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A pair of New Yorkers recently filed a Chobani class action lawsuit saying that the brand’s Greek yogurt is falsely labeled as containing vanilla.
According to lead plaintiffs, Joanne Ferreri and Priscilla Rumnit, one type of Chobani yogurt is labeled as “Vanilla” and contains representations that the yogurt contains “Only Natural Ingredients.” However, the complaint claims that the product contains non-vanilla flavorings.
“The unqualified, prominent and conspicuous representations as ‘Vanilla’ is false, deceptive and misleading because the Product contains non-vanilla flavors which imitate and extend vanilla but are not derived from the vanilla bean, yet these flavors are not disclosed to consumers as required and expected,” alleges the Chobani class action lawsuit.
According to the complaint, experts say that vanilla is at “high risk” for “food fraud.” This is because vanilla is expensive and subject to unstable production.
Food manufacturers have developed a number of methods to imitate vanilla’s flavor, including the synthetic ingredients, fillers, adding colorings or other substances to make it appear that real vanilla was used, or using a less expensive low quality ingredients to stretch or enhance the vanilla flavor in the product.
The Chobani class action lawsuit also alleges that food producers try to dupe consumers into thinking their products are flavored only with real vanilla by using deceptive ingredient lists that include items like “ground vanilla beans,” “natural vanilla flavorings,” “Vanilla With Other Natural Flavors,” or “Natural Flavors.”
The plaintiffs say these tactics used to dupe consumers into thinking a product contains only real vanilla are rampant in the food flavoring industry.
“Technological developments in the production of vanillin have enabled and emboldened companies to mislead consumers, by supplying a trace of vanilla extract, vanillin,” argues the Chobani class action lawsuit.
The ingredient list on the vanilla variety of Chobani yogurt indicates that the product contains “natural flavors” and “vanilla extract,” points out the complaint. However, since the front label boldly proclaims “Vanilla,” consumers are deceived about the portion of real vanilla in the product, alleges the class action lawsuit.
“Defendant has sold more of the Products and at higher prices per unit than it would have in the absence of this misconduct, resulting in additional profits at the expense of consumers,” states the Chobani class action lawsuit.
“The amount and proportion of the characterizing component, vanilla, has a material bearing on price or consumer acceptance of the Products because consumers are willing to pay more for such Products.”
According to the complaint, the product sells for $3.59 per 5.03 oz. The plaintiffs say that had they known the vanilla label was misleading they would not have purchased or paid as much for the vanilla flavored variety of Chobani yogurt.
The Chobani yogurt class action lawsuit is seeking damages for alleged negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and breach of warranty.
Do you feel duped by Chobani yogurt labels? Tell us your thoughts in the comment box below!
The plaintiff and proposed Class Members are represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC and Michael R. Reese of Reese LLP.
The Chobani Class Action Lawsuit is Ferreri v. Chobani LLC, Case No. 1:20-cv-02161, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.
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422 thoughts onChobani Class Action Says Yogurt Is Mislabeled
I was mislead please add me
Add me
Do add me, I just bought 2 of their big tubs thinking they were really giving what was labeled.
I thought chobani was a good company only to learn now that they were so scummy.
Now I have look for a yogurt that is really all natural.
Now if this mislabeled and false advertised, is Chobani Oat milk really made of real oats? Is it really non-dairy???? How can we trust this company now???
l only eat to chobani yogurt because this yogurt is the best and healthier then the another yogurt. Before chobani yogurt Fage yogurt selling the same size yogurt $2.49. Chobani
made it better prize and better taste.
I only buy Chiobani because I thought it was all natural and healthier than other yogurt. Please add me!
I have tried this product as well and it does taste very plain.
I buy this yogurt, so please add me. Thanks.
Add me
The only reason why I buy chobani yogurt is because I assumed that based on the labels I read the vanilla in there was real vanilla, I feel duped I could have saved money and purchased the store brand.
Please add me to the law suit
I truly feel mislead. As much as Chobani (retailers) charges, we should have been getting quality ingredients..