I Sold Out to Big Grocery | Eater's Digest #12

[@Lilly-Gorney]

Actually, I believe the plural is "Capris Sun"

[@prisonerr24601]

Ill never understand this rule of english. Attorneys general, Seargeants major, etc.

[@barbutahelmet8966]

caprorum sun...

[@fawndoe1917]

​@@prisonerr24601 It's a holdover from the French origin of the titles. The first word is the noun, so it's the part that's meant to be pluralized. I assume they haven't been fully nativized to fit English grammar because French is historically a politically prestigious language.

[@pdfbanana]

capri sun is already plural. capro sun is the singular

[@masamunesword]

That's the problem with the Kroger/Albertsons merger: people buy groceries near them. It's the same problem as food deserts. Yes, technically other options exist but they are far enough away and costly enough to access that it's not practical for a lot of people. There's a lot of communities that if the Kroger/Albertsons merger goes through, will functionally hand Kroger regional monopolies on groceries because while Walmart and Target exist, they exist 15 miles and a $5 toll away.

[@kristian.sacco.]

Another banger, love keeping up with these Re kroger: you’re a normal human being, not expected to be all knowing and 100% keyed in on everything, nor would i expect that you’d want to be. Give yourself some grace, you clearly have a good conscience and you’re on your shit, killin it

[@newworldotter8583]

Used to work at Ralphs, which is a subsidiary of Kroger. I don't remember exactly when it was, but we almost went strike during negotiations with the our union because they were essentially not listening to the unions demands at all. During the pandemic, they slashed everyone's hours despite the fact that we were way more busy with restaurants closing down and more people going to the grocery store. They recently settled a lawsuit for improperly paying people for overtime hours from 2015-2022. That stuff, along with all the typical shitty parts of working in grocery store/food service has made me really hate the company. That said, I'm not bent out of shape about the sponsor short. Just don't take sponsors from them in the future.

[@Eclyptical]

It's so easy to try to bring a controversy up to a content creator who may not have known about it in a constructive, kind way, and yet everyone's first instinct is to always be so needlessly hostile about it. It's like there was some inflection point in the past 15 years or so where people's intentions in online arguments shifted from "convince this person that I am right" to "attack this person for being wrong"

[@illford]

2016

[@tomfondly5266]

When I watched last week's Eaters Digest when you talked about Kroger "dynamic" pricing and then seeing a sponsor short for Kroger, I felt a bit of disconnect. That being said...no influencer is every going to convince me to buy something that I don't want to, but if they're willing to pay you try...keep getting them paychecks!

[@stadia5401]

Willow's a great host. This is a fantastic pod. Keep it up!

[@Fiebich]

The bigger issue with the car food "critics" is one that can be applied to a lot of media produced in the age of monetization - it's content, not art. Where art seeks to inspire emotion or add a unique perspective to the world, content seeks to occupy attention until the 1 minute mark is reached and generate enough engagement to boost its place on the algorithm. I liken this to reality TV that spends most of its runtime upping the drama on each of its characters right before the ad break, promising resolution upon return. It's playing with a 2nd order human sense the way optical illusions or "yanni and laurel" play with first order senses.

[@Khyrberos]

I need to read more about this "1st/2nd-order human sense" stuff, please

[@Acidlib]

@@Khyrberos you should totally check out Tantacrul’s video about reality shows, while I don’t think he mentions that specific topic, he does explore reality TV (specifically the way in which the shows are scored) and gives a philosophical critique that focuses on the way they use music and other cues to manipulate the viewer’s emotions, similar to OP’s comment. His video about corporate music is also a surprisingly fascinating piece of analysis that doesn’t put you to sleep with piles of complex jargon or obscure references or anything like that.

[@Shrifbun]

Theres a lot of nuanced discussion to be had about the restaurant industry in general, but especially when it concerns formerly incarcerated individuals. The critism that it is a toxic industry rife with abusers is definitely valid, but now is a better time than any to change that narrative. Many restaurants are changing the way their kitchens run. On city wide levels, the kitchen culture is slowly rejecting the brigade system in favor of more equitable and less hostile systems. Even big names like Gordon Ramsay are putting in the work to weed out the drug abuse and foster healthier work environments. Sure the hours are still tough, I know it, but a healthy kitchen has a line who care about each other and a head chef who cares about their crew. But also because of the previous culture, the restaurant industry is still an industry that rejects inherently hostile employment practices. People can get jobs in a kitchen without concern about tattoos or out dated criminal records. It's an industry where your work ethic and ability to work as a team player are the determining factors in your continued employment. So if we are able to train formerly incarcerated people the proper knife skills, food safety practices, and then put those people in kitchens with upstanding head chefs, we will see those people succeed. My own city's community college has a reduced/free tuition culinary program for exactly this purpose. I've watched a few people from the local rehab center/halfway house enroll and graduate from that program and go directly into the work place and thrive. Even if the culinary world isn't their end goal, even if working in a kitchen is hard, it's a job that gives them financial freedom and the chance to seperate them from the system that has failed them. Regardless of the potential issues, the benefits outweigh the risks. Any program to reduce the recidivism rate is a success we desperately need as a society.

[@Zilero]

I for one had no idea about the Kroger controversy, it’s still way better than Walmart or Target. People are insanely uppity these days. I always find your sponsorships very organic and ethical. Carry on.

[@cebo494]

If you take a sponsorship or talk positively about any massive corporation, someone is going to get mad. It's just that simple. The bigger the company, the greater the backlash. Every massive company has done something deserving of hate. Obviously though, it's probably a good practice to do a google of any company you're taking a sponsorship from to look for any potential problems or "discourse".

[@jacobtuck6735]

ReviewBrah is the GOAT

[@andersonic]

Delancey Street in San Francisco is a long standing restaurant staffed by ex-convicts, addicts, etc from their program. The restaurant and rehab program are a combined institution, so the work environment is geared to the needs of people in recovery.

[@marcberm]

Definitely had juice boxes in my house growing up in the 80's, but my parents banned Capri Sun from the house out of fears the more squeezable pouch would mean juice everywhere. With me, they were probably not wrong. 😂

[@bigplaneenergy8674]

The Kroger outrage is such para-social insanity. I can't believe someone would make a big deal about it

[@Shrifbun]

Imagine finding out someone on the internet goes to the grocery store and getting mad.

[@whatahoot1185]

I love this show, thanks for making it

[@booon-booon]

don pollo is the only car food critic worth it and its mostly for the phone ringing

[@ufufu001]

my god this whole kroger situation made me realize i could never be an "influencer", no matter how fat the check is. this parasocial shit is way too fucking weird

[@fmradio2099]

Love this format change with the other host.

[@1khwan3]

Is that the Simone Gertz habit tracker?? Thats really cool~

[@Metal_Fingers.]

I can't believe my hero Shaq sold out to Big Grocery. What's next, is he going to sell out to Big Worm?

[@stirfryjedi]

Thanks for making my commute better Shaq!

[@Zo3yX]

If you are in the northeast market basket is a pretty good grocery store from all things ive seen

[@MickySarge]

I’d said for years Capri Sun is missing a huge opportunity by not releasing an adult sized pouch.

[@chuckfan50]

I work for Ralph’s which is a company’s owned by Kroger, I just got done with a 4 am shift earlier today. There is a lot of BS that happens there’s but it’s not that bad. ( I say that while looking for a new job lolz) Though I will say it depends on what company you work for that Kroger owns. For example Kroger also owns Food 4 less. Which is typically in less affluent areas with less selection of items where as a Ralph’s where I work at ,has a 15% mark up on must things compared to a stater bros or winco just because

[@paulmcgowan2250]

is that Simone's calendar checklist behind you on the wall? ... worlds colliding!!

[@Daslikdj]

One man eats at five guys and goes damn and now all these little kids wanna be him.

[@DavidH373]

Regarding reviewers eating in their cars. In Car reviews started when these restaurants wouldn't let them film their review in the restaurants or they were fast food reviews which people more naturally would eat in their car. If restaurants are suffering because of in car reviews, it was their decision not to allow filming in the restaurant This is of course not saying all restaurants shouldn't have the right to make that decision, or that all food should be eaten in one's car. A car is not a place to enjoy a Seafood Boil. Thank you.

[@vianniello93]

Didn't y'all talk about the Kroger dynamic pricing thing on last week's Eater's Digest?

[@Twisted_Logic]

I had no idea there was any controversy with them. Though tbh, based on what I'm hearing, this sounds like pretty normal "big company" controversies that I find difficulty getting emotional about. Maybe it's because I'm from an area where unions are rare

[@Seamalicous]

I don’t want it to become a requirement that anyone who makes videos has to be hyper aware of every cultural conversation, completely applaud you setting up that boundary and incorporating that into your ‘brand’. That said I would like to hear your thoughts on more line ball examples (such as the gas influencer stuff now that the heat around it has died down). Where does an ad that’s arguably fine (I use a gas range) become not fine because the person who is paying for it is doing it at a strategic moment?

[@ooodman]

Is that the Simone Giertz calendar behind Shaq? Such a cool product and invention! May I ask what habit you're tracking with it?

[@creggy]

Good video Dont care about the controversy and most people claiming they do, dont

[@Gcsm308]

I don't even remember Shaq videos have ads, with sponsorblock his videos just end a minute earlier

[@David.77]

I think there was a backlash with the Kroger thing because it was as if James Hoffmann was doing the same thing but with Starbucks. For example, no one would hate James if he took a sponsorship from Trade Coffee. And the same applies to Shaq. Although Trade and Starbucks both do coffee, they are run differently. (It's not a great comparison, but I hope it's understandable.) I think another reason why this happened is that Gen Z and millennials tend to place greater importance, compared to previous generations, on sustainability and ethical practices when supporting a company/business. (I’m not trying to convince anyone of anything; I'm just trying to make sense of one side to another. Also, as Shaq mentioned, I, too, ultimately do and will continue to buy from these grocery stores)

[@HH-le1vi]

I like a lot of what Lina Khan does but going after Kroger/Albertsons isn't something I can support since Walmart has way more market share and she's not doing anything about that. If you're going after monopolies, go after the huge market share companies like Walmart and Google.

[@oshwaflz]

i currently work in a kitchen, and my thoughts on the ex con things is that, isnt that who already works there? i mean nearly everyone i work with has been to jail if not prison. Sounds like the guy was hiring someone like normal and the news picked up on it (joking) but in all seriousness I always thought that cooking WAS the main escape for ex cons

[@ryanhw12]

You on binge eater podcast would be fun

[@jcstatt8698]

Kroger's just a big corporation that does big corporation things. Like em or not, they are an important grocery option for many of us, and I enjoy your relatable content when it comes to groceries. Good on you for taking their money

[@TommyGrisselFilms]

This is my morning newspaper

[@johanandaniel]

On the Kroger video I felt you were completely fine. Maybe it would be helpful to make a video on this channel on what you said about how people can’t know every little thing that’s going on and how that ties into your videos and sponsorships. I’m gonna be honest I too was surprised at how many people were upset; I had never heard of the issues they had until people mentioned them and I thought your audience would maybe have more grace. And guess what? Like you said, Walmart and Kroger are literally the two closest groceries for me which literally leaves me with no choice. I think you should at least be mindful of what people are saying but if you’re not doing something genuinely unethical (which imo you were not) then ig just move on. Don’t worry shaq, I still fw you 👊

[@siiiiiiiiiimo]

SHAKKYYY thenewnewww BOOOYYYY

[@braxtonwise9897]

I definitely think its worth taking a good looksie at any company you’re getting sponsored by, obviously, but I also think as watchers we have our own moral responsibility here - treat the people whos content we consume with respect and take their words at face value. Theres a decent and honest way to talk to creators, getting unreasonably pissed off at them is not the honest and decent way!

[@workingclasscook870]

"There is no ethical consumption under capitalism." Exactly!

[@JoachimMuratsGhost]

I heard "shaqalicious gummies" and thought you started a weed gummy business

[@leavemydogalone]

I like this

[@jon1758]

every baker i've known has been an alcoholic, can't get enough of that yeast i guess

[@svee7597]

I work at Kroger and they are a shitty company. They treat their people like garbage. I guess every company is shitty though. I still really enjoy this channel and will continue to watch.

[@MrJray1120]

Confused at how your Kroger video displays a “lack of transparency”. From what I remember, you made it pretty clear that Kroger was backing the video, it’s not like you were trying to sneak an ad past your viewers. I have no love for Kroger or any massive supermarket chain but this really feels like something most reasonable people would just brush off.

[@kcsguitar]

The thing is most people are reasonable in my view, however the unreasonable ones tend to be the most vocal and can make it seem like they hold the consensus

[@rockfreak125]

Is anybody else fighting to find Willow North online anywhere? Maybe she’s intentionally offline, but I feel like I have no context for who she is haha

[@rabblerouser8195]

the shaq gummies are more like crap fruit snacks

[@mandobrownie]

When I saw your Kroger ad it did leave a bad taste in my mouth. As you probably know now, Kroger's a moderately bad company, but that's true for basically any company with as much revenue as Kroger. The ethics of complicity in every day, societally-accepted wrongdoing is so complicated because they're usually centered around firms that are a large part of society. Maybe this is cope, but maybe taking the ad, getting kickback, and having the conversation here is about the best way you can go about it.

[@AmareloStudios]

well you just should try not do sponsorships at all tbh, you said it in your own words, you aint hurting for cash. Why not try some more ethical approaches to sustain the channel since you have the privilege to do so now. You already got patrons

[@cool_scatter]

I can't follow that AI thumbnail reply at all. Are you saying you haven't been aware of the cultural conversation around AI and how bad it is? You have a video on the topic on this channel.

[@capnceem]

A LOT of people online are very vocal about disliking AI. Some are just as vocal in their praise of it. Shaq hasn't been very vocal about it, and I personally thought most of that AI video was about things other than AI, though it all wrapped into it. I want to say that he was referring to his not being involved in the conversation (aside a couple years ago with that video) so using AI for a quick thumbnail isn't the same as having a take on controversy, but I didn't really understand the comment he was replying to so I can't decipher it either lol

[@agent0422]

Ngl the Kroger ad definitely felt out of place in your content. Still confused about why you'd endorse a massive corporation when apparently the money wasn't the reason. It's not like they need the increased brand awareness. It definitely lowers your credibility when you've been so ouspoken against influencer shilling and you end up doing the same thing

[@netshaq2]

I run ads on every single video. You hold a personal understanding of my values that isn't based in reality

[@Zinc-66]

Does he support Israel though? (Obviously the case he mentioned doesn’t really mean he does or doesn’t )

[@wolfishacker6509]

Does it fucking matter? Does a guy that makes videos about tasty seasoning blends and washing shredded cheese need to have public stances on geopolitical issues?

[@kcsguitar]

Irrelevant

[@sbe4u]

Keith Lee describes the whole experience, including the food. You're simply not being accurate about Keith Lee's reviews. There's an air of elitism throughout this video. Literally anyone can do food reviews and you don't seem to like that fact.

[@marcusi.7740]

11:32 tuesday feed slop is great

[@StrawberryPopsharts]

Highly recommend checking out lofty pursuits. He's been doing a community tested revival of Altoids sours for years now! Weird that this story is making waves when he never had. He's pretty well known I thought

[@a.a5983]

The eating in car videos almost look like ads sometimes. They present it as like "Whats up guys! [fast food place] just released their new Cheesy Yummy Tummy Chicken Bites™ with their housemade Yummy Wummy Chipotle Sauce, lets try it for lunch!".

[@seraphdiscgolf]

I can't believe you support Kroger, I'm unsubscribing, if I wasn't banned from Discord, I would have left... .. . wait, its 4x fuel points at Fry's today. Disregard,. I just saw Kroger & got triggered because social media told me too.