10 Misleading Labels on Old Products That Got Sued
Here's a roundup of 10 vintage and modern products that landed the brands in costly legal battles.
- Daisy Montero
- 3 min read
Some product labels promised things they could not deliver. This list shows 10 examples where brands got sued for misleading claims. From fake prep times to missing ingredients, these labels caused real problems. You will see how tricky packaging led to legal trouble.
1. Fireball Cinnamon (No Whisky?)
Belenois on Wikimedia Commons
Many people bought Fireball Cinnamon, thinking it contained real whisky, just like the original. However, it was a malt beverage with no whisky at all, and the packaging made that hard to tell. That confusion led to a class-action lawsuit that called out the misleading label.
2. “All Natural” Applesauce with Pesticides
Porchista on Wikimedia Commons
Mott’s sold applesauce with a “Natural” label, which made it sound clean and healthy. Tests later showed traces of pesticides, which did not match the label’s promise. Customers felt misled, and a lawsuit was filed over the false claim.
3. Pirate’s Booty & the “No Artificial Preservatives” Claim
aussiegall from sydney, Australia on Wikimedia Commons
Pirate’s Booty snack packaging said it had no artificial preservatives. However, ingredients like citric acid and lactic acid were present, which some argued constituted artificial ingredients. This contradiction sparked a lawsuit over how honest the label really was.
4. Cheerios’ “Heart Healthy” Cereal Suits
Unknown author on Wikimedia Commons
Cheerios was marketed as a “heart-healthy” cereal, which made people think it was good for them. However, the cereal still had a high sugar content, which some experts believe can harm heart health. A group of lawsuits pushed back on the label’s bold health claim.
5. Velveeta’s “3½ Minute” Prep Time
Kraft foods on Wikimedia Commons
Velveeta’s mac and cheese cups claimed they were ready in 3½ minutes. However, that only counted microwave time — not the time spent stirring, waiting, or cooling. One woman sued because she believed the label gave a false impression of how fast the meal really was.
6. Anheuser’s “Ritas” Without Real Spirits
FutureBrand for Anheuser-Busch InBev S.A. on Wikimedia Commons
Anheuser-Busch sold fruity malt drinks under names like Lime-A-Rita and Mango-Rita. Many thought they included real spirits like tequila, but they were actually just flavored malt beverages. That confusion led to a lawsuit for misleading customers.
7. Generic “False Advertising” Examples
Hana Brannigan on Wikimedia Commons
Not all label lawsuits involve food — many products from other industries also misled people. Beauty, wellness, and tech brands have also faced court over bold but false advertising. These cases show that misleading claims are risky in any industry.
8. Fine Print Isn’t Fine with Courts
Ron Lach on Pexels
Some companies try to cover themselves with tiny fine print at the bottom of the label. However, courts often argue that if most people miss it, it still constitutes misleading information. The lesson? Hiding the truth in small letters does not protect a brand from being sued.
9. Lessons Learned: Brands & Buyers
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Brands should be careful about the promises they print on labels. Customers are reading, and lawsuits can follow if claims do not match the product. Honest packaging helps everyone avoid costly legal drama.
10. Naked Juice and the “All Natural” Controversy
Siam Thanachai on Wikimedia Commons
Naked Juice advertised its drinks as “100% juice” and “all-natural,” which made them seem like a healthy choice. However, the drinks contained synthetic ingredients, such as added fiber and synthetic vitamins, which many argued were not natural at all. After public backlash and a class-action lawsuit, the company paid millions to settle the case.