A beloved chip brand that charges premium prices for being “natural” just got caught red-handed allegedly deceiving millions of health-conscious consumers with synthetic ingredients hidden in plain sight.
Story Snapshot
- Campbell’s Company faces class action lawsuit over Cape Cod chips’ “no artificial ingredients” claims
- Synthetic citric acid allegedly contradicts natural labeling promises consumers pay extra for
- FDA warned companies in 2001 that products with citric acid cannot be labeled “natural”
- Case highlights broader industry deception in natural food marketing worth billions
The Premium Deception Behind Natural Claims
Campbell’s Company marketed Cape Cod Kettle Cooked Potato Chips as containing “no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives” while allegedly knowing their citric acid ingredient is synthetically manufactured. This October 2025 lawsuit strikes at the heart of consumer trust, targeting a company that built its brand reputation on natural integrity while charging premium prices.
The complaint reveals how consumers willingly paid higher prices believing they were getting genuinely natural products. Instead, they allegedly received chips containing synthetic citric acid, the same artificial ingredient the FDA specifically cited in 2001 Warning Letters as disqualifying products from “natural” labeling.
FDA’s Clear Warning Ignored for Decades
Twenty-four years ago, the FDA issued Warning Letters explicitly stating that products containing citric acid cannot be labeled as “natural.” This regulatory guidance wasn’t hidden in bureaucratic fine print – it was a clear directive to food manufacturers about honest labeling practices. Campbell’s allegedly chose to ignore this guidance while continuing to market Cape Cod chips as free from artificial ingredients.
The synthetic production of commercial citric acid involves fermentation processes using genetically modified organisms, making it fundamentally different from naturally occurring citric acid found in citrus fruits. This distinction matters to health-conscious consumers who specifically seek products without synthetic additives, yet companies continue exploiting regulatory loopholes and enforcement gaps.
Consumer Trust Versus Corporate Profits
This lawsuit exposes a calculated business strategy where companies maximize profits by charging natural product premiums while using cheaper synthetic ingredients. The natural foods market has exploded as Americans increasingly prioritize health and wellness, creating enormous financial incentives for companies to stretch the definition of “natural” beyond recognition.
Campbell’s built Cape Cod’s brand identity around authenticity and natural ingredients, positioning these chips as a healthier alternative to conventional snacks. Consumers relied on this marketing when making purchasing decisions, often paying significantly more than they would for comparable products without natural claims. The alleged deception undermines the fundamental trust between consumers and food manufacturers.
Industry-Wide Implications for Natural Labeling
The Cape Cod lawsuit represents far more than one company’s labeling practices – it challenges an entire industry built on exploiting regulatory ambiguity around “natural” claims. Without formal FDA definitions, food manufacturers have operated in a legal gray area, making increasingly bold natural claims while incorporating synthetic ingredients.
This case could trigger industry-wide reassessment of ingredient sourcing and labeling practices across the snack food sector. Companies using similar synthetic additives while making natural claims face potential litigation exposure, forcing them to choose between honest labeling and profitable marketing deception. The outcome may finally pressure lawmakers and regulators to establish clear, enforceable standards for natural food labeling that protect consumers from corporate manipulation.
Sources:
Campbell’s Sued for ‘No Artificial’ Claims on Potato Chips – Daily Intake Blog
