The True Cost of the 100-Calorie Snack Pack

Who could have seen this coming?

"A study released last month by the University of Chicago's Journal of Consumer Research supports Ludwig's assertion that people are now gobbling multiple bite-size packs in one sitting.

The study cites a psychological effect suggesting that the smaller 'sins,' i.e. smaller portions, can 'fly under the radar' while chowing down on bigger bags seems to make a larger dent in a day's perceived food intake.

The study concludes that smaller packages may psychologically help exert a feeling of self-control, but the simple decision to buy a pack of smaller packaged items is sometimes the extent of the control. After that, consumers 'let their guard down,' having already exerted some amount of self regulation, according to the study."

Of course, with the involvement of ABCNews, there has to be some stupidity/con from an ersatz expert.

"'One hundred calorie packs are, in my view, a clever marketing ploy that's bad for consumers and bad for the environment,' Dr. David Ludwig, director of the Optimal Weight for Life Clinic at the Children's Hospital Boston, told ABCNews.com."

The scam here is the "Optimal Weight for Life Clinic."

"Optimal" is unknowable and "a clever marketing ploy that's bad for consumers" but good for Ludwig and his hospital.

Far be it from ABCNews to ask this IMHO con about it.