Dunkin’ Accused of Misleading Customers Over Refreshers Ingredients

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Dunkin' Refreshers drinks do not contain real fruit despite being marketed as fruit-based, misleading consumers.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in the United States who purchased Dunkin' Refreshers drinks.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

A proposed class action lawsuit claims Dunkin’ misled customers by marketing its popular Refreshers drinks as fruit-based while allegedly containing no real fruit. The beverages, including varieties such as Mango Pineapple, Strawberry Dragonfruit, and Peach Passionfruit, are said to be made primarily with green tea, water, and sugar, according to the complaint filed by plaintiff Cassandra Daly.

Dunkin' Refreshers Contain No Real Fruit, Lawsuit Claims

Daly alleges that while the drinks’ names highlight specific fruits, the ingredients fail to deliver on those promises. For example, the Mango Pineapple Refresher reportedly contains no mango or pineapple, and the Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher lacks both strawberry and dragonfruit. Instead, the beverages rely on flavored concentrates designed to mimic the taste of these fruits.

The suit contends that this marketing misleads customers into believing they are purchasing premium, fruit-based drinks when they are instead paying for products made with cheaper, less natural ingredients.

Many consumers choose products like Refreshers expecting real fruit, which is often associated with health benefits and authentic flavors. According to the filing, Dunkin’ does not disclose that its Refreshers lack actual fruit, leaving customers unaware of what they’re drinking. The suit argues this omission influenced purchase decisions, with consumers believing they were buying higher-quality beverages than what was actually provided.

Daly’s lawsuit highlights that Dunkin’s other menu items, such as its Strawberry Coolata and Honey Mint Tea, contain the ingredients named on their labels, which builds trust in the brand’s advertising. The Refreshers, however, allegedly fall short of those same expectations.

Other Legal Issues for Dunkin’

This lawsuit is not the only legal trouble Dunkin’ has faced recently. Another case alleges the company added hidden dine-in fees to customer bills without informing them beforehand. Customers reportedly only became aware of the fees when reviewing their receipts after payment.

In another suit, plaintiffs accused Dunkin’ of charging extra fees for non-dairy milk alternatives, arguing this unfairly impacts people with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. That case contends the surcharge violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and claims the price difference between regular milk and non-dairy alternatives is negligible.

In the Dunkin’ Refreshers class action lawsuit, Daly seeks to represent anyone in the United States who bought a Dunkin’ Refresher within the legal timeframe. She claims consumers paid more for drinks they thought contained real fruit, resulting in financial loss.

The lawsuit is asking the court to award damages and ensure greater transparency in Dunkin’s marketing practices. By bringing this case, Daly aims to address what they see as a lack of honesty in how the beverages were advertised.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Daly v. Dunkin’ Brands Inc. et al
• Case Number: 3:24-cv-01475-DNH-ML
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Robert Abiri (Custodio & Dubey LLP)
• Joshua Nassir and Katherine Phillips (Treehouse Law, LLP)

Have you tried Dunkin' Refreshers? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.