A TikTok video by user Kyi has gone viral, reigniting the debate over Trader Joe’s product naming practices.
The TikToker expressed surprise upon discovering that the frozen Mandarin Orange Chicken she purchased was labeled as “Trader Ming’s.” The video gained over 2.1 million views and sparked discussions about the grocer’s labeling practices, which were previously criticized as “racist.”
Decades-Old Naming Tradition:
Trader Joe’s has a decades-old tradition of naming certain products based on an imagined country of origin. The practice involves creating punny names like “Trader Ming’s” for Chinese-inspired products or “Trader José” for Mexican-inspired items. The naming convention has faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes and cultural insensitivity.
Previous Controversy in 2020:
In 2020, the grocer faced controversy when a high school student initiated a petition calling for an end to the labeling practice. The petition gained attention, leading Trader Joe’s to initially announce a plan to make changes. However, the company later backtracked on its decision, asserting that it did not consider the labels to be racist and would maintain the tradition.
Viewer Responses and Humorous Comments:
The TikTok video generated various responses from viewers, with some expressing support for Trader Joe’s and others highlighting the humorous nature of the naming convention. Commenters shared examples like “Trader Giottos” for Italian food or “Trader Jacques” for French products. Some viewers were surprised that the discussion was ongoing, believing the grocer had already addressed and resolved the issue.
Trader Joe’s Stance:
Trader Joe’s has consistently defended its naming tradition, stating that it does not consider the labels to be racist. In the past, the company emphasized its commitment to inclusivity and diversity while maintaining its unique product naming approach. The recent TikTok video has once again brought attention to this longstanding controversy surrounding the grocer’s practices.