Handel’s Ice Cream Chain Accused of Hiding Artificial Ingredients Behind ‘Homemade’ Image

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Handel's Ice Cream misleads consumers with nostalgic branding and "homemade" quality claims, while allegedly using synthetic dyes, preservatives, and other artificial additives not disclosed on packaging or online.

Consumers Affected: California residents who purchased Handel's Ice Cream.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California

A new class action lawsuit is challenging the wholesome image of Handel’s Ice Cream, claiming the chain’s old-fashioned charm is little more than a marketing mirage. 

The complaint, filed by a California consumer, accuses the company of misleading customers with nostalgic branding and false promises of “homemade” quality, while using synthetic dyes, preservatives, and other artificial additives that aren't disclosed anywhere on its packaging or website.

Lawsuit Details Synthetic Additives in Allegedly "Homemade" Products

At the center of the case is the allegation that Handel’s uses what it calls “Quality Representations”—phrases like “Made Fresh Daily,” “Homemade Since 1945,” and “never strayed from the original recipe”—to lure customers into believing the ice cream is made with clean, premium ingredients. 

But the complaint says the products actually contain a list of synthetic additives, including FD&C #40 (a red dye), FD&C #1 (a blue dye), citric acid, BHA, carrageenan, and disodium phosphate.

These ingredients are not only synthetic but, according to the filing, have been linked to potential health concerns, especially for children. Red dye 40, for instance, is one of several food dyes California has banned from school cafeterias starting in 2027. And yet, plaintiffs argue, customers are kept in the dark because Handel’s doesn’t list ingredients in-store or online, unlike many of its competitors.

Consumers Say Nostalgic Branding Hides Artificial Components

The lawsuit was brought by Chelsi Hendrix, a Sacramento resident who says she visited several Handel’s locations around her home this year and purchased a variety of flavors. 

Relying on the chain’s retro-styled branding and claims of using “only the best ingredients,” Hendrix says she believed she was buying ice cream made with natural components and time-honored recipes.

According to the lawsuit, had Hendrix known about the synthetic additives, she would have either skipped the purchase or paid significantly less. 

While she says she’d still be open to buying Handel’s products in the future, she no longer trusts the company’s marketing and is calling for an injunction to stop what she alleges are ongoing deceptive practices.

Food Industry Faces Growing Scrutiny Over "Clean" Labeling

Handel’s joins a growing list of brands under legal scrutiny for allegedly misrepresenting what’s in their products. Target is being sued over its Good & Gather veggie straws, which were marketed as free from synthetic preservatives but contain calcium chloride, a chemical commonly used to extend shelf life.

Chobani is also facing a class action lawsuit claiming its “Only Natural Ingredients” yogurts contain synthetic chemicals, according to independent lab tests. Other recent lawsuits target Celtic Sea Salt for alleged heavy metal contamination and granola bar makers for undisclosed metal fragments.

In her lawsuit against Handel’s, Hendrix wants to represent California residents who purchased the ice cream in her claims of violations of the state’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, and Unfair Competition Law, as well as breach of warranty, unjust enrichment, and more. She is seeking injunctive relief, damages, restitution, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Hendrix v. Handel’s Enterprises, LLC
• Case Number: 2:25-at-00645
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California 

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

•  Robert Abiri (Abiri Law, PC)

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