Canada Dry Class Action Lawsuit, Three Active Cases Target Ginger Ale Labeling, “Made in Canada” Claims, and Natural Flavoring (2024-2025 Updates)
Keurig Dr Pepper faces three distinct class action lawsuits alleging Canada Dry beverages mislead consumers through false advertising—a naturally flavored ingredients case filed in California federal court in October 2024, a product origin lawsuit filed in New York federal court in August 2025 claiming beverages aren’t made in Canada, and a closed $11.2 million settlement from 2019 resolving “Made from Real Ginger” claims. The 2024 California case alleges Canada Dry and Schweppes ginger ales contain synthetic dl-malic acid that simulates ginger taste without disclosure on packaging. The 2025 New York lawsuit claims the “Canada Dry” brand name deceives consumers into believing beverages are produced and imported from Canada when they’re manufactured in the United States.
What Are the Latest Developments in Canada Dry Class Action Lawsuits?
Plaintiff Lillian Elliot filed a class action lawsuit against Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. in California federal court (Case No. 2:24-cv-02966, Eastern District of California) in October 2024. The complaint alleges Schweppes and Canada Dry products labeled as “naturally flavored” or containing “natural ginger flavor” fail to disclose they also contain artificial flavors that reinforce the ginger ale taste.
In August 2025, plaintiff Karin Piotroski filed a separate class action lawsuit against Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. in New York federal court (Case No. 2:25-cv-04818, Eastern District of New York) alleging the company misleads consumers by marketing Canada Dry beverages as though they are produced in Canada. Piotroski seeks to represent anyone in New York who bought at least one Canada Dry product since August 29, 2022.
Neither case has reached settlement status. Both lawsuits remain in early litigation stages.
The Closed $11.2 Million “Real Ginger” Settlement
A $11.2 million settlement resolved two class action lawsuits challenging Canada Dry’s “Made from Real Ginger” label claims, with final approval granted on April 10, 2019. Class members who filed valid claims received payments starting July 5, 2019, with amounts up to $22.40 per household.
The settlement covered consumers who purchased Canada Dry Ginger Ale between January 1, 2013 and December 19, 2018 in any U.S. state except California, plus California residents who purchased between December 28, 2012 and June 26, 2018. The settlement resolved George v. Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., Case No. 1822-CC11811, in the Circuit Court of the City of St. Louis for the State of Missouri, and Fitzhenry-Russell, et al. v. Keurig Dr Pepper, Case No. 5:17-cv-00564, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
This settlement is closed—no new claims can be filed.
Current Legal Claims in the 2024 Natural Flavoring Case
Elliot alleges defendant adds synthetic dl-malic acid to ginger ale products because without this synthetic chemical the products would not taste like ginger ale, and this ingredient is considered an artificial flavor under state and federal law. None of the products’ packaging includes either front or back label indication that products contain artificial flavoring.
Elliot asserts claims for violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California Unfair Competition Law, California False Advertising Law, Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law, breach of express warranty. She claims she purchased the allegedly mislabeled ginger ale products on multiple occasions because she was specifically seeking beverages that did not contain artificial flavoring.
Elliot is represented by Kevin K. Ruf and Marc L. Godino of Glancy Prongay & Murray LLP.
The 2025 “Made in Canada” Origin Lawsuit Claims
Piotroski claims consumers interpret the Canada Dry label to mean beverages are produced in and imported from Canada, when in reality they are produced in the United States. The lawsuit argues consumers are willing to pay premium prices for products that are authentically connected to a significant geographical area, such as Canada.
Piotroski seeks restitution for affected class members, disgorgement of profits gained through alleged deceptive marketing, and statutory damages of $50 per unit under GBL § 349 and $500 per unit under GBL § 350. Piotroski is suing for violations of New York consumer laws and seeks certification of the class action, damages, fees, costs and a jury trial.
The plaintiff is represented by Ben Travis of Ben Travis Law APC and Michael R. Reese and Charles D. Moore of Reese LLP.
What Triggered These Canada Dry Lawsuits?
The original “real ginger” lawsuits alleged Dr. Pepper Snapple Group includes chemical flavoring in the soft drink that imitates the flavoring of ginger but doesn’t provide the health benefits of consuming the actual root. Plaintiffs claimed consumers paid a premium for Canada Dry because ginger is known to provide health benefits such as stomach calming, but the beverage allegedly contains less than 2 parts per million of a ginger flavor extract.
The 2024 natural flavoring case builds on similar false advertising theories. Lillian Elliot discovered that Canada Dry and Schweppes ginger ale products weren’t made using natural flavors but instead contained artificial ingredients. The lawsuit was filed against parent company Keurig Dr Pepper, Inc., in California federal court.
The 2025 origin case addresses geographic misrepresentation rather than ingredient composition.
Who Are the Parties Involved?
Defendants:
- Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. (2024 natural flavoring case)
- Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. (2025 origin case)
Named Plaintiffs:
- Lillian Elliot (2024 California case)
- Karin Piotroski (2025 New York case)
Brands Affected:
- Canada Dry Ginger Ale
- Schweppes ginger ale (2024 case only)
- Canada Dry club soda, tonic water, and flavored seltzers (2025 case)
Current Case Status After Recent Filings
2024 Natural Flavoring Case (Elliot v. Keurig Dr Pepper): Filed October 29, 2024 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, Case No. 2:24-cv-02966. The case remains in early litigation. No settlement has been reached. No court rulings on motions to dismiss have been issued yet.
2025 Product Origin Case (Piotroski v. Dr Pepper/Seven Up): Filed August 29, 2025 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York, Case ID 2:25-cv-4818. The case is in initial pleading stages. Discovery has not begun.
Both cases are proceeding through federal court litigation. Neither defendant has publicly commented on the allegations.
What Do These Latest Developments Mean for Consumers?
Consumers who purchased Canada Dry or Schweppes ginger ale products labeled as “naturally flavored” may eventually be eligible for compensation if the 2024 California case settles. Legal experts suggest consumers who purchased products believing they were all-natural may be able to claim compensation if a settlement is reached.
New York consumers who purchased Canada Dry beverages since August 2022 believing they were made in Canada may qualify for the origin lawsuit class. The lawsuit argues these consumers paid premium prices based on geographic authenticity.
These cases could force labeling changes. The previous $11.2 million settlement required Dr. Pepper to change product labels to include words such as “taste,” “extract,” or “flavor” if it continues to represent “ginger” as an ingredient.
How Can Consumers Potentially Claim Compensation?
For the closed $11.2 million settlement: No new claims can be filed. The claim deadline passed in March 2019.
For the 2024 natural flavoring lawsuit: No settlement has been reached. Consumers cannot file claims yet. Legal observers recommend consumers monitor the case for settlement announcements.
For the 2025 origin lawsuit: No settlement exists. The case is in early stages. Interested consumers should watch for class certification rulings and settlement negotiations.
To potentially benefit from future settlements:
- Save receipts showing Canada Dry or Schweppes purchases
- Document purchase dates and locations
- Monitor Top Class Actions and court dockets for settlement announcements
- Watch for class notices mailed to consumers if cases settle
Timeline of Recent Canada Dry Litigation Events
2013-2018: Class period for closed “Made from Real Ginger” settlement
April 10, 2019: Court granted final approval for $11.2 million Canada Dry “real ginger” settlement
July 5, 2019: Settlement payments up to $22.40 began reaching class members
October 29, 2024: Lillian Elliot filed class action lawsuit against Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. alleging falsely advertised Schweppes and Canada Dry beverages as “naturally flavored” without disclosing artificial flavors
August 29, 2025: Karin Piotroski filed class action lawsuit against Dr Pepper/Seven Up Inc. claiming false origin labeling
Present: Both active cases remain in early litigation stages without settlement agreements.
What Happens Next in These Cases?
2024 California Natural Flavoring Case: Keurig Dr Pepper will likely file a motion to dismiss challenging whether consumers were actually misled. If the case survives dismissal, discovery will begin. Class certification motions typically follow 6-12 months after filing. Settlement negotiations often occur after class certification.
2025 New York Origin Case: Dr Pepper/Seven Up will respond to the complaint. The court will rule on any dismissal motions. If the case proceeds, class certification briefing will follow. Settlement discussions could occur at any litigation stage.
Based on beverage industry false advertising litigation timelines, settlements typically take 18-36 months from initial filing to final approval.
How Do These Cases Compare to Other Beverage False Advertising Lawsuits?
A&W Concentrate Co. and Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. agreed to a $15 million class action lawsuit settlement in 2023 to resolve claims they falsely advertised root beer and cream soda as containing real vanilla. Under the settlement terms, class members received $5.50 per household without proof of purchase, or up to $25 per household with receipts. That settlement structure mirrors the Canada Dry “real ginger” settlement tiers.
The Canada Dry cases reflect broader beverage industry litigation trends. Consumers recently filed class action lawsuits against Campbell Soup Co., Prime Hydration LLC, Molson Coors Beverage Company USA, Nestle USA, Sunny Delight Beverages Co. and Welch Foods over false advertising claims involving healthiness, caffeine content, purity, sugar content, artificial preservatives and beverage classification.
Natural flavor disputes are particularly common. Courts have dismissed some similar cases while allowing others to proceed, depending on how clearly labels disclose ingredients and whether synthetic components require “artificial” designation under FDA regulations.
Understanding the Legal Standard for “Natural” Claims
The dl-malic acid added to Canada Dry and Schweppes products is considered an artificial flavor under state and federal law. Elliot alleges defendant adds synthetic dl-malic acid to products because without this synthetic chemical the products would not taste like ginger ale.
The FDA has not established a formal definition for “natural” on food and beverage labels. This regulatory gap creates litigation opportunities when products labeled “naturally flavored” contain synthetic compounds. Federal regulations require products with artificial flavors to disclose this fact on packaging.
The legal question centers on whether reasonable consumers would be misled by “naturally flavored” labels that omit artificial ingredient disclosures. Courts evaluate these claims based on the “reasonable consumer” standard—would an ordinary purchaser interpret the label as representing the product contains only natural ingredients?
Geographic Origin False Advertising Claims
Piotroski claims the verbiage used on packaging leads consumers to believe beverages are from Canada, and consumers have no way of knowing they are actually produced in the United States. The complaint points to the brand name “Canada Dry,” along with packaging and advertising, as representations that mislead consumers into believing the beverages are authentically Canadian.
Geographic origin claims are less common than ingredient-based false advertising cases. The legal theory argues consumers pay premium prices for products with authentic geographic connections. According to the lawsuit, geographic misrepresentation leads consumers to pay a price premium for Canada Dry over comparable products such as Schweppes, based on the perception of authenticity.
Success depends on proving consumers specifically rely on perceived Canadian origin when purchasing, and that this reliance causes economic harm through inflated pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Canada Dry Class Action Lawsuits
What are the latest developments in the Canada Dry class action lawsuit?
A new class action lawsuit was filed on October 29, 2024, against Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., alleging it falsely advertised its Schweppes and Canada Dry beverages as “naturally flavored” without disclosing they also contain artificial flavors. Another lawsuit filed in August 2025 accuses Dr Pepper/Seven Up of falsely marketing Canada Dry beverages as being produced in Canada when they are manufactured in the United States. Neither case has reached settlement status.
What is the most recent Canada Dry settlement status?
The $11.2 million “Made from Real Ginger” settlement received final approval on April 10, 2019, and payments to class members began in July 2019. That settlement is closed and no longer accepting claims. The 2024 and 2025 lawsuits remain in early litigation without settlement agreements.
What are the current legal claims against Canada Dry?
The 2024 California case asserts claims for violations of the California Consumer Legal Remedies Act, California Unfair Competition Law, California False Advertising Law, Massachusetts Consumer Protection Law, breach of express warranty. The 2025 New York case sues for violations of New York consumer laws including New York General Business Law §§ 349 and 350.
Can I still claim money from the Canada Dry ginger ale settlement?
No. The Canada Dry Ginger Ale “real ginger” class action settlement was granted final approval on April 10, 2019, with claim deadlines in March 2019. The settlement is closed. No new claims can be filed for the previous settlement. The 2024 and 2025 lawsuits have not reached settlement stage.
How much compensation could consumers receive from future settlements?
Unknown. Neither active case has settled. The previous Canada Dry settlement provided 40¢ per unit for up to 13 units ($5.20 per household) without receipts, or up to 100 units ($40 per household) with proof of purchase. Future settlements may follow similar compensation structures but could differ based on case specifics and negotiation outcomes.
What products are involved in the Canada Dry lawsuits?
The 2024 case involves Schweppes and Canada Dry ginger ales labeled as “naturally flavored” or containing “natural ginger flavor”. The 2025 case involves Canada Dry beverages including ginger ale, club soda, tonic water, and flavored seltzers. The closed 2019 settlement covered Canada Dry Ginger Ale products labeled “Made from Real Ginger.”
What happens next in these Canada Dry lawsuits?
Both cases will proceed through federal court litigation. Defendants will file responsive motions. If cases survive dismissal, discovery will begin, followed by class certification motions. Settlement negotiations could occur at any stage. Based on similar beverage litigation timelines, settlements typically take 18-36 months from filing to final approval if cases settle rather than proceed to trial.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Case details, legal claims, settlement terms, and outcomes may change rapidly. Review current case filings independently and contact an attorney for specific questions about these cases or your eligibility for compensation. The active 2024 and 2025 lawsuits have not reached settlement, and no compensation is currently available to consumers from these pending cases.
Related Articles:
- False Advertising Class Action Lawsuits
- Consumer Protection Litigation Updates
- Beverage Industry Legal Settlements
Sources:
- Top Class Actions, “Canada Dry Ginger Ale ‘Real Ginger’ Class Action Settlement”
- Top Class Actions, “Schweppes, Canada Dry ginger ale falsely advertised as containing natural flavors, class action claims,” November 27, 2024
- Top Class Actions, “Class action alleges Canada Dry misleads consumers about product origin,” October 15, 2025
- South Shore Press, “Consumer sues Dr Pepper/Seven Up over ‘Canada Dry’ marketing, claims false origin labeling”
- TINA.org, “Schweppes and Canada Dry Ginger Ales,” December 4, 2024
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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