SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) – A class action lawsuit claims cereal maker Kellogg misleads consumers that one of its products is flavored exclusively with vanilla beans.
"Bear Naked Granola Fit V'nilla Almond is misleading because it is marketed as if it is flavored with vanilla flavoring derived exclusively from vanilla beans (when it is not),” the lawsuit states.
The product is placed next to other granola products “that actually are flavored with vanilla flavoring derived exclusively from vanilla beans,” the suit says.
“Through false and deceptive packaging and advertising, Defendant intentionally misleads consumers into believing that its product is made with vanilla flavoring derived exclusively from vanilla beans when the ingredient list reveals otherwise."
Vanilla is the second-most expensive flavoring ingredient after saffron, according to the suit, and is frequently “subject to adulteration, extension and imitation.”
The suit, filed Dec. 20, 2019, seeks unspecified damages. The defendant has removed the case to U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California. Plantiffs are represented by Devon K. Roepcke and Eric A. Laguardia.