Kroger is under fire after controversial Juneteenth-themed cakes sparked outrage on social media. The grocery giant faced intense criticism for selling watermelon-flavored bakery items to mark Juneteenth—America’s federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery.
Many customers, especially from the Black community, felt the cakes were tone-deaf and offensive.
Kroger Juneteenth Cakes Go Viral on TikTok and Trigger Online Outrage
A viral TikTok video launched the controversy. A shopper at a Kroger in Atlanta, Georgia, posted footage of Juneteenth-themed cakes and cookies in the bakery aisle.
These items featured slogans like “Free at Last” and “Celebrate Freedom” but were flavored with watermelon, sparking criticism due to its racial implications. The hashtag #KrogerJuneteenthCakes quickly gained traction.
Juneteenth Watermelon Cake Sparks Cultural Sensitivity Debate
Watermelon has long been associated with harmful stereotypes used to mock Black Americans, particularly after the abolition of slavery.
Using the flavor in a product meant to commemorate Juneteenth angered many on social media, who saw it as insensitive and exploitative.
TikTok Video Shows Kroger Juneteenth Cake Backlash Unfolding in Real Time
In the now-viral TikTok, the customer called the cake display a “mockery,” stating that it disrespected the historical meaning of Juneteenth.
Users on Twitter (X) and Threads quickly joined the conversation, criticizing Kroger and labeling the Juneteenth watermelon cake as a marketing failure.
Kroger Apology Issued as Company Pulls Juneteenth-Themed Cakes
In response to the backlash, Kroger issued a public apology. The company stated the bakery’s execution of the Juneteenth cakes did not align with corporate guidance.
They confirmed that the watermelon cakes were removed from shelves and that internal teams had been spoken to. The Kroger apology also emphasized their intent to address concerns directly with affected customers.
Juneteenth Cake Controversy Adds to Growing List of Corporate Missteps
Kroger is not the first major retailer to face Juneteenth backlash. In 2022, Walmart had to pull Juneteenth-branded ice cream after facing similar criticism for tone-deaf marketing.
Experts say these repeated incidents show a need for cultural awareness and inclusive decision-making at the corporate level.
Why the Watermelon Flavor in Kroger’s Juneteenth Cakes Was So Offensive
For many, the choice of watermelon as the featured flavor in Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes was not just poor taste—it evoked racist tropes.
These negative connotations have a painful legacy, especially for Black Americans trying to celebrate freedom and progress through Juneteenth.
Calls for More Diversity Behind Kroger’s Juneteenth Marketing Decisions
Consumers and community leaders are now calling on Kroger and other major brands to include more Black voices in marketing and product planning teams.
The Kroger Juneteenth cake controversy has reignited discussions on performative allyship and how brands can move from token gestures to meaningful action.
What Kroger and Other Brands Should Learn from the Juneteenth Cake Backlash
Moving forward, experts urge brands like Kroger to mark Juneteenth with respectful messaging, community support, and historical context.
Donating to causes that empower Black communities or funding educational Juneteenth programs would likely be more impactful than selling themed desserts.
The Kroger Juneteenth watermelon cake episode shows how good intentions can go wrong when cultural sensitivity is overlooked.
With Juneteenth becoming a permanent part of American consciousness, it’s time for brands to move beyond surface-level gestures and approach the holiday with the dignity and respect it deserves.
