Idahoan class action claims instant mashed potatoes falsely advertised as containing butter

Idahoan class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: Idahoan Foods LLC is facing a class action lawsuit filed by plaintiff Richard Alonzo.
• Why: Alonzo claims Idahoan’s instant mashed potatoes are falsely advertised as containing butter.
• Where: The Idahoan class action lawsuit was filed in New York state court.

A new class action lawsuit alleges Idahoan Foods falsely advertises its instant mashed potatoes as containing butter.

Plaintiff Richard Alonzo claims Idahoan sells instant mashed potatoes in four-ounce bags described as “Butter & Herb” and “Russet Potatoes with Butter & Parsley” when, in reality, the amount of butter in the product is “de minimis.”

Alonzo argues Idahoan describes the instant mashed potatoes as being made “with Butter” and promotes its main, non-potato ingredients as “Butter & Herb,” which he claims causes purchasers to expect butter is the exclusive and/or predominant fat and/or oil ingredient used, or at least present in a significant amount.

“In fact, butter is listed after other additives, such as ‘Mono- and Diglycerides, [and] Calcium Stearoyl Lactylate,’ present in an amount only greater than ‘Spice,’” the Idahoan class action lawsuit says.

Class action: Idahoan instant mashed potatoes sold at premium price

Alonzo claims Idahoan’s instant mashed potatoes are sold at a premium price, approximately $1.49, due to the alleged false and misleading representations and/or omissions.

“This price is higher than the Product would be sold for, if it were represented in a non-misleading way,” the Idahoan class action lawsuit says.

The plaintiff argues consumers favor butter for its natural, nutrient-dense profile over highly processed vegetable oils containing trans fats, and that the defendant uses “butter” labels to mislead health-conscious New Yorkers and circumvent legal disclosure requirements.

Alonzo wants to represent a New York class of consumers who purchased the Idahoan mashed potatoes for personal, familial or household consumption and/or use in New York during the statute of limitations.

Alonzo claims Idahoan is guilty of violating New York’s General Business Law. He demands a jury trial and requests actual damages for himself and all class members.

A consumer is also suing Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, claiming its Outshine frozen fruit bars are deceptively marketed as “made with real fruit” and plant-based ingredients when they actually contain high levels of added sugar, synthetic components and artificial flavors.

Have you ever purchased Idahoan instant mashed potatoes? Let us know in the comments.

The plaintiff is represented by Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates P.C.

The Idahoan class action lawsuit is Alonzo v. Idahoan Foods LLC, Case No. 166090/2025, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of New York.

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