American Designer Van Day Truex once said, “Any designer who does not appreciate or know about good food is not a very good designer. The planning of a meal and its presentation-the texture, the colour, the tastes, the hot and cold temperatures-are the same concerns that affect the environment.”

Thirty years after Truex’s death, I believe he is still right. Yet what would Truex have to say about the pre-presentation of food today?

The packaging of food itself is a rather new phenomenon where the food is almost secondary to the container in which it is packaged. These days, fonts are chosen more carefully, new and aesthetically pleasing shapes are formed, and the artwork used is more clearly and tastefully presented.

I find it intriguing, yet troublesome too. Some companies boast recycled cardboard or plastic, but if competition keeps rising for who has the most stylish candy bar package or dog food container, the environment is going to take some abuse.

So, my hands are tied. On one hand, I find food packaging to be fascinating and creative; on the other hand, I think food packaging is destructive and wasteful. On my third, retractable hand, I am apathetic and just wanted to take some neat photos.

Form your own decision. Just be weary that the funky box of granola is four dollars more than the generic brand with the Times New Roman font.