Minute Maid class action claims fruit punch falsely advertised as containing no preservatives

Minute Maid preservatives class action overview: 

• Who: Two New York-based consumers sued The Coca-Cola Company.
• Why: The plaintiffs allege the company falsely advertises its Minute Maid Fruit Punch as having no preservatives.
• Where: The Minute Maid preservatives class action lawsuit was filed in a New York federal court.

Two consumers hit the Coca-Cola Company with a class action lawsuit claiming the beverages giant falsely markets its Minute Maid Fruit Punch as having no preservatives added.

Plaintiffs Juan Delvalle and Kymberlea Durant filed the class action complaint against Coca-Cola Aug. 14 in a New York federal court, alleging the product’s labeling is misleading and violates New York General Business Law.

“Defendant markets its products in a systematically misleading manner by misrepresenting that the products do not contain preservatives,” the lawsuit states.

Drink contains non-natural citric acid, lawsuit alleges

The lawsuit centers around the presence of citric acid in the Minute Maid Fruit Punch, which is labeled as containing “No Preservatives Added.” 

According to the plaintiffs, citric acid is widely recognized as a chemical preservative under federal regulations, contradicting the product’s marketing claims. 

The plaintiffs allege that Coca-Cola’s labeling is designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers who prefer products free from chemical preservatives, leading them to believe they are purchasing a healthier option.

“Reasonable consumers are led to believe the Products are free from preservatives. However, the Products contain citric acid, a well-known preservative,” the lawsuit states.

Both Delvalle and Durant stated they relied on Coca-Cola’s “No Preservatives Added” label when purchasing the product. They claim that had they known the product contained citric acid, they either would not have bought it or would have paid a lower price.

Coca-Cola’s misrepresentation is part of a broader strategy to exploit Americans’ willingness to pay more for preservative-free foods, the Minute Maid class action claims.

The plaintiffs seek to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased the Minute Maid Fruit Punch. They are suing for claims of breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment and violations of New York consumer protection laws and are seeking certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.

Last year, a consumer filed a class action lawsuit alleging Coca-Cola misrepresents its Minute Maid juice and drink boxes as being part of a healthy, balanced diet even though scientific evidence suggests fruit juice actually increases the risk of developing certain health issues. 

What do you think of the claims in this Minute Maid class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments! 

The plaintiffs are represented by Alec Leslie and Julian C. Diamond of Bursor & Fisher P.A. and Nick Suciu, Erin J. Ruben and J. Hunter Bryson of Milberg Coleman Bryson Phillips Grossman PLLC.

The Minute Maid preservative class action lawsuit is Juan Delvalle et al. v. The Coca-Cola Company, Case No. 1:24-cv-06163, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.

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