Campbell’s avocado oil chips are at the center of a new class action filed by a California consumer who says the snack’s labeling misleads buyers about its ingredients.
Diana Heiland of Fresno filed the complaint Tuesday in federal court, alleging she purchased Kettle Brand Avocado Oil Sea Salt With a Hint of Pink Peppercorn Potato Chips believing they were a healthier option than chips made with seed oils. She contends she and other buyers suffered economic harm by paying a premium for a product that lacked the promised premium ingredient and its associated benefits, according to court filings.
The lawsuit cites a July study by food scientists who tested the chips’ ingredients. “Every sample of every product was classified as compositionally inconsistent with authentic avocado oil,” the complaint states, referencing the published findings.
Claims target Campbell’s avocado oil chips labeling
The complaint alleges violations of California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act, Unfair Competition Law, and False Advertising Law. Heiland asks the court to certify a nationwide class and a California subclass and to declare that Campbell Soup Company violated these statutes. The filing asserts that the company manufactures, sells, distributes, and markets the chips and is responsible for packaging that includes the statement, “Made With Avocado Oil.”
A company spokesperson said Campbell Soup Company does not comment on pending litigation.