Kroger Faces Backlash Over Sloppy Juneteenth Cakes, Sparks National Debate on Holiday Recognition

A Kroger grocery store in Georgia has sparked national controversy after a customer's TikTok video exposed what many called "sloppy" and "offensive" Juneteenth-themed cakes. The viral clip, posted by @blaq.monalis, showed cookie cakes with minimal decoration, including phrases like "Free @ Last" and "June 19 FREE," piped in uneven lettering. The video, viewed millions of times, drew sharp criticism for the designs' perceived laziness, with some users calling the effort "tone-deaf."

Juneteenth, commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S., became a federal holiday in 2021 but has been celebrated in Black communities since 1865. The holiday's significance made Kroger's misstep particularly glaring. "This is some bulls***," the TikToker said in the video. "You decorate everything else cute, but for Juneteenth, you throw something on a cookie cake?"

Kroger swiftly responded, telling Newsweek the cakes were "inconsistent with our guidance" and had been removed. The company also addressed the issue with store teams and the original poster. However, the incident fueled broader debates online. While some, like TikTok user @MINA, joked, "When 4th of July comes, it's gonna be America's Next Top Chef designs," others, like @L'lori, condemned the cakes as "absolute laziness."

On Reddit, opinions were split. One user speculated the decorator lacked experience, while another dismissed racial motives, calling it a "last-minute" task. The original poster later confirmed the cakes were removed but expressed disappointment that Kroger didn't replace them with better designs.

The backlash underscores growing scrutiny of corporate efforts around cultural holidays—balancing commercialization with genuine respect. As Juneteenth gains prominence, brands face higher expectations to honor its significance thoughtfully.

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Why It Matters: This incident reflects broader tensions as Juneteenth transitions from a community-centered holiday to a federally recognized one, testing how corporations acknowledge its history—and how consumers hold them accountable.

What’s Next: Kroger’s response may set a precedent for how retailers approach Juneteenth in future years, with consumers demanding more than perfunctory gestures. For now, the cakes are gone, but the conversation is far from over.