CASE NAME: Paley v. Hain Celestial Group, Inc.
CASE NO.: 1:26-cv-02157
JURISDICTION: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York
FILED ON: April 13, 2026
CLASS DEFINITION: All persons in the United States who purchased Garden Veggie Puffs for personal use during the applicable statutory period, with a subclass of New York purchasers.

SUMMARY:
According to the complaint , the plaintiff alleges that Hain Celestial Group, Inc. misled consumers by marketing its Garden Veggie Puffs as containing “no artificial ingredients” despite including synthetic substances such as citric acid and lactic acid. The lawsuit claims that reasonable consumers rely on such labeling to make purchasing decisions and are willing to pay a premium for products perceived as natural. The plaintiff contends that she and other consumers would not have purchased the products, or would have paid less for them, had they known the true nature of the ingredients.

ALLEGATIONS:
The lawsuit alleges that Hain Celestial manufactures, markets, and sells Garden Veggie Puffs nationwide, prominently displaying a “no artificial ingredients” claim on its packaging. As shown on the product packaging image on page 3 of the complaint, the labeling communicates a clear message that the product contains only natural, non-synthetic ingredients.

According to the complaint, this representation is false and misleading because the products allegedly contain synthetic citric acid and lactic acid. The lawsuit asserts that these ingredients are not naturally derived in the form used in packaged foods but are instead produced through industrial or chemical processes.

The complaint explains that lactic acid, as used in food products, is created through commercial fermentation or chemical synthesis and is classified as a synthetic substance under federal regulations. It is commonly used as a preservative, acidity regulator, or flavoring agent. The lawsuit further alleges that consumption of synthetic lactic acid has been associated with potential health concerns, including gastrointestinal discomfort and other adverse effects.

Similarly, the complaint alleges that citric acid used in packaged foods is not naturally sourced but instead manufactured using industrial processes involving mold fermentation and chemical treatment. According to the lawsuit, the production process may involve substances such as petroleum-derived compounds and acids, leaving trace residues in the final ingredient. The complaint cites regulatory guidance and warning letters to support the claim that citric acid is considered synthetic and therefore inconsistent with “all natural” or similar labeling claims.

The plaintiff alleges that the defendant intentionally used the “no artificial ingredients” claim to capitalize on consumer demand for natural products. According to the complaint, consumers increasingly seek out foods perceived as healthier or less processed and are willing to pay higher prices for such products. The lawsuit contends that this marketing strategy allowed the company to charge a premium while misrepresenting the product’s true composition.

The complaint also states that the plaintiff, a New York resident, purchased the product relying on the labeling claim and would not have done so, or would have paid less, had she known the truth. The lawsuit asserts that this conduct constitutes deceptive business practices and false advertising under New York law, as well as a breach of express warranty.

On behalf of a proposed nationwide class and a New York subclass, the plaintiff seeks monetary damages, restitution, and injunctive relief. The lawsuit requests that the court order the defendant to stop using allegedly misleading labeling and to undertake corrective advertising. Additionally, the plaintiff seeks certification of the class, attorneys’ fees, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court.

The case centers on whether the presence of synthetic ingredients in a product marketed as containing “no artificial ingredients” constitutes a materially misleading representation to reasonable consumers. The outcome may have implications for labeling practices within the broader packaged food industry, particularly regarding the use of “natural” and similar claims.

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