Abbott Class Action Lawsuit: Similac Toddler Drinks Misleading, Parents Claim

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Abbott misled parents about the health benefits of its Similac toddler drinks, which allegedly contain unnecessary added sugars.

Consumers Affected: Parents who purchased Similac "Go & Grow Toddler Drink" or "Pure Bliss Toddler Drink."

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Abbott Laboratories is under fire for allegedly misleading parents into believing its Similac-branded toddler drinks are essential for children’s nutrition. A class action lawsuit claims the company’s "Go & Grow Toddler Drink" and "Pure Bliss Toddler Drink" are marketed deceptively, suggesting health benefits that experts say are unnecessary—and potentially harmful—for toddlers.

The lawsuit alleges that Abbott’s marketing practices prey on caregivers' desires to provide the best for their children by overstating the drinks’ benefits while omitting crucial details about their sugar content and lack of nutritional necessity.

Abbott Accused of Misleading Parents About Similac Toddler Drinks

Monica Castro, Damary Santana, and Nancy Helmold filed the proposed class action lawsuit in Illinois saying they purchased Abbott’s toddler drinks for their young children, believing they were essential for their health. Each paid over $30 per can, trusting the claims on the labels, which promised benefits like “immune support,” “brain development,” and “digestive health.”

Instead, the lawsuit contends, these parents were sold a product that is no better—and in some ways worse—than basic cow’s milk and healthy foods. The plaintiffs argue that Abbott’s packaging intentionally mimics infant formula, creating confusion and reinforcing the misconception that toddler drinks are a necessary part of a child’s diet.

Lawsuit Alleges Toddler Drinks Are Unnecessary and Contain Harmful Added Sugars

Health experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, recommend plain cow’s milk, water, and a balanced diet for toddlers aged 12 to 36 months. Toddler drinks, like those made by Abbott, are not only unnecessary but also contain added sugars that can harm a child’s health.

For instance, Abbott’s toddler drinks include 4 grams of added sugar per serving—representing over 20% of their calorie content. Research shows that early exposure to added sugars increases the likelihood of lifelong sugar dependency, obesity, and other health issues.

The lawsuit highlights how Abbott’s labels emphasize positive-sounding nutrients like DHA, prebiotics, and vitamins, while downplaying the potential harms of added sugars. Critics argue this creates a misleading narrative that these drinks are essential for growth and development, despite clear guidance from nutrition experts that they are not.

Other Companies Face Lawsuits Over Children's Products

Abbott isn’t the only company facing legal action over kids' food and drinks. Kendamil faces similar accusations for promoting its toddler drinks as essential for health, despite regulations prohibiting such claims for children under two. 

Meanwhile, Hain Celestial, the maker of Earth's Best Baby Food, is under scrutiny for allegedly selling products containing unsafe levels of arsenic.

In the case against Abbott Laboratories, the parents want to represent people nationwide who have purchased the toddler formula. They are suing for violation of state business laws, breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, negligent misrepresentation, and more, and are seeking corrective advertising, restitution, damages, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Castro, et al v. Abbott Laboratories
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00377 
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Michael R. Reese and Charles Moore (Reese LLP)
• Andrew Rainer and Mark Gottlieb (Public Health Advocacy Institute)

Have you purchased Similac toddler drinks for your child? Share your thoughts on this lawsuit in the comments below.