...

After the junior high band concert, the whole family visited the local Red Mango franchise, and, of course, I had to ask: "what is authentic frozen yogurt?" The young woman behind the counter struggled with her response, but she finally managed to blurt out, "It's one of the five healthiest foods in the world."

Huh?

As it turns out, the Red Mango website has a link to the source of this claim: Health.com. It lists "Yogurt (Greece)" on a page labelled "World's Healthiest Foods." (Can you guess the others?) If you follow the link on Health.com, it leads you to a brief story on yogurt, which begins like this:

Many think of yogurt as just a sweet snack. But the thick, creamy, rich kind that’s traditional in Greece has been integral to Grecians’ healthy diet for thousands of years.

Um ... maybe my case study can talk about fraud and consumer protection.

They are hitting the health angle hard. Here's more on "authentic frozen yogurt" ...

I love this bit of marketing. Red Mango ... natural goodness ... freshly delivered ... good health ... morning, day or night ... all-natural, nonfat, gluten-free ... wholesome ... healthy treat ... Fruity Pebbles and Cap'n Crunch!!!!

So you be the judge. Open the nutritional information below and tell me whether you would call this food "healthy." (Hint: look at the sugar content.)

Too bad. For a few minutes tonight, I was feeling like I might be able to cheat nature because Red Mango serves a very tasty product. A bit on the expensive side, but yummy.