Kroger is under fire after poorly decorated Juneteenth cakes went viral on TikTok, sparking widespread outrage and online criticism. What was meant to be a celebration turned into a PR nightmare for the supermarket giant, as shoppers slammed the “Free @ Last” cookie cakes and watermelon-themed designs as insensitive, lazy, and tone-deaf. Social media platforms, especially Reddit and Facebook, exploded with comments calling the cakes a mockery of Black culture. In response, Kroger stated the items have been removed from stores, but the damage may already be done.
Kroger Juneteenth Cake Controversy
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Kroger, Howell Mill Rd, Atlanta, Georgia |
| Viral Video Views | 7+ million on TikTok |
| User Reaction | Called cakes “lazy,” “ugly,” and “a mockery” |
| Cake Phrases | “FREE,” “FREE @ Last,” “Congratulations” |
| Kroger’s Response | Cakes removed, labeled “inconsistent with store guidelines” |
| TikTok Handle | @blaq.monalisa |
| Related Past Incidents | Walmart Juneteenth ice cream backlash (2022) |
| Juneteenth Significance | Marks the end of slavery in the U.S. (June 19, 1865) |
TikTok Video That Started It All
The controversy exploded after a TikTok video showcasing Kroger’s Juneteenth cakes gained thousands of views within hours. The cakes featured minimal effort in design, with shaky piping and awkward messages like “Free @ Last”. Viewers called the cakes “embarrassing,” “lazy,” and “offensive,” criticizing Kroger for treating a significant historical holiday as an afterthought. The video quickly spread across platforms, with Reddit, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) adding fuel to the fire.
Click Here !!!! To Check The Viral Tiktok Video
Kroger Responds to the Outrage
In the wake of the backlash, Kroger issued a statement saying the Juneteenth-themed items had been removed from stores. The supermarket chain emphasized that the cakes were not meant to offend and claimed they are reviewing their product approval process. However, many consumers believe the response was too little, too late, and are calling for better cultural representation and sensitivity in future product launches.
Why This Matters: Juneteenth Is Not Just Another Holiday
Juneteenth marks the emancipation of enslaved African Americans and has deep cultural and historical importance. Critics argue that Kroger’s approach to Juneteenth-themed products shows a lack of understanding and respect for Black heritage. Many are calling on brands to move beyond performative gestures and instead support the community through meaningful representation, collaboration with Black creators, and authentic acknowledgment of the holiday’s roots.
Kroger Responds: “These Products Have Been Removed”
In a follow-up TikTok update, the creator confirmed that Kroger had pulled the cakes, but said she was still disappointed that nothing better replaced them.
Why Juneteenth Matters
Juneteenth honors the day—June 19, 1865—when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas to announce that all enslaved people were free, nearly 2.5 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. The holiday was officially recognized as a federal holiday in 2021, but has been celebrated in African American communities since the 1860s.
Using phrases like “FREE @ Last” (a reference to Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech) on bakery items with little care has been called insensitive and trivializing by many.
Social Media Reactions: “A Mockery of Black Culture”
The comments poured in across platforms:
- “Free @ last is just insane ” – TikTok user
- “It’s giving ‘Here, damn’ ” – Instagram comment
- “Looks like someone made these right before quitting.” – Reddit user
- “Not the last one saying ‘Congratulations’—like congratulations you’re free?! ” – TikTok comment
Some defended the store, suggesting it might’ve been a rushed end-of-day task, but most responses were critical of Kroger’s lack of cultural awareness.
This Isn’t the First Time
This isn’t the first time a major brand has fumbled Juneteenth marketing. In 2022, Walmart was criticized for launching a Juneteenth-themed ice cream, which was pulled after people said it was capitalizing on a Black holiday without acknowledging or partnering with Black-owned brands.