Certain Crystal Light Drink Mixes Contain Undisclosed Artificial Flavor, Class Action Claims

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A proposed class action alleges the maker of Crystal Light has failed to clearly disclose that certain varieties of the flavored drink mix contain artificial flavoring.

The 39-page case claims the Kraft Heinz Company and Kraft Heinz Foods Company have intentionally misled buyers by labeling Crystal Light drink mixes as if they are exclusively made with natural flavors. However, the filing contends that 17 varieties of Crystal Light mix are made with an undisclosed synthetic chemical that simulates the tart taste of fruits and berries.

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According to the complaint, Kraft Heinz deceptively labels its Crystal Light products with claims that they are flavored with “Natural flavor” or “Natural flavor with other natural flavor,” along with the names and depictions of fruits and berries. Mixes under the “Pure Tropical Blend” variety are falsely advertised on CrystalLight.com as made “[w]ith no artificial sweeteners, flavors, or preservatives,” and the term “pure” implies that the product is not adulterated with artificial ingredients, the case argues.

Despite these representations, the filing alleges, the Crystal Light products in question contain dl-malic acid, a synthetic chemical manufactured in factories from petroleum feedstocks. Per the case, dl-malic acid is considered artificial under federal regulations and state law.

“None of the Products or Products’ packaging include on either the front or back labels any indication that the Products contain artificial flavoring chemicals,” the suit asserts.

According to the complaint, Kraft Heinz has failed to comply with federal regulations and state law that stipulate that food products must prominently disclose to consumers on their front and back labels the presence of artificial flavors, and that a food’s front label display the source of its characterizing flavor.

The complaint stresses that Kraft Heinz has intentionally omitted these required disclosures to give consumers “the false impression that they are buying a premium all-natural product instead of a product that is artificially flavored,” the case says. Using its allegedly misleading labeling, the company sells its Crystal Light drink mixes at a higher price, therefore increasing its profits, the filing contends.

The 17 varieties of Crystal Light at issue in the lawsuit include the flavors:  

• Acai Berry Bliss;
• Berry Sangria;
• Black Cherry Lime;
• Blueberry Raspberry;
• Grape;
• Mango Passionfruit;
• Peach Iced Tea;
• Peach Mango Green Tea;
• Pomegranate Green Tea;
• Raspberry Green Tea;
• Raspberry Ice;
• Raspberry Iced Tea;
• Strawberry Kiwi;
• Strawberry Pineapple;
• Tropical Blend;
• Tropical Coconut; and
• Tropical Paradise Punch.

The lawsuit looks to represent all U.S. citizens who bought any of the above-listed Crystal Light products on or after January 1, 2016 and until the date a class is certified by the court.

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