Gary Pilnick’s advice to combat rising living costs by eating cornflakes for dinner has stirred controversy among consumers

The chief executive officer of Kellogg’s, Gary Pilnick, has found himself at the centre of a storm of criticism following his suggestion that people struggling with the cost of living should consider eating cereal for dinner. Pilnick, who reportedly earns $5 million annually, took on the role of CEO in October and has since made headlines with his controversial advice.

In an interview, Pilnick acknowledged the financial pressures many are facing due to escalating living costs. He proposed that one way to manage food expenses would be to opt for cereal at dinner time, citing the affordability of the cereal category. “If you think about the cost of cereal for a family versus what they might otherwise do, that’s going to be much more affordable,” he stated.

Pilnick’s comments come as many Americans grapple with rising housing, fuel, and food prices. He pointed out that recent trends show an increase in people consuming cereal for dinner, with over 25% of cereal consumption occurring outside breakfast hours. The CEO also mentioned that Kellogg’s is adapting to consumer needs by offering different pack sizes at varying price points.

However, the suggestion has not been well-received online, with many deeming Pilnick to be “out of touch” with the realities faced by ordinary people. Social media users have expressed their indignation, with one person commenting, “What an insult. I’m sure that’s what he feeds his kids,” while another remarked, “People can no longer afford to feed their families and the best anyone can offer is peasant gruel with not only no nutritional value but negative health consequences.”

The backlash highlights the growing disconnect between corporate executives and the public, especially as food prices continue to rise at a pace faster than the Consumer Price Index. This disparity is making it increasingly challenging for families to afford basic necessities, and Pilnick’s comments have only added fuel to the fire of discontent.

As the debate rages on, it remains to be seen how Kellogg’s will respond to the criticism and whether the CEO’s remarks will have any lasting impact on the company’s reputation and consumer relations.