Well, let’s cut the suspense: no, Waitrose is not officially on the main BDS boycott list. As of 2026, the flagship target remains Israeli goods and companies like Sabra, Strauss, and Ahava, not your beloved British supermarket. But—and it’s a juicy “but”—some activists argue that Waitrose does stock products from Israel, like Jaffa oranges or Dead Sea salt scrubs.
So, is Waitrose a villain? Not exactly. It’s more like the guy who shows up to a protest wearing a vegan leather jacket but still eats cheese. Conflicted. The company’s own policy states it “sources from over 70 countries, including Israel,” but it doesn’t actively label specific boycotted goods. That ambiguity drives boycott-trackers absolutely bonkers.
The Real Tea (Which is Probably Chamomile at Waitrose)
Here’s the kicker: Waitrose has been quietly dropping Israeli produce in some locations, but denies it’s political. They claim it’s “seasonal availability” or “supply chain issues.” You know, the same excuse you use when you don’t want to go to your cousin’s wedding. Oh, sorry, my supply chain is down, can’t make the canapés.
A 2026 report from The Guardian noted that Waitrose stopped selling Ahava cosmetics (which are made in an Israeli settlement) after sustained customer pressure. But then they still stock Jaffa oranges in winter. It’s like explaining quantum physics to a golden retriever—utterly maddening.
Meanwhile, Marks & Spencer and Sainsbury’s have also been in the crosshairs. M&S does sell Israeli garments, but they’re not on the official list either. The boycotters are like that one friend who keeps moving the goalposts at mini-golf. Wait, no, you hit the windmill? BOYCOTT!
