SAN JOSE, Calif. (Legal Newsline) — AriZona Beverages is facing a class action over the use of the word "Lite" on its Arnold Palmer brand iced tea and lemonade.
Andre Miller, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, filed a complaint July 17 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California against AriZona Beverages USA LLC alleging violation of California's Unfair Competition Law and other claims.
Miller, according to his suit, purchased AriZona Beverages' Arnold Palmer "Lite" iced tea and lemonade beverages. He claims AriZona's use of the term "Lite" is misleading and leads consumers to believe the beverage is low in sugar and calorie content.
Miller further claims the size of the 20 ounce bottles is misleading because it represents 167% of the recommended daily allowance of the ingredients, which are listed in 12 ounce servings. He alleges that the defendant uses a "dual column" label which further confuses consumers as to the number of calories "per serving" and "per container."
Miller claims that he and other consumers rely on the word "Lite" and other words and descriptions on the label which are false. He also claims he paid more for the beverages which has materially less value than is represented by AriZona. Miller further claims Arizona is aware of the misrepresentations that its beverages are low in sugar and calories than comparable beverages.
Miller and the class seek monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Kyle Gurwell of The Law Office of Kyle Gurwell in Huntington Beach, California and Spencer Sheehan of Sheehan & Associates PC in Great Neck, New York.
U.S. Distict Court for the Northern District of California San Jose Division case number 3:23-CV-03540-LJC