A Cuban living in the United States, known as @driven369 on TikTok, has stirred up controversy by blasting the outrageous prices of cakes at Cuban bakeries, claiming they are "more expensive than in Dubai." In a video, he highlighted that these cakes can cost between $45 and $50 at Cuban bakeries, whereas supermarkets like Publix offer them for just $20 or $25.
With his signature sarcasm, @driven369 remarked that Cuban cakes are "number one in sugar content and deadly for diabetics." He criticized the fixation some Cubans in the U.S. have on these desserts, pointing out that Cuban culture has an "addiction to sugar" from a young age. According to him, this doesn't justify the "inflated" prices charged by these bakeries.
The video quickly gained traction, with most users supporting his critique. Comments included sentiments like: "100 percent agree with you"; "My child's birthday cake last week cost $150 and was just slightly bigger than a flan"; "Here in Massachusetts, the most expensive cake costs $30 tops." Another user joked, "Any moment now, an oil prince will send for cakes from Hialeah."
However, some defended the taste and tradition of Cuban cakes compared to supermarket alternatives: "You know the quality isn't the same because there's no comparison between a Publix flan and a homemade one"; "Cuban meringue is much richer, and that moist sponge cake with coconut or custard filling, we were happy kids!"
Others argued that ultimately, the price depends on what people can afford: "There’s no such thing as an expensive product, just people who can pay and those who can't"; "If they sell it at a high price, it's because people buy it, and when they stop buying, prices will drop." One user concluded simply with, "It's called capitalism."
The video by @driven369 has sparked debate among Cubans in the U.S., many of whom are dealing with these high prices at Cuban bakeries. It seems the discussion about cakes and their cost is far from over.