Michelle Obama May Have It Out For Cranberry Juice

Michelle Obama’s favorite platform is the “Let’s Move” initiative. Under that moniker, Obama has done a lot to fight childhood obesity and get better nutrition to the populace, although she sort of missed the boat when the pizza as a vegetable in schools law was passed. Now, the Department of Agriculture is coming up with an outline for what can be sold in vending machines in schools across the country. Less junk in hallways sounds as if it could be favorable for students, but for the cranberry industry, shit could get real.

Let’s face it: cranberries suck without sugar. That’s why sugar laden dried cranberries are pretty decent and cranberry juice is even more decent, but people aren’t really walking around popping fresh cranberries by the mouthful. According to the upcoming law, sweetened beverages including cranberry juice would be up the creek without a paddle. Sugar is the number one obesity-causing product that would be pulled out of vending machines, and despite potential health benefits, cranberry juice and even dried cranberries in vending machines would be targets.

Cranberry juice has been known to help with urinary tract infections as well as help to rid the body of harmful bacteria in the bladder and kidneys. The fruit also contains fiber and vitamin C. However, USA Today is reporting many people believe the pros of the sweetened fruit may not outweigh the cons. Director of nutrition policy Margo Wootan at the Center for Science in the Public Interest says obesity must be the higher priority.

I’m certain the Department of Agriculture will weigh in soon, but the argument does not seem to be tipping in favor of the majestic cranberry bogs. Maybe if the cranberry industry hadn’t been so tart…