MrBeast Takes a Stand Against Child Labor in Cocoa Production
Popular YouTuber and entrepreneur Jimmy “MrBeast”has highlighted a pressing issue surrounding child labor and the exploitation of minors in cocoa farms across West Africa. On April 10, 2025, he unveiled a short video to announce the proactive measures being implemented by his chocolate brand, Feastables, to address the crisis.
Addressing the Urgent Issue of Child Labor
In a one-minute clip shared on X, MrBeast revealed alarming statistics about the cocoa industry, stating that “Big Chocolate”often pays farmers an average wage of less than a dollar per day. This inadequate compensation has led to an unsettling reality where approximately 45% of children in cocoa-producing regions are engaged in child labor.
Feastables’ Commitment to Ethical Practices
MrBeast elaborated on Feastables’ dedication to tackling child exploitation within the West African cocoa trade by outlining three key initiatives:
“First, we pay 100% of our cocoa farmers a Living Income Reference Price. It is a benchmark set by Fairtrade to ensure farmers earn enough where they can afford housing, food, and other basic necessities.”
“Second, 100% of our cocoa is Fairtrade certified, which is the gold standard for ethical certification. They have rigorous standards that protect the livelihoods of small farmers and farm workers.”
“Third, the farms Feastables works with are actively implementing child labor monitoring and remediation systems. So that the kids can get off the farms and into schools.”
Empowering Consumers to Make Ethical Choices
In his concluding remarks, MrBeast encouraged consumers to make informed choices while shopping for chocolate. He urged viewers to think critically about their purchases, recommending Feastables as an ethical alternative:
“The next time you are in an American chocolate aisle, you have a decision to make. Support the status quo, or you can eat Feastables and say enough is enough, you care how your chocolate is sourced.”
Leaving a Legacy Beyond YouTube Fame
As a leading figure on YouTube, MrBeast has been vocal against other chocolate companies in the U.S., accusing them of sourcing cocoa from farms that exploit children. During a recent podcast, he expressed his ambition to make Feastables profitable by demonstrating that sustainable and ethical chocolate sourcing can be achieved without financial loss.
In a subsequent post on X, MrBeast shared his hopes for how he will be remembered, emphasizing his commitment to combating child labor rather than his YouTube fame:
“If I’m remembered for anything, I hope it’s the work we’re doing to help kids in child labor, not my YouTube channel. I’m all in on this issue.”
The Road Ahead for MrBeast and Feastables
With an impressive following of over 380 million subscribers on his main channel, MrBeast’s endeavors to combat child labor in the cocoa industry shines a light on a critical social issue. As he continues to advocate for ethical practices and greater accountability in chocolate sourcing, it remains to be seen whether his legacy will be defined by his philanthropic efforts or his YouTube career.