Capri Sun Lawsuit: ‘All Natural’ Claims Leave A Sour Taste

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Kraft Heinz misled consumers with its "All Natural Ingredients" label for Capri Sun, which allegedly contains synthetic citric acid.

Consumers Affected: Consumers who purchased Capri Sun products.

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

Kraft Heinz falsely advertises its Capri Sun juice pouches as containing “All Natural Ingredients” when the pouches, a favorite among kids and parents alike, contain the synthetic ingredient citric acid, a new lawsuit alleges.

This misrepresentation, the lawsuit claims, misleads health-conscious consumers who are willing to pay a premium for natural products and consumers want the company held accountable for deceptive marketing, demanding changes to its labeling practices.

Consumers Say They Were Misled by "Natural" Claims

Brooklyn resident Alyssa Flexer filed the proposed class action lawsuit after she purchased Capri Sun’s Pacific Cooler and Strawberry Kiwi flavors from Ideal Food Basket for $4.09 each, relying on the brand’s “All Natural Ingredients” claim. 

Flexer says she believed the products were free from synthetic ingredients. However, after discovering the presence of citric acid, she says she wouldn’t have bought them—or would’ve paid less—if she’d known the truth.

Her experience highlights a broader consumer issue: misleading labels that exploit the growing demand for natural products. The lawsuit argues that Kraft Heinz has profited significantly from these claims, which have shaped purchasing decisions for millions of consumers.

Capri Sun Contains Citric Acid Despite "All Natural" Label

Citric acid, a common additive in food and beverages, is often misunderstood. While it can occur naturally in fruits like lemons, commercially used citric acid is almost exclusively synthetic, manufactured through a process involving black mold (Aspergillus niger), GMO sugar beets, and other chemicals.

The FDA has determined that synthetic citric acid does not qualify as natural and the agency has previously warned companies against labeling products containing citric acid as “natural.” Despite this, citric acid continues to appear in foods marketed as preservative-free or all-natural, fueling consumer confusion and legal battles.

Citric Acid Sparks Controversy in Consumer Products

This isn’t the first time citric acid has landed companies in court. Coca-Cola’s Minute Maid Fruit Punch faces scrutiny for its “No Preservatives Added” label, despite containing the additive. Similarly, energy drink brand Oca and Dole’s popular Whip products are accused of misleading consumers with claims of being free from artificial ingredients.

Kraft Heinz has also faced backlash over its Kraft Mac & Cheese, which plaintiffs argue contains synthetic citric acid and sodium phosphates despite marketing claims that imply otherwise. 

In her lawsuit over Capri Sun, Flexer wants to represent consumers nationwide in her claims of violations of New York business laws and breach of express warranty. She is seeking damages, restitution, corrective advertising, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Flexer v. Kraft Heinz Food Company
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00414-NCM-TAM
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Joshua D. Arisohn (Arisohn LLC)

Do you purchase Capri Sun? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.