Smartfood Popcorn Class Action: Are Ingredients Artificial?

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges PepsiCo and its Smartfood brand falsely label their popcorn as containing “no artificial colors or flavors” and “no artificial preservatives,” claiming the product contains maltodextrin, a synthetic ingredient.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Smartfood popcorn.

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

Snack giant PepsiCo and its Smartfood brand are facing a class action lawsuit over allegedly misleading labels that claim their popcorn contains “no artificial colors or flavors” and “no artificial preservatives.” 

But the lawsuit says the product actually contains maltodextrin—a synthetic ingredient used to both sweeten and preserve the popcorn—making those claims false and deceptive.

The lawsuit argues that Smartfood’s marketing is designed to tap into the growing market for natural products. Health-conscious shoppers are often willing to pay more for snacks they believe are free of synthetic chemicals, and the lawsuit says PepsiCo has taken advantage of that trust. 

Instead of disclosing maltodextrin on the front of the package, the lawsuit says the company hides the ingredient behind language designed to make consumers believe they’re buying something healthier than it is.

Consumer Says Reliance on Label Led to Misinformed Purchase

Brooklyn resident Alyssa Flexer filed the proposed class action lawsuit saying she paid $5.59 for a bag of Smartfood White Cheddar Popcorn in May 2025, relying on the brand’s claims that it contained no artificial additives. According to the lawsuit, Flexer would not have bought the popcorn—or would have paid less—if she had known it contained maltodextrin.

Flexer and her attorneys are asking the court to recognize the case as a class action lawsuit, potentially opening it to thousands of customers who may have been similarly misled. The complaint seeks damages, court costs, and a change in how Smartfood labels its products.

Maltodextrin: A Synthetic Additive Behind "Natural" Claims

Maltodextrin is a synthetic carbohydrate made through a multi-step process involving enzymes and acids to break down starches. The final product is refined and concentrated, and often derived from genetically modified corn. 

The FDA has proposed classifying maltodextrin as a synthetic ingredient, and the lawsuit argues that it qualifies both as an artificial flavor—used to sweeten Smartfood popcorn—and a preservative that extends shelf life by reducing moisture and inhibiting bacterial growth.

Beyond being artificial, the ingredient has raised health concerns. Research has linked maltodextrin to spikes in blood sugar, digestive issues, and more serious risks including kidney damage, reproductive challenges, and cancer, especially when produced from genetically modified sources.

Food Brands Face Increasing Legal Scrutiny Over Label Accuracy

PepsiCo isn’t the only major company facing blowback over allegedly misleading labels. Frito-Lay is also being sued over SunChips, which are marketed as made with “100% Whole Grain” despite containing maltodextrin. 

Similarly, Wheat Thins maker Mondelez and Nabisco’s Premium Saltines have been challenged over labels that exaggerate whole grain content. Retailers like Target have been sued over synthetic preservatives in Good & Gather veggie straws, and Chobani is facing claims that its “Only Natural Ingredients” promise hides chemical additives.

In her lawsuit, Flexer wants to represent anyone in the US who bought the popcorn. She is suing for violations of the New York business law and breach of warranty and is seeking damages, injunctive relief, restitution, interest, fees, and costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Flexer v. Smartfoods, Inc. and Pepsico, Inc.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-03623
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York 

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Joshua D. Arisohn (Arisohn LLC)

Do you choose snacks based on 'natural' claims? Share your thoughts on this Smartfood lawsuit below.