Sara Lee Artesano Bread Lawsuit: “No Artificial Preservatives” Claim Disputed

Case Overview: Two consumers allege Sara Lee’s Artesano breads were marketed as preservative-free while containing synthetic citric acid.

Consumers Affected: People who purchased Sara Lee Artesano bread labeled as “baked without artificial preservatives.”

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

Sara Lee’s popular Artesano bread line is facing allegations that its packaging misleads shoppers with claims about ingredient purity. A newly filed case says the breads marketed as “baked without artificial preservatives” contain citric acid, a compound commonly recognized as synthetic.

The lawsuit targets Bimbo Bakeries, the company behind the Sara Lee brand, and claims the label’s front-facing promise contradicts the actual ingredient list. Consumers say the products at issue include multiple varieties—Artesano Bakery Bread, Artesano Brioche, Artesano Hawaiian Bread, Artesano Smooth Multigrain, and Artesano Golden Wheat—all marketed under the same “free from artificial preservatives” banner.

Plaintiffs Jessica Pardo and Sthorm Pyrane filed the case in New York federal court on November 17, alleging violations of state and federal consumer protection laws. They argue that the company’s “Always baked without artificial colors, flavors & preservatives” statement gave buyers the false impression that the products were entirely preservative-free.

Synthetic Ingredient At Center Of The Dispute

According to the filing, citric acid functions as a preservative in bread by slowing spoilage and maintaining freshness. The plaintiffs say that while it is often associated with fruit, commercially used citric acid is almost always produced through industrial fermentation using Aspergillus niger, a type of mold.

Because that manufacturing method is synthetic, the ingredient qualifies as artificial under federal food labeling regulations. The lawsuit alleges that by including citric acid, Bimbo Bakeries violated its own “no artificial preservatives” claim, misleading health-conscious consumers who seek more natural ingredients.

Shoppers Say They Paid More for Preservative-Free Bread

Pardo and Pyrane contend that the “baked without” statement appeared prominently on every package and influenced their decision to buy Artesano breads over other options. They say the promise of preservative-free baking positioned the product as a premium choice worth paying extra for.

According to the complaint, consumers would not have purchased the bread—or would have paid less—if they had known the ingredient list contradicted the company’s front-label claims. The plaintiffs argue that this misrepresentation allowed Bimbo Bakeries to gain an unfair advantage in a competitive market by appealing to customers seeking cleaner food options.

Consumers Increasingly Question “Free From” Labeling

Similar consumer lawsuits have been filed against other food manufacturers involving alleged misrepresentations about ingredients and preservatives.

Kraft Heinz was recently accused of advertising its macaroni and cheese as containing “no preservatives” despite the inclusion of citric acid. Keurig Dr Pepper has also been named in litigation over Mott’s fruit juices marketed as “100% Juice” while containing ascorbic acid, which federal regulators classify as a chemical preservative.

The Artesano bread case cites New York General Business Law Sections 349 and 350, which prohibit deceptive business practices and false advertising. Pardo and Pyrane also assert claims for breach of express warranty and unjust enrichment.

They are asking the court to certify a class of consumers who purchased Sara Lee Artesano bread products marketed as free from artificial preservatives. The filing seeks restitution, damages, and a court order requiring Bimbo Bakeries to revise its labeling and promotional materials to accurately reflect the ingredients used.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Pardo, et al. v. Bimbo Bakeries USA Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-06368
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorney

• Mari K. Bonthuis, Jennifer Kraus-Czeisler and Todd McClelland (Sterlington PLLC)
• Don Bivens (Don Bivens PLLC)

Do you look for “no preservatives” labels when buying bread? Tell us how those claims influence your choices.