Asda has been criticised for the design of packaging on its new low-cost range, with its bright yellow design being branded as 'poverty markers'. Some shoppers, however, have disagreed with the backlash, saying that they either "love" or "couldn't care less" about the yellow packaging.
Asda has replaced its Smart Price range - in mostly white packaging - with bright yellow Just Essentials. But the bright yellow design led some people to claim that it stands out too much and gives "poverty markers" to shoppers, reports The Mirror. One shopper said the bright colour screams: “We are poor!” Another said it suggests “people on lower incomes should have a basket full of poverty markers”.
But some shoppers have disagreed with the idea, praising Asda for introducing a range to help people in financially difficult times, and even encouraging other supermarkets to do the same. Shoppers expressed their support for the supermarket on social media.
READ MORE: Cost of living crisis making more people use cash, Post Office figures show
Denise Neesy Jones wrote in praise of the new range on Facebook, saying: "I love it! Well done Asda! It’s easily identifiable when you are struggling to find the cheapest products! Hopefully other supermarkets will follow."
Another Facebook user, Susan Owen, even suggested that it could help those with poor eye sight, writing: "They have introduced a range of foods to help people during these difficult times, and some are complaining. For those who have literacy problems, or poor eye sight seeing this packaging which stands out from the rest is brilliant. ASDA should be commended not condemned."
Other readers agreed, with some saying that the colour of the packaging shouldn't matter, while others argued that it would help people find cheaper products. One Facebook user, Caroline Wilkinson, wrote: "Is there anything this country doesn't moan about. What does it matter what colour a packaging is the colour yellow stands out so people are aware that some things are cheaper. Think they forget we don't eat the packaging."
Sarah Louise added: "Food is food. If your struggling it doesn't matter about brand name food. Putting food on the table is more important and sometimes supermarket brands taste better than branded." Eluned Read argued that taste was more important than packaging, saying: "What does it matter what colour the package is.. As long as it tastes good and is nourishing. No pleasing some people."
Another Facebook user, Stacey Coleman Raven, said that packaging shouldn't matter when it comes to budgeting, writing: "When it comes to budgeting and keeping costs down as much as you can, why would it matter what colour the packaging is? So what if someone has a whole trolley full of the yellow items? Why do people think it’s ok to judge and for people who are buying these products, don’t worry about others opinions! Ridiculous people will moan about anything these days! Life’s hard enough right now! Be grateful for life and be kind!"
Many readers said that they shop from the range, with one Facebook user, Lori Dyer saying: "I bought their sausage and Beans the other day. And they were delicious." Kirsty Davies said: "I love Asda own sausage rolls. Why does the packaging matter it only goes in the bin/recycling anyway. I wouldn't call it poverty marking... They've always had their own brand."
Leanne Stanbury added: "We love these meals... I think the yellow brightens up my trolley. I don’t feel embarrassed buying them." Another Facebook user, Wendy Jane, wrote: "I've just ordered Asda for today and I've ordered loads of the yellow essential range and find for the £110 I've spent I've got loads coming and for a family of five it helps loads."
Leona Shanley added that she hadn't thought about the colour of the packaging before picking up an item from the range. She wrote: "Hadn't even entered my head when I picked up their yellow packaged garlic bread last week. Just noticed the huge difference in price. I'd never even think to judge someone with the budget range of food in their trolley."
Another reader, Saleema Bibi, also said that she's bought from the range without initially realising, writing: "Bought these the other day as I just wanted Asda pizza. Didn't realise this was the cheapest pizza they do. Tasted like most other supermarket pizza. Even nicer when you add toppings."
READ NEXT:
All the cost of living payments you will receive and when you will get them
Asda, Tesco, Aldi, Lidl fish fingers put to the test as Birds Eye prices rocket to £7.50
Brains pub in Cardiff city centre to be taken over by Scandinavian chain
Much-loved Cardiff restaurant La Cuina is closing due to impact of Brexit
Last-minute holidays in Wales to book for this weekend to make the most of the weather
