The 2025 Boycott List: 15+ Global Brands Facing Massive Consumer Backlash And Why

The landscape of consumer activism is shifting dramatically in 2025, with global boycott movements gaining unprecedented momentum and laser-focus on corporate social responsibility (CSR), political alignment, and economic ethics. As of December 2025, the power of the consumer wallet is being weaponized against multinational corporations, forcing a reckoning with their practices.

This year’s list is not a rehash of old controversies; it features new and renewed campaigns targeting some of the world’s largest brands—from food and beverage giants to tech companies and airlines—over issues ranging from alleged price gouging and worker exploitation to deep-seated political and conflict ties. Understanding these movements is essential for any modern, ethical consumer.

The New Frontlines of Ethical Consumerism: Boycotts by Category

The 2025 boycott landscape is defined by three major, distinct campaigns: the continued and intensified pressure over the Gaza conflict, a domestic US-based movement against corporate economic practices, and a human rights campaign targeting companies tied to immigration enforcement.

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1. The BDS Movement and Conflict-Related Boycotts

The Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) movement and related pro-Palestine campaigns have proven to be one of the most impactful consumer actions globally, extending well into 2025. The focus remains on companies with alleged ties to Israeli settlements or those whose local franchises have taken controversial actions related to the conflict. This is a primary driver of the current wave of ethical consumerism.

• Coca-Cola and Associated Brands: The beverage giant remains a priority target on the BDS list. The core of the controversy stems from its exclusive franchisee in Israel, The Central Bottling Company (CBC), which operates in illegal Israeli settlements and is accused of enabling actions against Palestinians. Brands under the Coca-Cola umbrella, including Schweppes, Sprite, Fanta, Innocent, Appletiser, Smart Water, and Costa Coffee, are also included in the boycott calls by groups like the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
• Intel Corporation: The tech behemoth is a high-priority target for the BDS National Committee. The campaign, which launched a global push in March 2024, focuses on Intel’s deep financial and technological ties to Israel, including significant government subsidies and investment. Activist pressure is cited as a factor in the halting of a major $25 billion investment plan.
• McDonald’s & Starbucks: These two quick-service giants continue to face widespread boycotts, particularly in Muslim-majority nations, following actions by their local franchises in the conflict region. Both companies have reported significant revenue declines in these key markets, illustrating the financial impact of the movement.
• Chevron (Caltex, Texaco): Listed as a priority BDS target due to its involvement in the extraction of Palestinian natural resources.
• Google & Microsoft: These tech giants are under "Pressure BDS Targets" scrutiny for their involvement in cloud computing and data projects that allegedly aid the Israeli military and government.
• L'Oréal: The cosmetics company faces renewed scrutiny due to its historical and ongoing support for Israel.

2. The 'Economic Blackout' and Corporate Conduct Boycotts

A separate, but equally powerful, movement is emerging in the US, led by groups like The People's Union USA, targeting major corporations over domestic economic issues. This campaign focuses on combating corporate greed, economic inequality, and anti-consumer practices. This wave of activism is often framed as a fight for working-class priorities and financial justice.

• Walmart: The retail giant is a primary target of the "Economic Blackout" campaign, with specific, weeklong boycotts scheduled in April and May 2025. The reasons cited include a long history of "crushing small businesses," contributing to economic inequality, and general corporate misconduct. This is a direct-action protest against the perceived monopolistic power of big-box retailers.
• General Mills: The food manufacturer, known for brands like Cheerios and Häagen-Dazs, faces a boycott scheduled for April 2025. The accusations are severe, including alleged price gouging during periods of inflation, lobbying against consumer protections, and "poisoning our kids with toxic cereals." The company also faces ongoing legal challenges related to racial discrimination.
• Amazon & Target: Both e-commerce and retail giants are included in the broader "Economic Blackout" and consumer-led boycotts, facing backlash over labor practices, market dominance, and corporate tax avoidance.

3. Human Rights and Immigration Enforcement Boycotts

The third major boycott category targets companies that profit from or enable US immigration enforcement policies, specifically through contracts with US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Advocates are pushing for corporations to sever these lucrative, but ethically questionable, partnerships.

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• Avelo Airlines: The low-cost carrier sparked major controversy in April 2025 after signing a new contract with ICE to operate deportation flights. The airline faced significant backlash from advocacy groups, who criticized the company for allegedly describing the deportation deal as "too valuable not to pursue." The controversy quickly escalated into a full-scale consumer boycott campaign.
• Palantir Technologies: The data analytics company is a key target due to its long-standing and controversial contracts providing data management and surveillance technology to ICE.
• Dell, Microsoft, & Home Depot: These companies are also under pressure from advocacy groups for providing technology, services, and infrastructure that allegedly support ICE's operations.

The Anatomy of a Modern Boycott: LSI Keywords and Topical Authority

The sheer number of entities and diverse reasons on the 2025 boycott list highlights a fundamental shift in the consumer-corporate relationship. This is not simply about politics; it is a complex movement driven by a demand for greater corporate accountability and social justice. The movements are interconnected by themes of settler colonialism (BDS), economic inequality and price gouging (Economic Blackout), and immigration enforcement ethics (ICE ties).

The success of these campaigns lies in their ability to leverage social media for rapid organization and information dissemination, turning individual purchasing decisions into collective acts of protest. The financial repercussions for targeted brands like McDonald's, Starbucks, and even the pressure on Intel's investment plans, prove that these consumer actions—often driven by Gen Z and Millennial activists—are having a tangible impact on corporate balance sheets and long-term strategy. The rise of ethical consumerism is no longer a niche market; it is a mainstream force shaping the global economy.