What is Myna Snacks? Pokimane's new venture accused of copying competitors
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Renowned streamer Pokimane introduced her health-conscious snack brand, 'Myna Snacks,' in collaboration with food industry veteran Darcey Macken on November 13.
However, just a few days later, Myna Snacks' inaugural product, 'Midnight Mini Cookies,' faced criticism when a user on X observed similarities to Toatzy's Midnight Mini Cookies, previously available at Costco.
In the grander scheme, Pokimane has now joined a growing list of popular content creators, including KSI, Logan Paul, MrBeast, and others, who have ventured into launching their unique products in recent years.
Pokimane's health-conscious snack brand receives criticism
On November 13, Darcey Macken, Co-Founder and CEO of Myna Snacks stated, “After years of research and development, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of a snack company consumers can trust for amazing taste and health benefits, removing what I call the ‘mental calories’ behind fueling our bodies.”
He added, “We’re making the most craveable, poppable, feel-good snacks for everyone.”
However, almost immediately after the announcement of Myna Snacks’ first product, Midnight Mini Cookies, the company faced backlash after fans noticed similarities to Toatzy’s Midnight Mini Cookies that were previously sold at Costco
An X user took a dig at Pokimane's venture with her detailed X threads.
The user wrote, "Private/White label products are common, and I had an inkling this was the case with Myna Snacks. Seeing that they claimed they were from PNW, I searched for private label snack companies. I found Creations Foods, a PNW based company that specializes in healthier snacks."
Private/White label products are common, and I had an inkling this was the case with Myna Snacks. Seeing that they claimed they were from PNW, I searched for private label snack companies. I found Creations Foods, a PNW based company that specializes in healthier snacks. pic.twitter.com/vbSfauiYhS
— 🪷🪻Suvana🪻🪷 (@Atelisi) November 13, 2023
In the same thread, the user added,"Right on their page are cookies that look similar to Myna Snacks.. Midnight Mini Cookies by Toatzy. The link to Toatzy's website redirects back to Creation Foods. A search revealed they have been sold at Costco before. Sure, they have the same name. What about ingredients though?"
Right on their page are cookies that look similar to Myna Snacks.. Midnight Mini Cookies by Toatzy. The link to Toatzy's website redirects back to Creation Foods. A search revealed they have been sold at Costco before. Sure, they have the same name. What about ingredients though? pic.twitter.com/VJW9rXSlqT
— 🪷🪻Suvana🪻🪷 (@Atelisi) November 13, 2023
What did Myna Snacks say about the backlash?
Controversy arose when accusations surfaced that the Midnight Mini Cookies bore a striking resemblance to a product by Creations Foods.
Fans pointed to identical nutritional information and ingredients, suggesting this was a perceived "cash grab attempt" involving the rebranding or white-labeling of the product.
Amid the controversy, Myna Snacks has issued a statement to address the criticism online.
A spokesperson from Myna Snacks stated in an email to Dexerto, “Our product formulation is unique to Myna and exclusive to us. We can confirm the Midnight Mini Cookies were in development for two years. This process included many rounds of testing and ingredient changes.”
Additionally, The inclusion of vitamin D-rich mushroom powder in Myna Snacks' cookies is one of the main distinctions between the two goods.
Fans, however, objected to Myna Snacks costing nearly three times as much per weight for what seemed to be a comparable product.