In a surprising twist that has left customers buzzing, Walmart shoppers recently discovered rotisserie chickens no longer come in their familiar sliding zipper bags. Instead, they’re packaged in basic plastic bags tied off like trash, a switch that has sparked confusion and frustration among buyers.

TikTok Video Goes Viral

The unusual packaging was brought to light by a Texas shopper known as @NikkiBellAnt on TikTok, whose video highlighting the change has amassed nearly 90,000 views. In her clip, she showcases how the rotisserie chickens are now sealed in plain, locally packed knotted bags instead of their traditional, more secure containers. This change has ignited a wave of reactions online, with many commenters speculating about the reasons behind the new packaging.

“Let the supply chain issues begin. Most food containers are made overseas,” one commenter lamented, hinting at broader economic concerns affecting the availability of traditional packaging options.

Supply Chain Issues and Tariffs Under Scrutiny

This shift comes amid ongoing discussions about supply chain disruptions and tariffs imposed during former President Donald Trump’s administration. Several commenters attributed the change in packaging to these factors. “Guess the packaging comes from China, and now they will bag it in a plastic bag that will leak all over you and your car,” another user wrote, echoing sentiments shared by many regarding potential repercussions of trade policies.

Concerns about tariffs have been echoed by multiple retailers who have felt the pinch in recent years. Walmart’s precarious position is particularly notable because approximately 60% of its goods are sourced from China. Despite these challenges, Walmart previously claimed some benefits from the tariffs, leading to skepticism among consumers who see little improvement in their shopping experience.

Comparisons to Competitors

The uproar surrounding Walmart’s chicken packaging is reminiscent of criticisms faced by Costco last year when the warehouse giant began selling its rotisserie chickens in soft plastic bags instead of hard-shell containers. Customers voiced their frustrations about leaking juices that created messes in shopping carts, cars, and refrigerators. On platforms like Reddit, complaints about the new bags have proliferated, with one user stating, “Chicken juice spilled all over the trunk of our car. These new bags leak!!”

As the grocery industry grows increasingly competitive, Walmart has been making significant strides to keep up with rivals like Costco. Recently, Walmart received praise for launching new baked goods aimed specifically at competing with Costco’s bakery offerings.

Corporate Responses and Market Position

In light of these developments, Walmart has maintained a positive outlook. The retailer continues to project solid earnings momentum despite price pressures and the backlash over packaging changes. The company plans to release its first-quarter earnings report next week, which could provide further insight into how these shifts are impacting sales.

Moreover, Walmart is embarking on an ambitious plan to revamp 650 stores across the United States. This design overhaul, first introduced in 2023, aims to enhance the shopping experience and is set to impact locations in 46 states and Puerto Rico.

In a recent meeting with then-President Trump, CEOs from Walmart, Target, and Home Depot expressed concerns about tariffs and sought clarity on how such policies might shape the retail landscape moving forward. Walmart described the meeting as “productive,” suggesting a commitment to engaging in dialogue about the challenges posed by tariffs.

Customer Reactions and Future Implications

The revelations about Walmart’s new chicken packaging have led to widespread speculation about health concerns as well. Some TikTok users raised alarms about the safety of the bags used for hot food items. “I hope that plastic is heatproof. The heat will make poisons come out into the food,” warned one concerned shopper, reflecting anxieties about food safety that often accompany significant packaging alterations.

While Walmart looks to navigate the complexities of trade tariffs and evolving consumer preferences, the outrage over the rotisserie chicken packaging serves as a reminder of the delicate balance retailers must maintain between cost-cutting measures and customer satisfaction.

In conclusion, as Walmart adapts to turbulent market conditions and strives to meet the demands of its customers, the unexpected change in its rotisserie chicken packaging has ignited conversations about supply chains, tariffs, and food safety that may well influence future consumer behavior.