Influencer Faces Backlash Over Surprising Food Budget Revelation

As the cost of living continues to rise, many are finding their financial situations more challenging.

Recently, a food-loving influencer has stirred controversy by disclosing her hefty spending on takeout meals.

Kelsey Calemine, a 27-year-old better known online as Fatherkels, detailed her financial habits during a guest appearance on the podcast ‘Better Half With Stas + Alexis.’

During the session, the host, Stas, prompted Calemine to consider how much she actually spends on food delivery each month.

Calemine confessed that the total was “kind of crazy” as the hosts began throwing out their estimates.

‘She orders like three meals a day, you guys. She’ll order everything – she’ll order coffee,’ Stas said as the guesses climbed.

The first estimate came in at around $5,000 a month, but when Calemine hinted it was higher, the numbers kept rising – until she revealed she spends more than $10,000 a month on food delivery.

The clip quickly went viral, drawing shock from viewers – but also a wave of backlash online.

Kelsey Calemine, 27, better known by her online persona Fatherkels, opened up about her spending habits during an appearance on the Better Half With Stas + Alexis podcast

On Reddit, users were quick to criticize the spending, with many calling it out of touch amid a cost-of-living crisis.

One user wrote that spending that much on takeout was ‘completely detached from reality,’ while another said it was ‘more than most people’s rent, bills and groceries combined.’

Others questioned the lifestyle itself, pointing out that ordering three meals a day was ‘unsustainable’ and ‘wildly wasteful,’ while some criticized influencer culture more broadly for promoting excess.

Some commenters suggested hiring a private chef could possibly be cheaper or work out the same.  

Still, a handful of commenters defended Calemine, arguing that high earners are free to spend their money how they choose, especially if it fits their lifestyle or work schedule.

They also noted that she is helping to support businesses. 

One Redditor wrote: ‘She’s putting a lot of money into the hands of drivers and restaurants, I can’t complain about that. 

‘Delivery orders helped the restaurant I worked for stay open during hard times.’ 

Calemine’s spending is largely driven by her heavy use of Postmates, a popular food delivery platform that allows users to order meals, groceries, and even household items directly to their door. 

The first estimate came in at around $5,000 a month, but when Calemine hinted it was higher, the numbers kept rising – until she revealed she spends more than $10,000 a month on food delivery

The influencer’s spending stands in stark contrast to the average US consumer. Data from restaurant tech company TechRyde shows that Americans order food delivery around 1.1 times per week – roughly once every seven days

The app was founded in 2011 in San Francisco and was acquired by Uber in a deal worth around $2.65 billion, completed in December 2020. 

The influencer’s spending stands in stark contrast to the average US consumer. 

Data from restaurant tech company TechRyde shows that Americans order food delivery around 1.1 times per week – roughly once every seven days.

Annual spending is also far lower, with the typical consumer shelling out about $1,850 a year on delivery.

The market itself is dominated by a handful of major players. 

DoorDash holds the largest share at around 56 percent of the US food delivery market, followed by Uber Eats with roughly 23 percent. 

Grubhub accounts for about 16 percent, while smaller platforms, including Postmates, make up the remaining slice.