Walmart sued over ‘real cheddar’ claims in Great Value Mac & Cheese

Walmart mac and cheese class action lawsuit overview:

• Who: A customer filed a class action lawsuit against Walmart Inc.
• Why: The plaintiff claims Walmart mislabels its Great Value brand Macaroni & Cheese as made with ‘real cheddar cheese’ when it allegedly contains fillers.
• Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in New York state court.

A new class action lawsuit claims Walmart Inc. falsely advertises its Great Value brand Macaroni & Cheese as being made with real cheddar cheese when it allegedly contains fillers.

Plaintiff Dolores Gay claims Walmart’s mac and cheese product contains fillers, such as whey, maltodextrin and palm oil, which are used as cheaper alternatives to real cheddar cheese.

She argues Walmart uses fillers in its mac and cheese product to reduce costs. The plaintiff alleges the fillers lack the nutritional value and taste of real cheddar cheese.

“Instead of the nutritive value, such as protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals, provided to real cheddar cheese from its most important component, milkfat, palm oil lacks such nutrients,” the Walmart class action says. “This absence of milkfat means palm oil also lacks the sharp, creamy and/or savory taste of real cheddar cheese,” it added.

The plaintiff wants to represent a New York class of consumers who purchased the Walmart mac and cheese product during the applicable class action period.

Walmart’s packaging misleads consumers, class action claims

Gay claims Walmart’s use of fillers in its mac and cheese product renders its labeling and packaging misleading to consumers. She argues Walmart advertises “real cheddar cheese” to sell the mac and cheese product at a premium price.

The plaintiff says she would not have purchased the product or would have rather paid less for it if she had known it lacked the key ingredient of real cheddar cheese, the Walmart class action says.

Gay claims Walmart is guilty of violating New York General Business Law and laws regarding misbranding and adulteration. The plaintiff demands a jury trial and requests declaratory and injunctive relief and an award of monetary damages for herself and all class members.

On Jan. 23, two consumers filed a class action lawsuit against Walmart, alleging the company falsely advertised its Great Value Macaroni & Cheese Original Microwavable Cup as free of artificial flavors and preservatives.

Have you purchased Walmart’s Great Value brand mac and cheese product? Let us know in the comments.

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

The Walmart mac and cheese class action lawsuit is Gay v. Walmart Inc., Case No. 7:25-cv-02326-PMH, in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Westchester.

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