Dunkin’ Faces False Advertising Lawsuit Over ‘Refresher’ Beverages

0
234

In contrast, Daly claims that the added sugar in the drinks is a harmful substitute for the natural sugars found in the fruits, which can contribute to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Legal Allegations and Consumer Deception

Daly is seeking to represent a class of consumers who purchased the Refreshers within a certain time frame, as well as a specific subclass of New York residents who bought the beverages for personal use. The lawsuit also targets Inspire Brands Inc., the parent company of Dunkin’, which acquired the brand in December 2020.

The complaint accuses Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands of violating New York state law, as well as common law fraud and unjust enrichment. Daly argues that the fruit-based names were central to the product’s identity, with the misleading ingredients damaging both the company’s reputation and consumers’ wallets.

Dunkin’ Doesn’t Measure Up

Daly also pointed out Dunkin’s consistency in using real ingredients in other drinks. For example, its Strawberry Coolatta contains real strawberry puree concentrate, and its hot chocolate uses actual cocoa. This inconsistency between the Refreshers and other Dunkin’ beverages only reinforces Daly’s argument that the company knowingly deceived consumers by misrepresenting the drinks.