David Bridges
Kroger has taken action in response to a significant wave of criticism that erupted after a TikTok user highlighted the store’s disappointing Juneteenth dessert offerings at one of their Atlanta locations. In a viral video, the TikToker showcased cakes and cookies that featured questionable designs and phrases, including “Free @ Last” and simply “Free.” This sparked a considerable uproar on social media, prompting Kroger to acknowledge the backlash and implement immediate changes. Here’s everything you need to know about this unfolding situation…
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Unpacking the Origin of the Controversy Surrounding Kroger’s Juneteenth Desserts
On Wednesday, June 18, a TikTok user known as @blaq.monalisa ignited a firestorm of conversation online after posting a video that revealed the lackluster Juneteenth desserts available at a Kroger store in Atlanta, Georgia. She zoomed in on the cake display, exposing several desserts that appeared poorly designed and inadequately decorated for such an important cultural celebration.
Among the cakes, one featured frosting only around the perimeter with the phrase “Free @ Last” scrawled in the center. Another cake simply displayed “June 19 Free,” while yet another was minimally decorated with whipped cream around the edges, featuring just the word “Free” in the middle. These selections seemed to lack the artistic flair typically associated with celebratory desserts, which raised eyebrows.
The TikToker made a striking comparison between these Juneteenth-themed items and the more elaborately designed regular cakes displayed nearby, suggesting that the Juneteenth desserts were treated with less care and attention. “This is some bullst. Who the h* made this ugly a st,” she exclaimed in the video. “I wish there was a manager here; y’all decorate everything else around here cute. But on Juneteenth, you want to throw something on a cookie cake and expect someone to buy it.” Her passionate critique resonated widely, triggering a wave of reactions across social media platforms.
The video quickly gained traction, garnering significant attention and sparking discussions about cultural sensitivity in marketing and product offerings.
@blaq.monalisa Kroger count your days. Why even bother if you’re going to lack creativity? This is Kroger on Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA. This is a mockery! Am I tripping? Someone let me know!
♬ original sound – blaq monalisa
Analyzing Social Media’s Response to Kroger’s Juneteenth Dessert Controversy
The TikTok video ignited a flurry of reactions across social media, with many users supporting the TikToker’s critique and voicing their disappointment at Kroger’s lack of creativity in their dessert offerings. Here are some notable comments from the vibrant discussion that unfolded in response to her video:
@lil_nicki.xx remarked, “It’s giving ‘here, damn’ 💀”, highlighting the overall sentiment of dissatisfaction.
@rougarou451 added, “It’s just never good enough with these people 💀 ever,” reflecting a broader critique of corporate insensitivity.
@user981740, an ex-cake decorator, chimed in with, “As a former cake decorator… they did that on purpose,” suggesting that the lackluster designs were intentional.
@quartz_air3 commented, “The singular ‘FREE’ not even in cute writing. WILDDD,” emphasizing the simplicity and lack of effort in the design.
@impgod4 humorously stated, “I would’ve taken the one that said FREE & walked right out the door 😂,” showcasing how the situation resonated with viewers.
@yoshiiiyoshiii compared it to previous controversies, stating, “It’s giving 2022 Walmart’s Juneteenth ‘It’s the Freedom for Me’ paper plates. 😩,” drawing parallels to another incident involving cultural misrepresentation.
@doddlemom1960 expressed their agreement, stating, “I agree that it is unacceptable; they need to be held accountable for that. Kroger should be ashamed!!!” This comment encapsulated the collective disappointment felt by many.
Another user, _raeondabeat, humorously stated, “I am HOLLERING 😂😂😂😂 not free @ last,” further amplifying the conversation with humor.
Kroger’s Swift Response to the Backlash Over Juneteenth Desserts
In light of the overwhelming criticism, Kroger quickly addressed the backlash. In an official statement provided to PEOPLE, the company acknowledged that the desserts were indeed poorly executed and did not meet their standards. They committed to removing the offending products from their shelves as soon as possible. The grocery chain confirmed that they had pulled the items and contacted both their store teams and the TikToker directly to discuss the situation.
“The cakes and cookies that were featured in the video were inconsistent with our provided guidance and not of the quality we would expect to see from our stores,” Kroger stated, emphasizing their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
TikToker Shares Exciting Updates Following Kroger’s Response
The TikToker @blaq.monalisa wasn’t finished sharing her thoughts. The day after her video went viral, she returned to the same Kroger location and was pleased to see significant changes. The Juneteenth cakes? No longer available. The Juneteenth cookies? Also absent. “They removed the cookie cakes, or I guess someone purchased them!” she captioned her follow-up post, expressing her mixed feelings. While she still raised an eyebrow at the store for not replacing the desserts with more appealing options, she acknowledged Kroger’s efforts to improve their offerings.
@blaq.monalisa Went back to Kroger, Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, GA. They removed the cookie cakes, or I guess someone purchased them!
♬ original sound – blaq monalisa
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What Do You Think Roomies?
Ivy Caldwell
Cameron Steel
