Streamer Pokimane Calls Fans "Broke" For Not Spending $28 On Her Cookies

Is $28 for four packs of cookies too much? Popular Twitch streamer Pokimane (whose real name is Imane Anys) is facing backlash for suggesting her fans are "broke."

On November 13, 2023, Pokimane introduced her latest company, Myna Snacks.

"it's finally here!! introducing my new company: myna snacks!" she wrote on X (formerly Twitter). "i could never find the perfect healthy snack that tasted good, so i made one for us! the midnight mini cookies are made w/ real, non-gmo ingredients + added vitamin D."

Is Pokimane "Dropshipping" Cookies?

The social media audience noticed Pokimane's Myna Snacks look similar to Toatzy's Midnight Mini Cookies seen at Costco, fueling speculation that she repackaged the existing product. X users allege that Myna Snacks are three times the price of Toatzy's cookies. For context, each pack of Myna Snacks is 4 ounces and costs $7 each. The website allows customers to purchase a pack of four priced at $28 plus shipping.

"pokimane's new product is apparently just a rebranded 'toatzy midnight mini cookie' which she sells for three times the price. the only difference between the cookies is vitamin D3. $28 vs $9.99 for 400g. scam?" asks @FearedBuck.

However, Pokimane says that the pricing is due to the quality of her cookies, which are made with "gluten-free ingredients, and added vitamins is not a cheap practice."

The streamer took to X to defend herself and said she rarely takes sponsorships because she tries to be mindful about endorsing and promoting products. "I haven't sold merch in years, I cap my donations, and frankly, if I wanted a cash grab, it'd be silly to do that through a startup because they are extremely unlikely to profit in the first few years," Pokimane explained, adding that profits will go back into creating higher quality products. I understand why most people wouldn't want to spend $7 on mini cookies, but it's a given that most items with better ingredients will cost more.

Pokimane Hits Back and Suggests Fans Are "Broke"

The other reason why Pokimane came under fire is because she called a viewer "broke" on one of her livestreams. "When people are like, 'Oh my God, $28 for cookies?' It's four bags," she said. That's $7 a bag. I know, I know. Math is hard when you're an idiot. But, like, if you're a broke boy, just say that."

I'm going to assume that she's joking and didn't mean that comment, but it is disheartening to hear for the fans who have supported her. Pokimane is the most successful female streamer and has a net worth of approximately $25 million, according to Sportskeeda. She would not be where she is today without her supporters. A rich person calling others poor also comes off as tone-deaf, especially in this economy.

Pokimane Apologizes

The 27-year-old apologized for calling her critics "broke" on X and is now considering lowering the price of her cookies. "while what i said was 100% intended to be a joke, i see why it came off as insensitive and i apologize for that," she wrote.

"i also understand the current price of the cookies may be expensive for some, and promise we’ll continue to consider pricing to keep myna as affordable as possible."

Has cancel culture gone too far? I think it's okay to call people out for their bad behavior, but I don't think it's fair to paint Pokimane as a villain. Earlier this year, she donated over $10,000 to smaller streamers on Twitch, but I didn't hear much noise about it. “I don’t know why I really like giving away money. Something about it is so exciting," she said. Hopefully, she will lower the price of her cookies for the fans who want to try them and remain mindful of her comments.

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