‘There’s over 1.5 million kids in illegal child labor,’ MrBeast on why he launched Feastables

MrBeast cites 1.5 million+ kids in illegal child labor as reason he started ‘Feastables’ to avoid Big Chocolate issues

Jimmy ‘MrBeast’ Donaldson has explained why he launched his snack brand Feastables with an emphasis on ethical sourcing, pointing to the widespread problem of child labor in the global cocoa industry as a key motivator. In recent comments shared during an interview, the YouTube creator highlighted the staggering statistic that more than 1.5 million children are involved in illegal child labor on chocolate farms, a crisis he said he did not want any part of as he expanded his business into food products.

MrBeast, whose videos have made him one of the most followed creators on the internet, founded Feastables in 2022 with a range of chocolate bars and snacks. In explaining his approach, he framed the brand as an alternative to ‘Big Chocolate’ companies whose supply chains have long been criticized for reliance on cocoa sourced from regions where child labor is systemic. The goal, he said, was to build a brand that could compete in the mainstream market while bypassing ethical pitfalls that have plagued larger brands for decades.

“There’s over 1.5 million kids in illegal child labor,” MrBeast said. “That’s not something I want associated with what I’m selling.” His comments resonated online as both fans and critics engaged with what he described as a rising consumer expectation for transparency and accountability in food production.

Feastables’ stated mission includes commitments to ethical ingredient sourcing, and MrBeast has positioned the brand’s supply chain choices as part of that commitment. While many big chocolate companies have made public pledges over the years to eliminate child labor from their supply chains, efforts that in some cases have stalled or faced criticism for lack of measurable progress, MrBeast’s messaging to his audience leaned into the idea that smaller, newer brands can innovate more responsibly from the outset.

Industry analysts have noted that ethical sourcing has become a competitive differentiator in food and beverage marketing. For MrBeast, who built his career on massive challenges, viral stunts and audience engagement, applying those skills to food branding reflects a broader trend of creators using their platforms to influence consumer behaviour beyond entertainment. His fans have shown strong interest in Feastables products, often selling out in limited drops, which has helped the brand grow quickly in a crowded marketplace.

Critics and experts alike point out that addressing child labor in cocoa production is complex, involving economic conditions, governance challenges in producing countries, and entrenched supply chain practices. However, MrBeast’s move to publicly address the issue has brought renewed attention to the persistence of labor abuses in the chocolate industry, prompting discussion among his millions of followers about ethical consumption.