Visual stimulation plays a key part in how we experience food. Have you ever wondered why so many fast food restaurants use red in their color schemes? It is not a coincidence. It is science. Color is omnipresent in marketing, and for roughly 85% of people, color is a big factor in their decision-making process on whether to purchase or ignore a product. 

From McDonald’s to KFC, the dominance of red in the designs of food establishments is not just about aesthetics. It is a clever psychological strategy. Studies reveal that ambient color plays a powerful role in shaping our decisions, especially in food settings. Red is a standout because compared to most other colors, it is highly influential.

In this article, we will dive into why red holds such influence over food preferences, unpack the psychology behind it, and share actionable tips for marketers and business owners looking to put this knowledge to work.

When consumers adore a brand, they often give it a nickname—from "Rollie" for Rolex to "Beemer" for BMW. Marketers are eager to embrace this consumer-driven brand love and incorporate these nicknames in their marketing strategies to appear more relatable. This tactic is called “nickname branding” and marketers expect positive results from using it. But do brands benefit from this tactic, or does it backfire? While it might seem like a clever way to connect with customers, new research suggests it could have the opposite effect.

Go back to the last video ad that caught your eye. Was it the creative that stopped you from scrolling? Was it the message? Or perhaps it was the way it made you feel? While you might know why you liked it, your brain and body were telling a different story through subtle signals you weren't even aware of - small expressions on your face and tiny changes in your skin's sweat response.