Does Cheetos Support Israel? What Are The 2024 Boycott Facts
This question exploded on social media in 2024, with viral TikTok videos urging fans to boycott the crunchy snack over claims it funds Israeli policies. But here’s the catch: Cheetos isn’t Israeli-owned – PepsiCo, a U.S. multinational giant, produces it. Does Cheetos support Israel? While the brand itself isn’t politically affiliated, pro-Palestine activists argue that PepsiCo’s factories in Israel indirectly contribute to the economy there, landing Cheetos on unofficial boycott lists. Meanwhile, in Pakistan, snack lovers are less concerned with politics and more with a pressing question: Are Cheetos Flamin’ Hot halal? (Yes – it is certified by Pakistan’s Halal Authority.) Let’s separate crunchy facts from cheesy rumors.
Cheetos’ Corporate Ties: Who Really Owns the Brand?
Cheetos is not an Israeli brand—it’s owned by PepsiCo, headquartered in New York. However, PepsiCo operates a manufacturing plant in Sderot, Israel, which critics claim links Cheetos to the Israeli economy. In 2023, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) Movement called for avoiding companies operating in Israel, including PepsiCo. But Cheetos aren’t explicitly named on their official boycott list.
Key Facts:
- PepsiCo employs around 1,200 workers in Israel (2024 OECD report).
- 43% of Gen Z shoppers now avoid brands linked to geopolitical conflicts (NielsenIQ 2024).
The #BoycottCheetos TikTok Trend: Fact or Fiction?
In March 2024, #BoycottCheetos surged to 2.3 million views on TikTok, with users accusing the brand of indirectly funding Israeli settlements. However, no major boycott organizations like BDS have formally listed Cheetos. Industry experts argue that the backlash oversimplifies corporate accountability. As economist Dr. Lena Cohen noted:
“PepsiCo’s global operations span 200+ countries. Blaming Cheetos for geopolitics is like blaming raindrops for a flood.”
Still, activists cite a 2023 U.N. report linking foreign businesses in Israel to settlement growth, urging consumers to “think beyond the snack aisle.”
Halal Status in Pakistan: Is Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Safe to Eat?
For Pakistani snackers, Cheetos’ halal certification matters more than TikTok drama. The Pakistan Halal Authority (PSFC) confirms:
“Cheetos Flamin’ Hot uses no pork or alcohol-based ingredients. It’s fully halal-compliant.”
Yet social media rumors falsely claim the snack is “haram due to Israeli ties,” mixing ethics with religious guidelines. With 97% of Pakistani consumers prioritizing halal snacks (PSFC 2024), Cheetos’ certification eases concerns—but debates rage on.
Ethical Debates: Should You Boycott Cheetos?
The Case For:
- PepsiCo’s Israeli factory is near disputed territories, which activists say normalizes occupation.
- Global boycotts can pressure corporations to rethink investments.
The Case Against:
- Over 800 Israeli jobs depend on PepsiCo (2024 Ministry of Economy data).
- Snack boycotts rarely impact government policies but can hurt workers.
The Middle Ground:
Ethical consumerism isn’t black and white. As writer Fatima Ahmed explains:
“Mindful shopping requires research, not hashtag activism. Ask: Who truly pays the price?”
Summary
So, does Cheetos support Israel? While the snack isn’t Israeli-owned, its parent company, PepsiCo, faces criticism for operating in Israel. Despite viral trends, Cheetos remains halal-certified in Pakistan and absent from official boycott lists. Critics argue any business in Israel aids oppression; PepsiCo insists it’s neutral. For snack lovers, the takeaway is simple: Crunch responsibly. Even cheesy debates deserve a side of nuance.
