Kraft Heinz Faces Class Action Over ‘Naturally Flavored’ Country Time Lemonade, Lawsuit Claims Artificial Ingredients Despite Label
A new class action lawsuit accuses The Kraft Heinz Company of falsely advertising its Country Time lemonade products as containing no artificial flavors. Plaintiffs Judith Vergien and Maria Nelson claim Kraft Heinz prominently markets its lemonade products as containing “No Artificial Flavors” and being “Naturally Flavored” despite the products containing artificial ingredients that impart flavor, such as citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate and maltodextrin.
The lawsuit, filed as Vergien, et al. v. The Kraft Heinz Company, Case No. 1:25-cv-15557, landed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois just days ago. As of February 2026, no settlement has been reached and the case is in early litigation stages.
The “Naturally Flavored” Label Deception
“Consumers who sought to avoid artificial flavors reasonably relied on [the defendant’s] representations and did not receive the natural, wholesome product they believed they were purchasing,” the Country Time lemonade class action lawsuit says.
Here’s what makes this case compelling: the front of Country Time canisters proudly display “No Artificial Flavors” and “Naturally Flavored” in bold text. But flip that canister around and read the ingredients—you’ll find citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and maltodextrin.
The lawsuit argues these are synthetic, chemically manufactured ingredients that artificially enhance the lemon flavor consumers thought they were getting from natural sources.
Similar to the Kraft Heinz Class Action Lawsuits From Securities Claims To Food Labeling Controversies, this case highlights ongoing consumer protection battles against one of America’s largest food manufacturers over ingredient transparency.
This Isn’t Kraft Heinz’s First Lemonade Rodeo
Kraft Heinz has left one customer thirsty by claiming there is enough powder in its Country Time packs to make eight quarts of lemonade when in fact it only makes six quarts, a new class action lawsuit alleges back in April 2022.
Plaintiff DeMarcus Rodgers filed the class action complaint against Kraft Heinz Foods Company Apr. 21 in an Alabama federal court, alleging violations of state and federal consumer laws over the quantity claims on 19-ounce canisters.
Kraft Heinz sent this response in reaction to the lawsuit: We are aware of the lawsuit, but believe it lacks any merit—the same dismissive response they’re likely to give about this new “naturally flavored” case.
The Wave Of Food Labeling Litigation
Country Time joins a growing list of beverage and food products facing “naturally flavored” scrutiny:
MiO Water Enhancer: A class action claims the peach mango variety of the MiO beverage flavoring concentrate is mislabeled given the “naturally flavored” product contains artificial flavor.
Crystal Light: A class action alleges the maker of Crystal Light has failed to clearly disclose that certain varieties of the flavored drink mix contain artificial flavoring.
Capri Sun: The maker of Capri Sun faces a lawsuit that claims its “no artificial coloring, flavors, or preservatives” promise for the popular beverage is fraudulent.
Kraft Heinz owns all three brands—making them a repeat offender in the “naturally flavored” deception game.
Just like consumers in the Celestial Tea Lawsuit, Payout Eligibility, Claim Updates, And Synthetic Ingredient Risks 2026, Country Time purchasers allegedly paid premium prices for products they believed contained only natural ingredients.
Who Qualifies For This Lawsuit?
Since the case was just filed in January 2025, class certification hasn’t been granted yet. However, the plaintiffs seek to represent:
Nationwide Class: Anyone in the United States who purchased Country Time lemonade products marketed as “No Artificial Flavors” or “Naturally Flavored” within the applicable statute of limitations (typically 4-6 years).
No Action Needed Yet: You don’t need to “join” the lawsuit. If class certification is granted and you purchased the product, you’re automatically included unless you opt out.
What Products Are Covered: The lawsuit targets Country Time lemonade powder drink mixes in canisters that display the challenged labeling claims.
The Legal Battle Ahead
The plaintiffs are represented by Raphael Janove of Janove PLLC, a firm that specializes in consumer protection and false advertising cases.
Vergien and Nelson argue Kraft Heinz’s false and misleading statements caused consumers to pay a price premium for the lemonade products, which they claim they would not have purchased, or would have paid less for, had they known the truth about the artificial ingredients.
The case must survive Kraft Heinz’s inevitable motion to dismiss, then proceed to class certification before any settlement discussions begin. This process typically takes 18-36 months.
Similar Food Labeling Settlements Set Precedent
Recent beverage labeling settlements show what Country Time purchasers might expect if this case settles:
The Canada Dry Class Action Lawsuit, Three Active Cases Target Ginger Ale Labeling resulted in $11.2 million for “Made from Real Ginger” false claims, paying up to $22.40 per household.
The Breyers Class Action Lawsuit, $8.85M Settlement Revealed over “Natural Vanilla” paid consumers $1 per product purchased, with or without receipts.
Critical Questions Answered
What is the Kraft Heinz Country Time lemonade class action about?
The lawsuit alleges Kraft Heinz falsely advertises Country Time lemonade as “No Artificial Flavors” and “Naturally Flavored” despite containing synthetic citric acid, sodium citrate, potassium citrate, and maltodextrin that artificially enhance flavor. Filed January 2025 in Illinois federal court (Case No. 1:25-cv-15557), the case is in early litigation with no settlement yet.
Am I eligible to file a claim?
Not yet—no claims process exists because the case hasn’t settled. If you purchased Country Time lemonade products within the last 4-6 years (depending on your state’s statute of limitations), you may eventually qualify once class certification is granted and a settlement is reached.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
There is no claim deadline yet. The lawsuit was just filed in January 2025 and must proceed through motion to dismiss, class certification, discovery, and settlement negotiations before any claim forms become available—likely 18-36 months away.
How much money could I get?
Impossible to predict this early. Similar food labeling settlements have paid $1-$5 per product purchased, sometimes without receipts. The final amount depends on settlement negotiations, number of claimants, and attorney fees deducted.
What proof of purchase will I need?
Most food labeling settlements allow small claims (2-8 products) without receipts, but require receipts or credit card statements for larger claims. Start saving any Country Time purchase evidence now.
Do I need to hire a lawyer?
No. This is a class action, meaning the named plaintiffs’ attorneys represent all class members. You don’t need your own lawyer unless you want to opt out and file individually.
What should I do right now?
Save proof of purchase for any Country Time lemonade you buy. Watch for future class action notices by mail or email. Monitor legal news sites for settlement announcements. No immediate action is required.
Last Updated: February 14, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal advice. Consumers should monitor this litigation for future settlement opportunities.
Next Steps: If you purchased Country Time lemonade marketed as “naturally flavored,” save your receipts and watch for settlement notices over the next 18-36 months as this case progresses.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
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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