Kellogg’s CEO Under Fire for Telling People to ‘Eat Corn Flakes For Dinner’ Amid Rising Food Costs

Kellogg’s, the renowned food processing company, is currently facing a storm of criticism after its CEO, Gary Pilnick, made some controversial remarks. The food giant CEO suggested that families struggling with rising food prices could resort to having “cereal for dinner.”¹ Pilnick’s comments have obviously sparked outrage among consumers and ignited a debate about both the affordability and nutritional value of cereal as a dinner substitute amid soaring food costs. Additionally, outside of actually having cereal for dinner, the larger conversation about the rising costs of food across the board needs to be a more serious discussion brought forward.

Kellogg’s Contentious Advice

During a live interview on CNBC’s Squawk on the Street, Pilnick defended the idea of cereal for dinner as a cost-effective solution for cash-strapped consumers. He brought up the affordability of cereal compared to other meal options and emphasized its suitability for families facing financial pressure. Pilnick’s remarks, however, have been met with skepticism and condemnation from various quarters.

Pilnick’s suggestion has drawn sharp criticism on social media platforms, with many users expressing outrage at what they perceive as a tone-deaf response to the economic challenges faced by ordinary consumers.² Some have likened Pilnick’s comments to the infamous “let them eat cake” remark attributed to Marie Antoinette during the French Revolution, highlighting the apparent disconnect between corporate executives and everyday struggles. This modernized retelling has been dubbed “let them eat flakes”. Additionally, concerns have been raised about the nutritional adequacy of cereal as a dinner option, particularly given its high sugar content. 

Greedflation is forcing families to make choices like eating cereal for dinner to save money. Kellogg's CEO is bragging about it while they show the huge climb in corporate profits that helped create the problem in the first place. Fuck this shit. pic.twitter.com/NH2EYaKTXu

— Evan Sutton (@3vanSutton) February 21, 2024

Cereal has long been bashed for its lack of nutritional value as a day-starting meal, so where Pilnick gets off on thinking it will serve as a solid dinner substitute is beyond us. Cereal is nothing more than a glorified stomach filler and to suggest it is anything more than that – and to recommend having it with their children for dinner – is something the brand should be ashamed of. 

Pilnick’s words come in response to the increase in food prices in recent years, exacerbated by factors such as supply chain disruptions and inflation.³ Cereal itself (the very thing being suggested as an “affordable alternative”) has gone up over 28% since the pandemic. Consumers have experienced a substantial uptick in grocery expenses, prompting them to seek out more affordable alternatives.

Kellogg’s Response

Kellogg’s has been promoting the concept of “cereal for dinner” as a budget-friendly meal option since 2022, amid the escalating food prices. The company’s advertising campaign has aimed to position cereal as a convenient and economical choice for families facing financial constraints (laughable, considering their cost history since 2020). However, the appropriateness of this marketing strategy has come under scrutiny in light of Pilnick’s recent comments and the ensuing backlash. If we didn’t know any better, one could say this is nothing more than a profit-lead marketing campaign to have consumers buy products that have gone up in cost. But mega-corporations never do that… 

The anger behind Kellogg’s suggestion of “cereal for dinner” reflects deeper anxieties about economic inequality, food affordability, and corporate accountability. Pilnick’s remarks bring forward broader concerns about corporate responsibility and ethics in the food industry. There are calls for food companies like Kellogg’s to adopt more socially responsible practices and prioritize the well-being of consumers over profit margins.

They’re Grrrrrreedy

And let’s make one thing clear: Pilnick’s words are on behalf of the entire company. Kellogg’s is a massive brand that owns all of these companies. No action has been taken to correct their CEO, and this is a marketing strategy that has now been going on for years. When Pilnick says these words, the entire Kellogg’s brand is behind him on it. This company does not care about you, it only cares if you go and buy their product to consume twice as fast now for both breakfast AND dinner. “The economic situation is difficult, wash down your troubles with a bowl of Frosted Flakes”. Absolutely shameful.  

The remarks made by Kellogg’s have rightfully stirred a significant backlash. There are broader concerns about food affordability, corporate responsibility, and consumer welfare in the face of economic adversity, but it’s clear that the company just isn’t interested in addressing any of that head on. 

Read More: 11 of The Unhealthiest Cereals on Grocery Store Shelves