OWYN Non-Dairy Protein Shakes Contain Less Protein Than Advertised, Class Action Lawsuit Claims

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A proposed class action lawsuit alleges Only What You Need, Inc. (OWYN) has misled consumers by overstating the protein content of its non-dairy, plant-based protein shakes.

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The 41-page lawsuit says that OWYN’s protein shakes—which are sold in flavors including Dark Chocolate, Cold Brew Coffee, Smooth Vanilla, Cookies and Creamless, Sea Salted Caramel and Strawberry Banana—are explicitly marketed as containing “20g of Plant-Based Protein” per serving. Despite this representation, which prominently appears on product packaging and nutritional labels, independent laboratory testing has shown that the non-dairy protein drinks, in fact, contain only 17.5 grams of protein per serving, the false advertising suit claims.

The case charges that OWYN “takes special care” to market its products as high in “complete protein” that aids in weight loss and muscle development and contributes to a “balanced diet” and “healthy lifestyle.”

However, the company has knowingly misrepresented the shakes’ protein value per serving and shorted consumers on their promised nutritional benefits, the fraud lawsuit contends.

Per the complaint, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration precludes manufacturers from advertising food products with a protein claim unless they have calculated the “corrected amount of protein per serving” based on how much protein is actually available to support nutritional needs. A food’s accurate protein value is determined using the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) method, the filing relays. Manufacturers must use the PDCAAS method to measure a product’s “percent of daily value” (%DV) for protein and list the item’s %DV score in its nutrition facts panel, the class action suit shares.

According to the case, OWYN has intentionally misrepresented the protein content of its shakes in order to seize a competitive edge against similar products and entice health-conscious shoppers seeking protein-rich, plant-based food items.

The OWYN lawsuit looks to represent anyone who purchased the products listed on this page in the United States.

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