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Erewhon Market, an upscale Los Angeles-based grocery chain known for its pricey wellness smoothies, is facing growing backlash online after reportedly forcing a TikTok creator to remove her viral dupe recipe videos. The creator, known as “The Certified Beverage Girl,” revealed she received a cease and desist letter from the company and later disclosed she was a former employee—raising questions about why she was singled out while other creators continue to post similar content. Her followers rallied in support, criticizing Erewhon’s aggressive legal approach and calling out the company’s attempt to silence affordable alternatives.

The controversy has reignited criticism over Erewhon’s high prices and a recent health scare at its Santa Monica location, which temporarily shut down a tonic bar due to a cockroach infestation. The brand’s status as a Certified B Corporation, which suggests a commitment to ethics and transparency, has also come under scrutiny in light of these events.

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00:00A popular grocery store known for its pricey, trendy smoothies is at the center of growing
00:03online backlash, after reportedly forcing a TikTok creator to delete her viral dupe recipe videos.
00:10Aeron Market is an upscale grocery chain based in Los Angeles County,
00:13known for its focus on organic, high-quality, healthy foods.
00:16Their smoothies, often priced between $15 and $25, are packed with trendy ingredients like
00:21superfoods, plant-based proteins, and adaptogens, making them a favorite among
00:26wellness enthusiasts and influencers alike. But with that premium image comes controversy.
00:31Recently, a TikTok creator known as a Certified Beverage Girl revealed her popular videos
00:35replicating Erewhon's smoothies had suddenly disappeared.
00:38I received a cease and desist around a month ago from Erewhon. I was met with,
00:44we don't care, take everything down.
00:46The creator explained her attempts to reach a mutual understanding with the company failed,
00:50bluntly saying they have F you money, I do not.
00:53That is why you have not been seeing recipe videos recently on this channel and why you
00:57will never hear me mention Erewhon's name ever again.
00:59In a follow-up video, the creator confirmed she was a former employee,
01:03which we speculate may be why she was targeted, especially since other creators continue to
01:07post similar dupe videos without any issues.
01:10Bailey Beaver's Strawberry Glaze Erewhon Smoothie with 40 grams of protein.
01:16I've never been prouder. I think this might be my best Erewhon recreation yet, but let's try it.
01:21It's delicious. Let me know if you make it.
01:22The situation has sparked a lot of chatter online with others weighing in on whether the
01:27company will target every creator sharing their smoothie recipes. Others argued over
01:31the legal side with one comment saying, I'm so grossed out by this. Trade secrets,
01:36maybe, but defamation, wild. While critics pointed to recent issues the store has been having.
01:42Back in April, ABC7 reported that Erewhon's Santa Monica location had to close its tonic bar
01:47because of a cockroach infestation. The store quickly reopened after handling the issue,
01:52but the news surprised a lot of loyal customers and didn't quite match Erewhon's polished high-end
01:57vibe. Beyond the health inspection drama, the store has also faced heat for its deep prices,
02:01sometimes hitting $25 for a smoothie or $19 for a viral strawberry, making their healthy
02:07ingredients feel exclusive and out of reach for many. Plus, the family-owned grocery store is a
02:11certified B corporation, which usually means the company cares a lot about social responsibility and
02:16transparency. So when incidents like these happen, it creates a clash between what the brand promises and what
02:21customers experience. All of this adds to the frustration felt by the fans of the TikToker
02:26who saw her video as a way to enjoy popular smoothies without the steep prices or needing
02:31to be in Los Angeles. Plus, with news stating that other brands like Lambert's Rainbow Market and
02:35Westwood sell viral Erewhon dupe smoothies, it makes you wonder why the former employee was the only
02:40one to receive a cease and desist letter so far. But what's your take? Share your thoughts below and
02:45follow us everywhere at What's Trending.

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