Kellogg’s class action alleges Special K bars do not contain sufficient cranberries, almonds as advertised

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Kellogg’s Special K class action lawsuit overview

• Who: A Kellogg’s customer filed a class action lawsuit against the food manufacturer.
• Why: The customer claims Kellogg’s Special K cranberry and almond chewy nut bars are misleadingly labeled, given their inclusion of peanuts and raisins.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in Illinois federal court.

An Illinois resident is suing Kellogg’s for supposedly misleading customers into thinking its Special K cranberry almond chewy nut bars contain more almonds and cranberries than the bars actually do. 

The lead plaintiff, Misha Leshchiner, takes issue with Kellogg’s labeling of the product, which includes pictures of whole cranberries and almonds as well as a nut bar chock full of the two main ingredients. However, the bars contain more peanuts than almonds, and an equal proportion of raisins as cranberries, according to the complaint. 

Leshchiner seeks to represent an Illinois state class on behalf of anyone who bought the Special K cranberry almond chewy nut bars during the statutes of limitations for each cause of action alleged, as well as a consumer fraud multi-state class that includes buyers from Arkansas, South Carolina, Montana, Mississippi, Alaska, Virginia, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. 

Leshchiner brings claims of consumer protection violations, breach of warranty, negligent misrepresentation, fraud, and unjust enrichment against Kellogg’s in this class action lawsuit. 

Kellogg’s Special K nut bars noncompliant with federal food label regulations, complaint says

Consumers are willing to pay more for almonds and cranberries thanks to their health benefits, the class action lawsuit argues. Almonds contain protein, fiber, and “healthy fats,” and cranberries contain fiber and antioxidants, such as vitamin E. Knowing this, Kellogg’s charges a premium price for its cranberry almond chewy nut bars, even though the bars are not primarily made with those two ingredients, according to Leshchiner.

The product’s ingredients list already reveals that peanuts are the most prominent ingredient, while almonds are listed fifth, after dried cranberries, raisins, and corn syrup. The complaint also cites “laboratory analysis and/or review of the product’s formulation” to prove that the nut bars contain approximately 20% peanuts, 15% cranberries, 14% raisins, and 9% almonds.

Given its formulation, the product’s name “does not comply with federal and identical state requirements that foods be given a ‘common or usual name’ that is truthful and not misleading,” and identifies or describes “the basic nature of the food or its characterizing properties or ingredients” as simply as possible, the complaint states. 

Leshchiner seeks injunctive relief directing Kellogg’s to correct its challenged practices, restitution and disgorgement, monetary damages, statutory and/or punitive damages, and costs and expenses. 

If you purchased Kellogg’s chewy nut bars, you might be eligible for this class action lawsuit!

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

The Kellogg’s Special K class action lawsuit is Leshchiner v. Kellogg Sales Company, Case No. 1:22-cv-03464, in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois Eastern Division.

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