.jpg)
Trying to be inclusive and cater to diverse dietary needs comes with some risks. When the airline removed peanuts from its flights in 2019, it issued a statement that was practically an apology.
“Our ultimate goal is to create an environment where all customers — including those with peanut allergies — feel safe and welcome on every Southwest flight. We will miss peanuts, but at the end of the day, it’s our Southwest employees and the hospitality they provide that sets us apart, far more than peanuts ever could,” the airline shared in a statement.
Related: Southwest Airlines Shares Big Boarding and Open Seat News
The removal of peanuts – a product that causes severe allergic reactions in people, and can sometimes be fatal – has had predictable repercussions among passengers.
“I am disappointed in Southwest’s decision to stop serving peanuts. First, when less than 2% of the population has a peanut allergy, they are giving the minority the benefit of the doubt. Why serve pretzels? I’m sure there are people on board with gluten allergies,” wrote Liz Hosie on a Southwest message board.
Of course, gluten sensitivity is not generally one that causes anaphylaxis or other potentially fatal side effects. Peanut dust in the air can kill people with this particular allergy, while a person with a gluten allergy may not experience any immediate consequences if they are exposed to pretzel dust or even accidentally ingest it.
The pretzels seemed like a reasonable alternative to peanuts. But now, Southwest has decided to be more thorough with its snacks. This will anger people who saw dropping peanuts in order to protect vulnerable people as a woke move.
Image source: William Thomas Cain/Getty Images
Southwest Ditches Pretzels for Gluten-Free Vegan Version
Southwest Airlines has decided to ditch its traditional pastry for a new version that is “vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, made in a dedicated peanut-free facility, kosher, non-GMO, with no artificial flavors or colors, MSG or corn syrup,” the airline shared on its website.
The airline has partnered with Stellar Snacks to offer Maui Monk Pretzel Braids as a new all-in-one snack that will be served on flights longer than 175 miles. Maui Monk Pretzels offer “the exciting flavor of buttery Stellar pretzels combined with the sweet and salty taste of Maui onion seasoning and a touch of monk fruit sweetness,” according to the airline.
The airline is at risk of being seen as pandering and “woke” given how its new snack is being marketed.
“Our best-selling Maui Monk Pretzels are high-quality, vegan, non-GMO snacks made in the USA,” said Elizabeth Galvin, founder of Stellar Snacks. “In addition to our gourmet flavors, we take the snack experience even further with our Artist Program, which transforms our snack packaging into a canvas for emerging artists. Each bag of Maui Monk Pretzels features a selection of vibrant artwork by Caro Clark, transforming each bag into a selection of vibrant artwork by Caro Clark. Enjoy an engaging artistic experience for every traveler as they enjoy their pretzels.”
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or first) cruise.
Anti-woke protests have a mixed record
While right-wing activists will point to the Bud Light boycott as evidence of how strong the boycott is, in reality, the Bud Light boycott was successful because light beer is effectively interchangeable.
Target has faced a boycott over its Pride products and before that over its inclusive bathroom policy. The retailer has acknowledged the boycotts and pulled some Pride products from stores, but it’s difficult to attribute any meaningful decline in sales to the boycott.
Southwest may face a backlash on social media for embracing gluten-free, vegan and kosher pastries, but it’s unlikely to hurt its sales. That’s because people generally book airlines based on price and convenience.
Even after the holiday collapse two years ago, Southwest hasn’t seen a significant decline in ticket sales. This is largely because people tend to choose price and convenience over any type of activity.
This isn’t just a right-wing thing. Many left-leaning people eat at Chick-fil-A and shop at Hobby Lobby despite their records on LGBTQ+ rights. Southwest made a bold choice to change the pastry, but it’s likely to cause a social media uproar, but it won’t have any real impact on business.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals and ship news from our cruise experts.
