In a surprising move, former First Lady Michelle Obama has ignited a wave of criticism on social media with a recent promotional post just before the Fourth of July holiday.
According to the Daily Mail, the controversy stems from a video she shared on Instagram, where she endorsed PLEZi Fizz and PLEZi Hydrate drinks while urging her 57 million followers to stay hydrated during Independence Day celebrations.
On Wednesday, ahead of the Fourth of July, Michelle Obama, 61, posted a video on Instagram to connect with her vast audience. In the clip, she spoke warmly about the holiday, highlighting its joys like barbecues and fireworks. She also reminded everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the festive weekend. The video prominently featured bottles of PLEZi Fizz and PLEZi Hydrate in the foreground, drawing attention to the products. Obama encouraged her followers to try these drinks, presenting them as healthier options with reduced sugar content. "I just love everything about the Fourth of July. Friends, family, barbecue and fireworks," she said in the video.
"And, as you and your families are out there, don't forget to stay hydrated," she added. She further noted, "PLEZi Hydration or PLEZi FiZZ are great options with less sugar to try out this weekend. Have a great holiday weekend everybody." However, the promotion did not sit well with some of her followers, who quickly voiced their disapproval online.
One commenter remarked, "This is so strange," reflecting the confusion among her audience. Another wrote, "No, Michelle please, don't sell us useless products," expressing frustration over the endorsement. A third user commented, "You lowkey too good to be doing this," suggesting the move felt out of character.
Yet another follower stated, "It's really weird that you're like hawking a drink. It seems beneath you," highlighting a perceived mismatch with her public image. Despite the backlash, there’s more to the story behind Obama’s involvement with PLEZi Nutrition. It was later revealed that she is a co-founder and strategic partner of the company behind these beverages.
PLEZi Nutrition, a Public Benefit Company, aims to transform the food and beverage sector by promoting healthier choices. Obama has long been an advocate for better nutrition, a cause she championed as First Lady and as a mother. "As a mom and as First Lady, I've seen how critical good nutrition is at all stages of development," she shared.
"It's why I've spent so many years working to help families lead healthier lives," Obama continued. She emphasized her motivation, saying, "But I've also learned that if you want to change the game on this issue, you have to change the food and beverage industry itself." She added, "That's what we're doing with PLEZi Nutrition, and it's why I'm proud to serve as Co-Founder and Strategic Partner."
PLEZi Nutrition focuses initially on beverages, a category where added sugar consumption is notably high. "Our initial focus is on beverages because that's where so much added sugar is consumed," Obama explained. She also noted, "While water is always the best, PLEZi is a great option for those moments where you want something else."
PLEZi drinks are crafted to cut down on sugar and sodium while boosting nutrient content compared to other popular options. PLEZi Fizz, for instance, uses real fruit and avoids added sugar or artificial sweeteners, available in flavors like Lemon Lime Squeeze, Cherry Limeade, and Strawberry Lemonade. PLEZi Hydration offers 500mg of potassium per serving and similarly contains no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.
A case of PLEZi Fizz, with 18 cans, retails for $13.79 at Costco, making it accessible to many families. "Our drinks not only significantly reduce sugar and sodium, they include more nutrients than other leading options—and they're delicious, too!" Obama enthused. The company is also backed by notable figures like Stephen Curry, Alysha Curry, and Kristen Bell, adding to its visibility.
Obama acknowledges that transforming the industry requires more than just one brand or product line. "Still, we know that changing the industry isn't about a few drinks or even one company," she said. She urged collective action, stating, "We need everyone — business, government, nonprofits, and folks like you — to come together and create the better, more nutritious options that so many of us are looking for."
Her vision includes community involvement, as she invited feedback on PLEZi products. "I hope you'll join us and give PLEZi products a try — and don't forget to tell us what you think!" she encouraged. She also reiterated the company’s ethos, saying, "We're a Public Benefit Company that's working to drive the kind of positive change that I've always hoped to see — and set higher standards for how we make and market food and drinks along the way."
While Obama’s intentions seem rooted in her long-standing commitment to health, the promotional video has divided opinions. Some see it as a genuine effort to offer better beverage choices, while others view it as an odd step for someone of her stature. The debate continues online, leaving many to ponder the intersection of advocacy and entrepreneurship in her latest endeavor.