Dairylea has been off screens for a couple of years, but it remains committed to its role in fuelling kids’ imaginations.

As a pair of grown-ups stop to chat, a mum hands her daughter a pack of Dairylea Dunkers. The girl tucks in, and the film’s aspect ratio widens to reflect her broader horizons. She skips off for some Dunkers-powered fun: scrambling through an urban obstacle course, taking in some art and splashing about in nature. Lovely!

But as she finishes her snack, we find she hasn’t really gone anywhere. It’s just her mind that’s escaped her ma’s boring convo. Great news for mum (the one buying the product, after all), but viewers might feel a bit sorry for the kid. Imagination and independence are great, sure – but her adventures weren’t real.

Topics