People Are Totally Outraged Over This New “Yogurt for Men”

I have to admit, when I first saw an article about “yogurt for men” (or “Brogurt,” as Daily Meal so smartly referred to it), I was kind of confused. Yogurt is a healthy, protein-packed canvas for a filling snack or meal for anyone. It’s definitely not “for girls,” so I could see why people might be a little offended about a company specifically creating yogurt for men. But perhaps there’s more to this story.

The brand in question is Powerful Yogurt, and I think the situation they’ve fallen into is a little unfortunate. I mean, hey, any news is good news, but it’s not cool when your statements about marketing your product to men turn into an attack on womankind. As far as I can tell, the people behind Powerful aren’t trying to say their yogurt is boys-only, they’re just trying to hit on a demographic that is — truthfully — often ignored by marketers.

Looking back, most of the commercials I’ve seen about dairy have been specifically targeted to women. I can’t be the only one who remembers all the ads promising slimmer waists to those who drank a glass of milk a day. And of course, who could forget Activia’s famous spokeswoman, Jamie Lee Curtis? The “Got Milk” ads are certainly a notable exception, but just a few scrolls through the old ads leave me wondering if they’d somehow be considered “offensive” today. Anyway, when it comes down to it, most food ads are targeted toward women — so who could fault a brand for specifically reaching out to a traditionally untapped demographic?

Their branding doesn’t look manly; it just looks like it’s meant to attract people who exercise — sort of like it belongs on a carton of protein powder. Their website is full of images of both men and women because — shocker — most people in the world are comfortable with the concept that both genders are capable of working out and being fit. Just because they’re “targeting” men doesn’t mean they’re trying to exclude women. Just like the reverse is true for, you know, regular “girly” yogurt.

I mean, seriously. It’s not like anyone is going to give the side eye to a dude eating yogurt, and even if they do — who cares? Yogurt is a tasty, nutritious, and (in general) minimally processed source of energy. As long as the sugar level isn’t too high and you’re not lactose intolerant, it’s going to be good for you no matter what kind of package it comes in. Powerful Yogurt just happens to come in a slightly larger one with a darker label.

What’s your take? Is it worth all the fuss?

→ Read more: Brogurt: Is Yogurt Marketed for Men Even Any Good, Bro? from Daily Meal