Target Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Lawsuit, False Advertising Claims Over Acetic Acid Content 2026
Target faces a class action lawsuit alleging its Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies contain less than half the acetic acid advertised on their label. Plaintiff Deija Banks claims analytical testing revealed the gummies contain less than 2.5% acetic acid despite being marketed as containing 5%, making them ineffective and essentially worthless according to the January 2026 lawsuit.
What the Target Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies Lawsuit Alleges
The lawsuit filed on January 30, 2026, in California federal court accuses Target of violating state and federal consumer protection laws. Banks conducted laboratory testing on 12 samples of Target’s Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies and discovered they contain significantly less acetic acid than advertised.
By law, any product claiming to be apple cider vinegar must contain at least 4% acetic acid to deliver the health benefits consumers expect. The testing showed Target’s gummies fall below even this minimum threshold, containing less than 2.5% on average.
Banks argues this means the product cannot legally be called apple cider vinegar and provides no meaningful health benefits. Similar false advertising lawsuit like Lowe’s cases have held companies accountable when products fail to meet advertised specifications.
Case Details and Legal Claims
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California under case number 3:26-cv-00983. Banks is represented by attorney Michael D. Braun of Kuzyk Law LLP.
Banks seeks to represent anyone in California or nationwide who purchased the Target apple cider vinegar gummies during the class period. The complaint alleges violations of California’s Unfair Competition Law, False Advertising Law, Consumers Legal Remedies Act, and breach of express warranty.
The plaintiff argues Target’s alleged misrepresentation led thousands of consumers to purchase a product that does not deliver promised health benefits. The lawsuit claims the gummies are either worthless or worth significantly less than what consumers paid.
Who Qualifies as a Class Member
Anyone who purchased Target’s Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies in California or the United States during the relevant class period may qualify. The lawsuit is currently in its early stages, so specific eligibility dates have not yet been finalized.
Class members would be consumers who relied on Target’s product labeling when making their purchase decisions. You don’t need to prove the product didn’t work for you individually—the lawsuit focuses on whether Target’s advertising was deceptive.
Current Status and Next Steps
As of February 2026, the lawsuit is in preliminary stages. Banks is seeking certification of the class action, which would allow all eligible consumers who purchased the gummies to join the case.
The court must determine whether to certify the case as a class action before it can proceed. If certified, Target would face claims from potentially thousands of consumers nationwide.
No settlement has been announced yet. Legal proceedings typically take 18-36 months from filing to potential resolution, based on similar consumer protection cases.
What Consumers Should Do Now
If you purchased Target’s Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, save your receipts and any product packaging. While proof of purchase isn’t always required in class actions, having documentation strengthens your potential claim.
Monitor legal news sources and class action settlement websites for updates about this lawsuit. When a settlement is reached or the case progresses, eligible class members will receive notice with instructions on how to file claims.
Consider whether you want to participate in the class action or preserve your right to file an individual lawsuit. You’ll have the opportunity to opt out when official class notice is distributed.
Similar False Advertising Cases
This lawsuit follows a pattern of consumer protection cases targeting health supplement companies. The Balance of Nature $9.95M false advertisement class action settlement resolved similar claims about exaggerated nutritional content.
The Mary Ruth Organics lawsuit also addressed allegations of misleading marketing about ingredient purity. These cases demonstrate that courts take false advertising claims about health products seriously.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Target apple cider vinegar gummies lawsuit about?
The lawsuit alleges Target falsely advertised its Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies as containing 5% acetic acid when laboratory testing revealed they contain less than 2.5%. This falls below the legal minimum of 4% required for products marketed as apple cider vinegar.
Who can join this class action lawsuit?
Anyone who purchased Target’s Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies in California or the United States during the class period may qualify. The court has not yet certified the class or finalized eligibility dates.
Has Target reached a settlement?
No settlement has been announced as of February 2026. The lawsuit was filed on January 30, 2026, and is in early litigation stages.
What compensation might class members receive?
Compensation amounts have not been determined. If the case settles or goes to trial successfully, class members could receive refunds or partial reimbursement based on their purchases.
Do I need proof of purchase to participate?
While proof of purchase strengthens your claim, some class action settlements allow participation without receipts. Specific requirements will be announced if the case is certified and proceeds to settlement.
How long will this lawsuit take?
Consumer protection class actions typically take 18-36 months from filing to resolution. The case is currently in preliminary stages as attorneys seek class certification.
What should I do if I bought these gummies?
Save your receipts and product packaging. Monitor legal news for updates about class certification and settlement announcements. You’ll receive official notice if you’re eligible to file a claim.
Last Updated: February 11, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides information about ongoing litigation and is not legal advice. No settlement has been reached, and class membership has not been finalized.
Take Action: Monitor this case for developments. If you purchased Target’s Up & Up Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, save your receipts and watch for official class notice.
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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