The Red Mesh Secret: Why Oranges Are Sold in Red Bags to Make You Buy Them
Oranges are often sold in red mesh bags—a packaging choice many shoppers overlook. Food-technology expert and author Miguel A. Lurueña discussed the tactic on TikTok, saying, 'Have you noticed that oranges are always sold in red mesh bags? It's no coincidence.' El Confidencial notes the aim is to enhance the fruit's natural color and make it more attractive to the eye. By design, this packaging nudges our perception and makes us more likely to choose the fruit before tasting it.
In This Article:
The science behind the illusion: Munker illusion and color perception
The trick rests on the Munker illusion—an optical phenomenon named after German researcher Franz Carl Munker in the 1970s. The illusion shows that the color we perceive can be altered by surrounding colors. In a demonstration, Lurueña shows that the same fruit appears more orange when crossed by red lines: 'The fruit in the middle seems much more orange than the other two due to the red lines passing over it.' But he notes, 'The colour of all three fruits is exactly the same.' The takeaway: context and backgrounds can warp our perception of color, and packaging design uses that to influence choices.
From oranges to lemons and peppers: a shelf-wide manipulation
This visual trick isn't limited to oranges. Lurueña also says it’s used with other fresh products—lemons, peppers, avocados, onions, and purple garlic. The goal remains the same: to enhance the natural color of the food and make it look fresher and riper to shoppers.
What to watch for when shopping now: read labels and think beyond first impressions
What should shoppers do with this knowledge? Don't trust your senses alone. Read labels carefully and be mindful of packaging tricks. "So don't trust your senses. Read labels carefully and try to buy fruits and vegetables in bulk to avoid surprises."
Color psychology in a supermarket age: a reminder to shop mindfully
Color psychology is a powerful, everyday force in modern shopping. The red mesh bag is more than a packaging choice—it's a reminder that visuals shape taste, trust, and the stories we tell about our food. Being aware of these tricks helps us shop more intentionally and look beyond first impressions.
