Stirrings Lawsuit: "No Preservatives" Claim Misleading, Consumers Say

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Stirrings cocktail mixers contain citric acid, a preservative, despite being labeled as having "No Preservatives."

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Stirrings cocktail mixers.

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

Stirrings, a popular cocktail mixer brand, is facing a class action lawsuit alleging that its “No Preservatives” labeling is deceptive. 

The lawsuit claims that Stirrings products contain synthetic citric acid, which works as a preservative, despite advertising to the contrary and that advertising deceives consumers into paying premium prices for mixers they believe are healthier and preservative-free. 

Mixers Contain Citric Acid Despite "No Preservatives" Label

Nassau County resident Teresa Rodriguez filed the proposed class action lawsuit against the company after she purchased various Stirrings mixers at a Kings Food Market in Garden City, New York, over the past three years. She said she relied on the “No Preservatives” labeling, believing the products were free from synthetic additives.

Unaware that the mixers contained citric acid, she paid higher prices than she would have for comparable products and, had she known the truth, Rodriguez claims she would not have purchased the mixers or would have paid less for them. 

What Is Citric Acid?

Citric acid, often mistaken as natural due to its association with citrus fruits, is widely used as a preservative. However, the citric acid found in commercial products is typically synthetic, produced through industrial fermentation using black mold (Aspergillus niger). This process creates a cost-effective and shelf-stable preservative but is far removed from naturally occurring citric acid.

The lawsuit lists numerous Stirrings products allegedly containing synthetic citric acid, including:

• Margarita Cocktail Mix,
• Blood Orange Cocktail Mix,
• Old Fashioned Mix,
• Peach Bellini Mix, and
• Bloody Mary Mix.

Rodriguez argues that labeling these products as preservative-free misleads health-conscious consumers who actively seek to avoid artificial additives. The lawsuit also highlights potential health concerns linked to synthetic citric acid, such as digestive discomfort or joint pain, though the claims are still debated.

Other Companies Face Lawsuits Over Citric Acid and "Natural" Claims

Stirrings is not alone in facing legal scrutiny over synthetic citric acid. Companies like Dole and Snapple have also been accused of misleading labeling. Dole Whip was marketed as having “No Artificial Ingredients” despite allegedly containing synthetic citric acid. Similarly, Snapple faces allegations over its “All Natural” claim while using the same preservative.

Other cases include Kraft Mac & Cheese, which is under fire for using synthetic citric acid and sodium phosphates while labeling the product as free from artificial preservatives.

These lawsuits reflect growing consumer demand for transparency in food and beverage labeling. As health-conscious shoppers seek products aligned with their values, companies must tread carefully to avoid misleading claims that could damage their reputations—or land them in legal hot water.

In her lawsuit, Rodriguez wants to represent consumers from across the country in her claims of violations of New York General Business Law and breach of warranty. ​She is seeking proper labeling for the mixers as well as damages, disgorgement, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Rodriguez v. Sazerac Company, Inc. D/B/A Stirrings
• Case Number:  2:24-cv-08206-ST 
• Court: U.S. District Court Eastern District of New York ​

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Michael J. Gabrielli (Gabrielli Levitt LLP)

Do you use Stirrings cocktail mixers? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.