When I was growing up, my mom almost always included a side salad with dinner. It wasn’t much — mostly iceberg lettuce and cherry tomatoes. Part of what made the whole thing a little more palatable was the fact that Thousand Island dressing existed in the house. And even if it didn’t, whipping up some mayonnaise and ketchup managed to get you to where you wanted to be.
Now, I have a kid of my own — and I’m so thankful that fruit and vegetable packs exist. There aren’t many greens my daughter will openly eat at the age of two, but if it’s in pouch form? It’s suddenly a lot more fun. As parents, we know that teaching healthy choices to our children starts with us. But, it’s a lot harder than you can imagine.
That’s where Kraft comes in. Kraft thought up a genius idea to get kids more psyched about salads, and it has everything to do with the packaging. While it’s not Thousand Island, their “Salad Frosting” is the universally beloved salad topper of Ranch. Find me a kid to turn down Ranch dressing, because it’s delicious.
Now, is this lying to kids? Yes and no. Technically, one can view dressing as a “frosting” for their salad, especially if it’s white in color.
Frosting, as you know, is the best part of cakes. So even though you never really associated salad with frosting before, perhaps now is the time. It’s 2019. Live a little.
The dressing was actually inspired by a viral tweet. That means that technically, a 6-year-old can use the title of “inventor” on her resume.
Comedian James Breakwell, who penned the tweet, has been actively working with Kraft on the campaign. He has four daughters, and most of his funny content is based around things they’ve said.
7-year-old: I don't want asparagus.
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) June 10, 2019
Me: It's not asparagus. It's green licorice.
She took another bite.#LieLikeAParent #Ad
Just recently, he’s been using the hashtag of “LieLikeAParent” a lot. Which just so happens to be one of the mottos of the Salad Frosting.
Me: You have to eat your carrots.
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) June 10, 2019
5-year-old: Why?
Me: They help your vision.
5: So?
Me: They make your eyes shoot lasers.
5: *eats them all*#LieLikeAParent #Ad
It looks like this all started when Kraft saw the tweet and realized the idea was gold. It’s safe to say that Breakwell may be stocked up with salad frosting for life.
So my daughter and our little parent lies accidentally inspired a real campaign for Kraft.
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) June 10, 2019
It was a pleasant surprise.
Most of our accidents are just her breaking something.#LieLikeAParent #Adhttps://t.co/nx08Wsd5iC
Fans of Breakwell are more concerned about whether or not this invention will help the kids go to college. But, one fan made a very excellent point.
She doesn't need college, she's a genius for her ideas
— just_little_ol_me (@little_ol_me315) June 10, 2019
This just goes to show you that any fun-yet-ridiculous idea that crosses your mind might end up being a winner. All you need to do is make sure the right people see it. Breakwell’s daughters already have a very early career start based on how sharp and funny they are.
[Queen song on the radio]
— James Breakwell, Exploding Unicorn (@XplodingUnicorn) June 8, 2019
5-year-old: Why are they biting dust?
Me: It means someone died.
5: Because dust has germs.
So, here’s what we know about the frosting so far. Kraft has put together a contest that’ll reward 1,500 people who tweet out their own parenting lies.
Sometimes parenting means bending the truth. That’s why we made limited edition Kraft Salad “Frosting,” the easy way to get your kids to eat their greens.
— Kraft (@KraftBrand) June 10, 2019
Tweet your best parent lie using #LieLikeAParent #contest for a chance to win your own Salad “Frosting.” Details in bio. pic.twitter.com/APxB3PHu2s
But as for now, it’s unclear as to whether or not Salad Frosting will be readily available in stores. As Breakwell said, it seems to merely be a campaign.
Even so, it’s a great idea. And if you have Ranch in the house along with some crafting supplies, you can easily make your own at home.
Sure, nobody likes lying. But sometimes, when it’s for the benefit of the kid, they kind of have to do it.
Parents have already submitted a bunch of great lies. Even if Kraft doesn’t recognize it just yet, I definitely think these are free Ranch-worthy.
My aunt and uncle have decided to teach their 8 year old that "wtf" means "wow that's fantastic. #LieLikeAParent
— Emily Lougee (@whatishaappenin) June 10, 2019
This is one that’ll always be good, especially since daily summer ice cream can get expensive. I’ve also heard someone tell their kids that the ice cream truck only plays music when they’re out of ice cream.
We would say "oh listen, it's the music truck. So nice of them to play music for us!" Eventually, they figured out there was ice cream involved. #LieLikeAParent #contest
— deena proctor (@dnagail) June 11, 2019
Not everyone is into the campaign, however. Some people are a little bitter over the fact that Kraft is trying to make lying popular.
Shame on you, @KraftHeinzCo. Seriously? #Lielikeaparent? Relationships are built on trust, and no, "innocent lies" are not a part of parenthood. No lies are innocent.
— B G (@bguezzie) June 10, 2019
Even if Salad Frosting never hits the shelves, at least it makes salads just a tad more fun. Although we know it’s Ranch, being able to play with your food a little as an adult is just in good fun.
But the second your kid tries to put this on a cake while you’re baking together? You’re in trouble.
