Country Crock Plant Butter Contains Less Avocado Oil Than Advertised, Class Action Claims

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A proposed class action claims Country Crock-brand Plant Butter “Made With Avocado Oil” is falsely advertised in that it contains less avocado oil than consumers are led to expect.

The 11-page case alleges that Country Crock manufacturer Upfield US has misleadingly represented that its vegetable oil spread contains a significant amount of avocado oil by prominently labeling it as “Made With Avocado Oil” alongside a depiction of an avocado. In truth, the product is made mainly with palm and canola oils and contains only a “de minimis” amount of avocado oil, the complaint says.

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The lawsuit asserts that the spread’s most predominant ingredient is listed as a blend of four plant-based oils: palm fruit, palm kernel, canola and avocado. The filing contends that federal and identical state regulations stipulate that ingredients must be listed in order of “predominance by weight,” meaning avocado oil, the last oil listed, is the smallest part of the spread’s oil blend.

According to the case, buyers are increasingly turning to butter over vegetable spreads due to a preference for healthier, natural, and less processed foods. While vegetable oils are heavily refined, “ultra-processed,” and contain harmful trans fats, butter is made with natural ingredients like cream and contains heart-healthier fats, the suit explains.

“To counter this decline of vegetable oil spreads, market research firms have promoted adding valued oils to traditional vegetable oil-based foods,” the complaint states. “Avocado oil is valued for its versatility, taste, and nutritional value.”

Per the filing, avocado oil is extracted from the pulp of avocados without additives or harsh processing, and it contains high levels of heart-healthy fats and immunity-promoting antioxidants. However, the case alleges that contrary to label representations, there is not enough avocado oil in Country Crock Plant Butter to supply these known health benefits.

Upfield’s alleged misconduct allows it to sell its Country Crock Plant Butter at a higher price, the complaint argues.

The lawsuit looks to represent anyone in Illinois, Arkansas, Iowa, Wyoming, Texas, Nebraska, West Virginia, Utah, Idaho, Alaska, Virginia or Oklahoma who purchased Country Crock Plant Butter “Made With Avocado Oil” during the applicable statute of limitations period.

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