Wheat Thins Class Action Lawsuit: "100% Whole Grain" Claims Challenged

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Mondelez misled consumers with its "100% Whole Grain" labeling for Wheat Thins, which allegedly contain refined grains.

Consumers Affected: Consumers in Florida and Illinois who purchased Wheat Thins with the "100% WHOLE GRAIN" label.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division

Snack giant Mondelez International, the maker of Wheat Thins, is facing a class action lawsuit accusing the company of misleading consumers with its "100% Whole Grain" label. According to the complaint, the crackers include cornstarch, a refined grain ingredient, which directly contradicts the labeling. 

The lawsuit claims this deceptive marketing misled health-conscious consumers into believing they were purchasing a product made entirely of whole grains, prompting them to pay a premium price for a misleading promise.

Wheat Thins Contain Refined Grains Despite "100% Whole Grain" Label, Lawsuit Claims

The lawsuit is led by Illinois resident Ivan Blanco and Florida’s Kathryn Swiggum, both of whom regularly purchased Wheat Thins under the impression that the crackers were entirely whole grain. 

Blanco, who bought the crackers monthly, and Swiggum, a frequent customer, both claim they relied on the bold "100% Whole Grain" labeling prominently displayed on Wheat Thins packaging.

Neither was aware that cornstarch, a refined grain, was a primary ingredient. Both allege they would not have bought the product—or would have paid less—had they known it wasn’t as advertised. The plaintiffs say Mondelez’s labeling practices caused them financial loss and violated consumer trust.

Consumers Misled by Mondelez's "Whole Grain" Claims

Despite its whole-grain branding, the lawsuit alleges that Wheat Thins contain cornstarch, a refined grain stripped of the germ and bran parts of the corn kernel. This refined ingredient, the lawsuit argues, directly contradicts the "100% Whole Grain" promise. 

Whole grains are widely recognized as more nutritious than their refined counterparts, offering more vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The suit claims that Mondelez capitalized on the health halo of whole grains to differentiate Wheat Thins in a competitive snack market, ultimately boosting sales through deceptive marketing.

Mondelez Faces Other Lawsuits

This isn’t the first time Mondelez has faced allegations of misleading advertising. In August, a New York lawsuit accused the company of misrepresenting Nabisco Whole Grain Premium Saltine Crackers as being predominantly made with whole grain flour.

Additionally, Mondelez has faced scrutiny for its "Cocoa Life" program, which promised sustainable sourcing but was accused of links to unethical labor practices and environmental harm. The company also recently settled a class action lawsuit over a 2023 data breach that exposed sensitive information belonging to thousands of employees.

In their lawsuit, Blanco and Swiggum want to represent Florida and Illinois consumers who purchased Wheat Thins with the “100% WHOLE GRAIN” label from October 13, 2018. They are suing for violations of Illinois Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and of Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, and breach of express warranty, and are seeking damages, fees, costs, and interest.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Blanco et al v. Mondelez International, Inc., et al.
• Case Number: 1:24-cv-13193
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Daniel J. Biederman, Jr. (Law Office of Danny Biederman, LLC)
• Dave Fox, Joanna Fox, and Courtney Vasquez (Fox Law, APC)

Do you eat Wheat Thins? What are your thoughts on this lawsuit? Share your opinion in the comments below.