These Trickster Packaging Designs Were Filled With Broken Promises

8. Chocolate Croissants, Chocolate Sold Separately

The debate about the chocolate croissant packaging offers an interesting comparison to the famed "batteries not included" notice from the toy sector. This instance shows a particularly deceptive type of food packaging fraud which the main selling point of the product—the chocolate filling—is notably lacking from the real contents. The box clearly shows delicious pictures of croissants loaded with chocolate, therefore inspiring an instant expectation of a whole, ready-to-bake product. Customers find, though, they have bought just the croissant dough and no chocolate component is involved. This tactic is particularly misleading since, unlike electronic gadgets where battery needs are sometimes seen as separate, food products are typically expected to have all promoted elements. Comparatively, the activities of the toy business are especially relevant as this dubious marketing approach has sadly expanded outside of its initial setting. This kind of packaging dishonesty not only annoys customers but also begs major issues with consumer protection rules in the food sector and truth in advertising.