Class action claims ‘all-natural’ Nature’s Own bread misleads shoppers

Nature’s Own class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Plaintiff Maria Nelson filed a class action lawsuit against Flowers Bakeries LLC.
• Why: Nelson claims Flowers Bakeries falsely advertises its Nature’s Own brand products are free from artificial preservatives.
• Where: The Nature’s Own class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Flowers Bakeries falsely advertises that its Nature’s Own brand products are free from artificial preservatives.

Plaintiff Maria Nelson filed the class action complaint against Flowers Bakeries on July 16 in California federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

According to the Nature’s Own class action, Flowers Bakeries prominently displays the claim on the front label of its Nature’s Own brand products that they contain “Never any artificial preservatives, colors or flavors and no high fructose corn syrup.”

Nelson argues this claim is false and misleading, as the products contain ascorbic acid, an artificial preservative.

“The ascorbic acid in the Products functions as a preservative because it is an antioxidant that prevents microbial growth, thereby preserving color and freshness,” the Nature’s Own class action says.

Nelson claims Flowers Bakeries’ packaging, labeling and advertising scheme is intended to give consumers the impression that they are buying a premium product that is free from artificial preservatives.

The plaintiff argues she was deceived by Flowers Bakeries’ alleged false advertising and purchased the products in California, believing they were free from artificial preservatives.

Nature’s Own bread allegedly contains ascorbic acid

Nelson argues Flowers Bakeries’ conduct violates California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act and Unfair Competition Law as well as constitutes a breach of express warranty.

She wants to represent a California class of consumers who purchased Nature’s Own products labeled as containing “never any artificial preservatives” that contain ascorbic acid as an ingredient.

The Nature’s Own class action lawsuit demands a jury trial and seeks certification of the class action, an order enjoining Flowers Bakeries from continuing the alleged false advertising and damages and restitution for the purchase price of the products.

Nelson argues that consumers, including herself, relied on the “never any artificial preservatives” labeling statement and would not have purchased the products, or would have paid less for them, if they had known the products actually contain an artificial preservative ingredient.

She claims Flowers Bakeries knew or should have known that consumers would want to know that the products contain an artificial preservative.

Meanwhile, Kroger faced a similar class action lawsuit alleging it falsely advertised its Simple Truth Fruit & Grain Bars as containing no preservatives when they actually contain citric acid.

What do you think of the claims made in this Nature’s Own class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Michael T. Houchin, Craig W. Straub and Zachary M. Crosner of Crosner Legal P.C.

The Nature’s Own class action lawsuit is Nelson v. Flowers Bakeries LLC, Case No. 5:25-cv-01801, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, Eastern Division.

Read About More Class Action Lawsuits & Class Action Settlements:

• Kroger class action claims Abound dog food is falsely advertised as ‘premium’ due to hidden preservatives
• Home Depot sued for allegedly using facial recognition at self-checkout kiosks without consent
• Kia recalls over 300,000 Telluride and K5 vehicles for trim issues that may increase accident risk
• Dyson class action claims company’s warranty policy violates California law