Sprouts Class Action: Is Your Avocado Oil Really "Pure"?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit has been filed against Sprouts Farmers Market, alleging that their avocado oil is misleadingly marketed as pure when it contains cheaper oils.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Sprouts avocado oil.

Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona

Sprouts Farmers Market falsely advertised its avocado oil misleading consumers by marketing it as pure when, in reality, the product is adulterated with cheaper oils, such as canola, a new lawsuit alleges.

The lawsuit claims that the labeling and ingredient list on Sprouts’ avocado oil, which said the ingredients were solely avocado oil, were deceptive, leading customers to believe they were purchasing pure avocado oil, a more expensive product known for its health benefits.

Sprouts Accused of Misleading Consumers With "Pure" Avocado Oil Claims

Santa Ana resident Ralph Milan filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the company after he says he purchased the avocado oil from a local Sprouts store under the assumption that it was pure, based on the packaging.

The product’s label repeatedly said “Avocado Oil” and listed only “avocado oil” in the ingredient section, implying no other ingredients were included, he argues.

According to the lawsuit, Milan would not have purchased the oil, or would have paid less for it, had he known it was mixed with cheaper oils like canola. He says he feels misled by Sprouts’ deceptive labeling and advertising practices, and says he suffered financial losses as a result.

“Sprouts’ failure to disclose the adulteration of its product not only misleads customers but could also undermine trust in the brand, as consumers increasingly seek transparency in product labeling, especially for health-conscious choices,” the lawsuit states.

Why Consumers Opt for Avocado Oil

Avocado oil has become highly sought after for its health benefits, as the lawsuit explains. Studies have shown that avocado oil can help protect the liver, reduce cholesterol, and lower blood pressure. It is also rich in monounsaturated fats, which are considered heart-healthy, and has one of the highest smoke points of any plant-based cooking oil, making it ideal for high-heat cooking.

Because of this, consumers expect avocado oil to be a premium product, reflected in its higher price. The mixing of the oil with cheaper oils not only reduces its quality but also misleads consumers who are willing to pay more for the perceived health benefits of pure avocado oil, Milan says.

The lawsuit alleges that Sprouts did not disclose the addition of other oils, such as canola, anywhere on the product packaging because canola oil is significantly cheaper than avocado oil. By charging high prices for a product that contains lower-cost ingredients, the lawsuit claims that Sprouts engaged in deceptive business practices.

Food Companies Face Growing Scrutiny Over Misleading Labeling and False Advertising

The lawsuit against Sprouts is part of a broader trend of legal actions targeting misleading food labels. Walmart is facing a class action lawsuit over its Parent's Choice Yogurt Bites, which are marketed as preservative-free despite containing ascorbic acid, a known preservative.

Similarly, Mondelēz Global is being sued over its Nabisco Premium Whole Grain Saltine Crackers, which allegedly contain more enriched flour than whole grain flour, despite the “Whole Grain” labeling.

Other companies, including Kinder’s and Bigelow Tea, are also facing legal challenges over misleading claims on their products. Bigelow Tea is being taken to trial over its “Made in the USA” label, which plaintiffs argue is deceptive since the tea leaves are grown and processed overseas. 

In his lawsuit, Milan wants to represent consumers from across the country in his claims of violations of California business laws, as well as breach of express and implied warranty and intentional misrepresentation. He is seeking damages, injunctive relief, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Milan v. SFM, LLC
• Case Number: 2:24-cv-02642-GMS
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Teresita T. Mercado and Don Bivens (Don Bivens, PLLC)
• Joel D. Smith and Yeremey O. Krivoshey (Smith Krivoshey, PC)

Have you purchased Sprouts avocado oil? What are your thoughts on the product's labeling and purity claims? Share your experiences in the comments below.