Eskimo Pie racist: Company behind controversial icecream acknowledges 'derogatory' name

Despite its 100-year history, the makers of the controversial ice cream have vowed to change the name. Photo / Supplied

The makers of Eskimo Pies, a popular ice cream in the US, has announced they will be changing the name of its product after years of controversy.

The vanilla and dark chocolate coated icecream has been loved by Americans since 1920 however the term Eskimo is considered an offensive term used to describe Inuit people, or people who are native to Alaska and other Arctic regions.

In a statement to Rolling Stone, the head of marketing for the brand's parent company, Dreyer's Grand Ice Cream admitted the term is "derogatory".

"We have been reviewing our Eskimo Pie business for some time and will be changing the brand name and marketing," she said. "We are committed to being a part of the solution on racial equality, and recognise the term is derogatory. This move is part of a larger review to ensure our company and brands reflect our people values."

The changes will be implemented by the end of the year and the company will also cease using the Inuit character in the ice cream's marketing material.

On social media, although many punters are welcoming the change and asking other brands to step up, some are criticising the move for being overly politically correct.

Wtf.... now the Eskimo Pie is gone!

— eastbayguy (@golfwinewhiskey) June 20, 2020

In Australia, Redskins made by Allen's confectionery company have also come under fire as their name refers to a derogatory term considered offensive by Native Americans. While the raspberry-flavoured sweet originally featured a Native American wearing a traditional headdress, the logo has since been changed to a plain purple and pink design. Similarly Chicos – brown, chocolate-flavoured jelly babies – are also considered not politically correct, despite their continued availability on supermarket shelves.

Allen's lollies. Photo / Supplied

Recently, popular Australian cheese brand, Coon Cheese has also received fierce backlash and calls to change its name.

The term is considered highly-offensive in Australia even though it was named after Philadelphian man, Edward William Coon. According to its owners, Saputo Dairy Australia, the American patented the mast maturation method used to produce the original Coon cheese.