Coca-Cola to face lawsuit for portraying Minute Maid juices as healthy

The Coca-Cola Company is the target of a proposed class suit alleging that it deceptively portrays Minute Maid juice as a healthy alternative to fresh fruit despite the drinks containing high amounts of sugar, which increases the risk of chronic disease

Coca-Cola is accused of exploiting consumers' predilection for healthy foods by positioning the Juice Boxes as healthy alternatives, especially by directly pushing wellness and health-related topics on their labeling and packaging.

Minute Maid juice boxes are allegedly mislabeled with the phrases “Good for You!” and “Part of a Healthy, Balanced Diet.”

According to the proposed class suit, a six-fluid-ounce serving of a Minute Maid juice box, including the apple, apple white grape, mixed berry, fruit punch, and lemonade flavors, contains between 19 and 21 grams of free sugar, constituting nearly all each box’s calories.

Given that fruit juices have been connected to an increased risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and metabolic syndrome, among other major chronic problems, the 53-page complaint claims that Coca-Cola's health representations are "false and deceptive."

The suit noted that a piece of fruit, while healthy when eaten whole, “is transformed into a decidedly unhealthy food once processed into juice.

The lawsuit asserts that Coca-Cola preys on preexisting beliefs that juice is healthful amid a “disinformation campaign” about the health effects of sugar.

The lawsuit seeks to represent all Americans who purchased Minute Maid juice cartons for domestic or personal use alone throughout the preceding four years.