Class action alleges Arizona Arnold Palmer Lite contains high-fructose corn syrup

Arizona Arnold Palmer Lite class action overview: 

• Who: A Maryland consumer is suing Arizona Beverages.
• Why: The plaintiff says the beverage company misleadingly labels its Arnold Palmer Lite drink as being “lite” when it is allegedly high in sugar. 
• Where: The Arizona Arnold Palmer Lite class action was filed in a Maryland federal court. 
• What are my options: Try Gopuff for alternative “lite” beverages.

A Maryland consumer is suing Arizona Beverages, alleging the company misleadingly labels its Arnold Palmer Lite drink as being “lite” when it is allegedly high in sugar.

Plaintiff Apriel Dorsey filed the class action lawsuit against Arizona Beverages USA LLC on June 27 in a Maryland federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

Arizona Beverages USA LLC makes and sells a combination of iced tea and lemonade, known as an “Arnold Palmer,” in 20-ounce bottles, represented as “Lite” under the Arizona brand, Dorsey says.

However, according to the lawsuit, the company misleads consumers by using the term “lite,” as the drink is allegedly high in sugar. 

“Far from being ‘Lite’ and low in sugar, sugar is the second most predominant ingredient in the Product by weight, listed as ‘high fructose corn syrup (glucose- fructose syrup),’ a form of sugar associated with obesity and overweight,” Dorsey says.

The product’s nutrition facts panel reveals 30 grams of added sugar, the class action notes.

“The Product is not only not ‘low’ in added sugars but would be considered ‘high’ in added sugars,” the plaintiff says.

Product sold at a premium price, lawsuit alleges

By labeling the product as “lite,” Arizona Beverages sells it at a premium price of $1.99 plus taxes, the lawsuit alleges. 

“Plaintiff paid more for the Product because she expected it was lower in sugar and calories, relative to itself and compared to other similar products, than she otherwise would have, had she known it was not lower in sugar and calories, relative to itself and compared to other similar products.”

As a result, Dorsey seeks to represent anyone in Maryland who bought the product. She is suing for violations of Maryland consumer law, and for breach of contract, breach of warranty, fraud and unjust enrichment. 

The plaintiff seeks certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial. 

This is not the first class action lawsuit Arizona Beverages is facing over misleading labeling. In 2022, it was hit with a similar class action lawsuit alleging it misled consumers about the healthiness of its Arizona Arnold Palmer Half & Half Iced Tea & Lemonade Lite drink. 

What do you think of the allegations against Arizona Beverages in this case? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC. 

The Arizona class action lawsuit is Apriel Dorsey v. Arizona Beverages USA LLC, Case No. 1:23-cv-01729-RDB in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland.

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