Dunkin’ is under fire for allegedly misleading customers about its popular “Refresher” line of caffeinated beverages, a move that could cost the brand millions. A proposed class-action lawsuit filed in New York federal court on Wednesday accuses Dunkin’ of falsely advertising its drinks, which are named after fruits like mango, pineapple, and strawberry, despite not containing any of these fruits.
The Fruit That’s Not There
Cassandra Daly, a New York resident, has filed a lawsuit against Dunkin’ Brands Inc., claiming the drinks, such as Mango Pineapple Refresher and Strawberry Dragonfruit Refresher, are made predominantly of green tea, sugar, and water, with no trace of the named fruits. Daly argues that the marketing of these beverages as fruit-flavored was intended to capitalize on the appeal of premium fruit ingredients, which have perceived health benefits that customers are willing to pay extra for.
“These missing fruit ingredients are important to consumers because they are considered premium, while the cheaper, processed flavors used in their place are not,” Daly said. She contended that consumers were misled into thinking they were purchasing healthier, fruit-filled drinks.
Health Benefits Consumers Missed
The lawsuit goes further by highlighting the health benefits consumers might expect from the fruits that are conspicuously absent from the Refreshers. For instance, pineapple is known for its immune-boosting properties, digestive benefits, and anticancer compounds, while mango offers magnesium and potassium. Passionfruit is rich in essential vitamins, fiber, and other nutrients.
