Frito-Lay sued over ‘no artificial flavors’ claim on Poppables snacks

Poppables class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A consumer has filed a class action lawsuit against PepsiCo Inc. and Frito-Lay North America Inc.
• Why: The plaintiff alleges Frito-Lay’s Poppables snacks contain artificial flavors despite being labeled as not containing them.
• Where: The Poppables class action lawsuit was filed in New York federal court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Frito-Lay’s Poppables snacks contain artificial flavors despite being labeled as not containing them.

Plaintiff Yovani Palmeri filed the class action complaint against PepsiCo and Frito-Lay North America on Sept. 25 in New York federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws.

According to the class action lawsuit, Frito-Lay’s Poppables snacks are labeled as having “No Artificial Flavors” but contain citric acid, a synthetic flavoring agent.

Palmeri alleges that citric acid in the snacks is not naturally derived but is manufactured using black mold.

The class action lawsuit claims that this misrepresentation deceives consumers who wish to avoid synthetic or laboratory-generated compounds in their food.

Palmeri says she purchased Poppables White Cheddar and Honey BBQ flavors in Staten Island in 2025, believing the snacks did not contain artificial flavors as advertised. The lawsuit alleges that Palmeri and other consumers paid a premium for the snacks based on the false labeling.

Poppables contain mold-derived citric acid as a flavoring agent, plaintiff claims

The class action lawsuit claims that the citric acid used in Poppables is manufactured through industrial fermentation processes involving the black mold Aspergillus niger.

The complaint alleges that this type of citric acid is not naturally derived and is added to the snacks to alter their taste, making the “No Artificial Flavors” claim misleading.

Palmeri alleges that the mold-derived citric acid is a common allergen and can cause adverse reactions in individuals with mold sensitivities.

The class action lawsuit cites studies linking Aspergillus niger to respiratory allergies, asthma and other inflammatory conditions, raising health concerns for consumers who may be unaware of the ingredient’s origin.

The lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased Poppables during the class period.

It alleges violations of New York’s consumer protection laws and claims that Frito-Lay’s labeling practices were deceptive and misleading. 

The lawsuit is seeking monetary damages, restitution and disgorgement of profits obtained through the allegedly false advertising.

Earlier this year, a consumer sued Frito-Lay alleging the company falsely advertised its SunChips snacks as made with 100% whole grain.

What do you think of the allegations made in this Poppables class action lawsuit? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Philip J. Furia of Furia Law LLC.

The Poppables class action lawsuit is Palmeri v. PepsiCo Inc., et al., Case No. 1:25-cv-05371, in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York.

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