Why does every snackbar have green decoration in the display case?

Sometimes you come across things that make you wonder: why? Why are grilled cheese sandwiches always cut diagonally and why does a fridge have a light but a freezer doesn’t? And why is there green decoration in the display case at every snackbar?

If you’re like me and regularly visit the snackbar – because let’s be honest, who can resist a cheese soufflé? – you’ll notice it almost every week. That artificial green grass or those green strips between the frikandellen and cheese soufflés. But why is it actually there?

The eye wants something too: green as decoration

At first I thought it had something to do with hygiene – keeping different types of meat separate, or something like that – but it turns out to be much simpler: the green decoration is purely decorative. It adds colour to the often brown-and-golden fried snacks and makes the display case look fresher and more appealing

Actually, it’s much like a sprig of green seaweed at the fishmonger’s: it makes your food look better without serving any real practical purpose.

The psychology of green in the display case

Green does more than just dress things up. Marketing psychology shows that green:

• Conveys freshness

• Makes it seem as though the food tastes healthier

• Strengthens the contrast with the snacks’ brown and gold tones

In short: it’s a clever way to unconsciously influence your urge to buy while you’re waiting for your fries.

Conclusion: time for a croquette

So yes, that green decoration in the snackbar display case isn’t there for hygiene or mysterious cooking tricks, but simply as smart, simple decoration. It makes your snack moment just a little more enjoyable and visually fresher.

So next time you’re standing at the fried-food counter, rest assured: the green is there to whet your appetite visually. And now: time for that croquette, don’t you think?

Also read:

• Spotted on Funda: house with its own snackbar for sale
• This is the unhealthiest snack at the snackbar (+ the least unhealthy one!)
• Common frying mistakes