Uber Eats Super Bowl Ad Stumbles: Peanut Allergy Joke Backfires

The highly anticipated Super Bowl is known for its extravagant commercials, and this year, Uber Eats joined the fray. However, their attempt at humor landed with a thud, sparking controversy and raising important questions about responsible advertising.

The Ad’s Premise:

The commercial, titled “Don’t Forget Uber Eats,” featured a series of forgetful scenarios designed to highlight the convenience of the platform. One scene, however, depicted a man enjoying peanut butter, only to realize mid-bite that he has a peanut allergy. The scene showed exaggerated symptoms like facial swelling and hives, while a disclaimer at the bottom read “Please please please don’t forget there are peanuts in peanut butter.”

The Backlash:

The portrayal of a peanut allergy as a comical oversight triggered outrage from the food allergy community and advocacy groups like FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education). They argued that the ad trivialized the seriousness of food allergies, which can be life-threatening, and potentially caused anxiety or distress for viewers with allergies.

The Response:

Uber Eats quickly responded to the criticism. In a statement, the company acknowledged the concerns and announced they would edit the ad to remove the peanut allergy scene before its Super Bowl airing. They also pledged to work with FARE to raise awareness about food allergies.

Learning From the Mistake:

This incident serves as a stark reminder about the importance of responsible advertising, particularly when dealing with sensitive topics like health conditions. Here are some key takeaways:

Avoid humor at the expense of others’ struggles. Food allergies are a real and serious concern for millions of people. Making light of them can be insensitive and harmful.

Think about the potential impact on diverse audiences. Consider how your ad might be interpreted by people from different backgrounds and with varying experiences.

Be mindful of the message you’re sending. Ultimately, your advertising should reflect your values and commitment to responsible practices.

While Uber Eats took a positive step by editing the ad, the incident highlights the need for greater sensitivity and awareness in advertising. By being mindful of the potential impact of our messages, we can create advertising that is both entertaining and respectful.