Lidl Class Action Says Ice Cream Uses Fake Vanilla

A class action lawsuit claims that Lidl ice cream is flavored with imitation vanilla, and not real vanilla, though the label says otherwise. 

The fake vanilla ice cream class action lawsuit was filed by Anakristina Santiago who says she purchased Lidl vanilla ice cream believing it to be made with real vanilla, when in reality, it was made with imitation vanilla extract.

She claims that many other consumers were similarly misled into purchasing the ice cream believing it to contain real vanilla.

Allegedly, Lidl takes advantage of consumers’ preference for vanilla. The vanilla ice cream class action lawsuit explains that vanilla is one of the world’s most popular flavors, either by itself or with other flavors.

The Lidl fake vanilla ice cream class action lawsuit goes on to say that not only is vanilla one of the world’s most popular flavors, it is one of the most expensive. The high demand for vanilla reportedly puts it at risk for imitation, because there are many vanilla substitutes that can approximate the flavor of real vanilla.

Lidl allegedly uses imitation vanilla to trick consumers into thinking they are receiving a product with real vanilla. According to Santiago, the company includes imitation vanilla, but labels the product as if it contains real vanilla.

According to the vanilla class action lawsuit, this is done so that the company can charge a premium for the ice cream and make higher profits.

The Lidl ice cream class action lawsuit says that Lidl’s misrepresentation of the product amounts to false advertising and fraud. The plaintiff notes that vanilla labeling is subject to its own laws when it comes to food products. Allegedly, if any imitation vanilla is present in the product, the label must notify consumers on the front of the product with language such as “imitation vanilla.” 

Santiago says that she and many other consumers were financially injured by Lidl’s deception. She notes that the ice cream is priced at a premium — no less than $6.99 per 9 ounces before tax. Allegedly, this is a much higher price than what is charged for comparable products that are not falsely advertised.

Additionally, she claims that she and other consumers were denied the benefit of their bargain because they received a lower-quality product than that for which they paid. She explains that the “proportion of […] vanilla has a material bearing on price or consumer acceptance” of the ice cream because they are more expensive and desirable.

Have you purchased vanilla ice cream, only to discover that it was made from imitation vanilla? Share your experiences in the comment section below.

Santiago is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC.

The Lidl Vanilla Ice Cream Class Action Lawsuit is Anakristina Santiago v. Lidl US LLC, Case No. 1:19-cv-07206, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

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