Beverage giants are increasingly facing lawsuits over false health claims, particularly related to marketing their products as “all natural,” “healthy,” or beneficial for specific health conditions. These legal challenges stem from allegations that companies mislead consumers by making claims that do not align with the actual ingredients or health benefits of their beverages.
One prominent example involves Keurig Dr Pepper, which is currently facing a class action lawsuit over its Snapple line. The company marketed Snapple beverages as “all natural,” but the lawsuit alleges that these drinks contain synthetic citric acid, a flavoring and preservative agent often produced artificially. The plaintiff argues that this misrepresentation deceived consumers who were willing to pay a premium for genuinely natural products. The case highlights how the use of synthetic ingredients, even if common in the industry, can conflict with marketing claims and consumer expectations about naturalness. The lawsuit seeks damages and corrective measures to prevent further misleading advertising.
Similarly, Poppi, a brand known for promoting its sodas as beneficial for gut health due to ingredients like apple cider vinegar and prebiotics, settled a class action lawsuit for $8.9 million. The suit accused Poppi of making false advertising claims about the health benefits of its products. Although the company denied wrongdoing, the settlement allows consumers who purchased Poppi sodas to claim compensation, reflecting the financial and reputational risks companies face when health claims are challenged.
Beyond these cases, the beverage and food industries are grappling with broader litigation risks related to purity and health claims. For instance, tequila brands have been sued for falsely labeling their products as “100% agave,” with plaintiffs using advanced lab testing to argue that the products contain non-agave ethanol, thus violating labeling standards. This trend shows how plaintiffs are leveraging scientific testing and regulatory definitions to challenge marketing claims rigorously.
The rise of lawsuits over “ultra-processed foods” also illustrates the growing scrutiny on health-related claims. Although courts have dismissed some cases due to lack of direct causal links between consumption and health issues, the litigation landscape remains active. Plaintiffs continue to pursue claims that certain processed foods are addictive or harmful, often focusing on deceptive marketing rather than direct injury.
Companies are advised to mitigate litigation risks by avoiding categorical purity claims like “all natural” unless they can fully substantiate them. Transparency about ingredients and adherence to evolving regulatory standards are crucial. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other agencies are increasingly involved in clarifying definitions, such as what constitutes “natural,” to
