ReaLime and ReaLemon Lawsuit: Do These Products Contain More Than Just Juice?

Case Overview: ReaLime and ReaLemon face a lawsuit for allegedly misleading consumers with "100% juice" claims, despite containing artificial preservatives.

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

Two longtime pantry staples are under legal fire over what their packaging promises versus what’s inside. A recent lawsuit filed in federal court accuses Mott’s LLP of misleading consumers about its ReaLime and ReaLemon bottled juices by branding them as “100% Juice,” “Real,” and “Natural” despite containing artificial preservatives.

Labels Promoted as “100% Juice” and “Natural”

According to the complaint, ReaLime and ReaLemon products prominently display front-label claims such as “100% Lime Juice,” “100% Lemon Juice,” and “Natural Strength.” The bottles are shaped and colored like real fruit and include illustrations of fresh lemons or limes, along with claims that the contents are equivalent to the juice of two quality lemons.

However, the plaintiffs say these representations leave out key information. The ingredient list, only visible on the back of the packaging, includes sodium benzoate and sodium metabisulfite—both synthetic preservatives. The front label never mentions preservatives, instead referring vaguely to “added ingredients.”

Lawsuit Claims Hidden Preservatives Contradict "Natural" Claims

The complaint argues that using phrases like “with added ingredients” misleads shoppers. Because consumers tend to associate “100% Juice” with products free of artificial additives, the label allegedly creates the impression that the product is nothing more than real lemon or lime juice.

“Given that artificial preservatives are such a turn-off for consumers buying what they perceive as a natural 100% juice product,” the complaint states, “it is not appropriate…for Defendant to simply state ‘with added ingredients,’ as opposed to ‘with added preservatives.’”

Plaintiffs Mel Rich and Jesse Lopez claim they were misled by the branding. Both purchased ReaLime and ReaLemon regularly from local stores in California and New York, respectively. Each believed the products contained only natural ingredients. Neither plaintiff says they would have purchased the juices had they known they included artificial preservatives.

The suit contends that ReaLime and ReaLemon products are misbranded under federal rules and under California and New York laws, which adopt U.S. Food and Drug Administration labeling regulations. Under these rules, foods labeled as 100% juice must follow specific standards when including non-juice ingredients.

The complaint alleges Mott’s used branding that exploits consumer expectations for transparency in food labeling. According to research cited in the filing, “real” and “natural” are top factors influencing shopper decisions in the juice category. The plaintiffs claim Mott’s is well aware of this and relied on these descriptors to sell more product at a higher price point.

Both Rich and Lopez say they trusted the branding and did not think they needed to read the back of the bottle to verify what was in the juice. Because of the front label design, they assumed the products matched the marketing.

“If he knew that those representations were false and misleading,” the complaint says of Rich, “he would not have bought the products or would not have bought them on the same terms.”

The lawsuit alleges that consumers, when presented with the full ingredient list and accurate information about additives, might make different choices at the shelf—or seek out alternatives without artificial preservatives.

Food Labeling Disputes Continue to Rise in Consumer Lawsuits

This complaint joins a growing list of lawsuits targeting food and beverage products over questionable label practices. Recently, a suit filed against Bhu Foods challenged the company’s protein claims, arguing that the protein source in its cookies was less bioavailable than suggested. Another complaint accused the JM Smucker Company of marketing fruit spreads as “natural” while using synthetic ingredients like citric acid.

In the ReaLime/ReaLemon class action lawsuit, the plaintiffs are seeking to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased ReaLime or ReaLemon for household use in the last four years. They aim to recover damages, including refunds, and want the company to revise its labels to better reflect the product contents. The complaint also seeks injunctive relief to prevent continued use of what it describes as misleading marketing.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Rick et al v. Mott’s LLP
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-00243
• Court: U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• R. Grant Dick IV and Kevin D. Levitsky (COOCH AND TAYLOR P.A.)
• Yeremy O. Krivoshey and Joel D. Smith (Smith Krivoshey, PC)

Do you use ReaLime or ReaLemon? Share your thoughts on the labeling in the comments below.