Shopper slams Walmart for unusual packaging on popular grocery item: 'Let the supply chain issues begin'

Daily Mail​

26-05-2025

A Walmart shopper was left stunned after discovering rotisserie chickens no longer came in their usual containers — but were instead packed in basic plastic bags tied off like trash.
The customer, known as @NikkiBellAnt on TikTok, spotted the change during a grocery run at a Texas Walmart and shared a video that's now racked up nearly 90,000 views.
Instead of the standard sliding zipper bags, the chickens were sealed in plain, locally packed knotted bags — sparking confusion and fury online.
Many commenters speculated the change could be tied to supply chain issues and tariffs, with some blaming former President Trump's trade policies.
'Let the supply chain issues begin. Most food containers are made overseas....,' a commenter wrote.
The viral chicken switch-up comes after Walmart earned praise for launching baked goods aimed at rival Costco.
Costco itself aced backlash in 2024 for what critics called 'fatally flawed' packaging on its own rotisserie chickens.
It also follows Walmart claiming the top spot in the ongoing grocery wars.
Several retailers have expressed concerns over tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump.
However, Walmart shocked Wall Street when the company revealed that it could benefit from tariffs.
The potential benefits have not appeared to be effective in the eyes of TikTokers, who insist that a factor is the aftermath of the ongoing tariff war.
'Guess the packaging comes from China and now they will bag it in a plastic bag that will leak all over you and your car,' a shopper wrote.
'They're out of the usual chicken box, which means the tariffs are starting to bite,' another person commented.
Others believe the packaging was because the location simply ran out of its usual chicken bags.
Those video viewers believe it's a 'lawsuit waiting to happen' and mentioned potential health issues that could arise from the 'unique' chicken bags.
'I hope that plastic is heat proof. The heat will make poisons come out into the food,' a TikToker wrote.
Costco customers are also complaining that the new soft plastic bags for rotisserie chickens allow grease to leak
The video came after Walmart, Target, and Home Depot CEOs issued a tariff warning while meeting with Trump.
Walmart believed the meeting was 'productive' and was satisfied that they were allowed to share their insights with his team.
The retailer has taken a massive hit from tariffs since 60 percent of its goods are sourced from China.
They've also been preparing for the possibility of raising prices since last year.
Despite the prices and abnormal packaging, Walmart continues to maintain solid momentum with its earnings and plans to release its first quarter earnings next week.
Walmart is currently working on its plan to massively revamp 650 stores in the US.
The design concept, which was introduced in 2023, will be included in stores across 46 states and Puerto Rico.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Walmart for comment regarding the packaging.
Last year, Costco came under fire after it started selling its ready-cooked chickens in soft plastic bags instead of the traditional hard-shelled plastic containers at its US locations.
Shoppers have been complaining about the new packaging's leak-prone design that causes a mess in trollies, cars and fridges — as it allows meat juice to leak out.