Chocolate shop apologizes, renames Book of Mormon-themed Twinkies

LEHI, Utah — A chocolate shop in Lehi is apologizing and has removed the names of their Book of Mormon-themed Twinkies, after a picture posted to social media called out the names for being racist.

The treats are called Hill Cumorah’s, which are served on golden paper plates.

The shop, Just Add Chocolate in Lehi, named the milk chocolate one a Nephite and the dark chocolate one a Lamanite.

Laminates are people in the Book of Mormon for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that some believe had dark skin.

Shop owner, Foster Lanenga says he didn’t mean to be offensive, he was trying to be fun.

“I’m very sorry that we were insensitive,” he said. 

He also posted an apology to his Insta-stories.

According to Lanenga, the Twinkies have had these Book of Mormon-themed names for four years, since the shop opened. And no one has complained until someone recently took a picture and posted it to social media.

“A lot of people have called, and complained,” Lanenga said. “Since about two hours after they started calling, we changed the name.”

As he was talking with KSL NewsRadio, the shop also got a call of support.

“Don’t let them get you down,” Lanenga said was the message from the caller.

Just Add Chocolate also has other treats with puns for names, like Adam-on-di-ALMOND, another Book of Mormon reference, and MINT Romney.

Lanenga hopes his customers know that his shop is a safe place.

“I’m not here to promote a racist agenda.” he said.

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