Santa Clara, CA: A consumer fraud class action lawsuit has been filed against General Mills alleging the cereal manufacturer misleads customers about its popular cereal Cheerios Protein. Filed in federal court, the lawsuit asserts that a side by side comparison of Original Cheerios and Cheerios Protein shows that Cheerios Protein does not contain as much protein as the original version.
The lawsuit asserts that General Mills is marketing Cheerios Protein as a "high protein, healthful alternative to Cheerios" when it does not contain much more protein than Original Cheerios. "Rather than protein, the principal ingredient that distinguishes Cheerios Protein from Cheerios is sugar," the suit states.
According to the complaint, the Nutrition Facts Panel on the boxes cite a 4 gram difference in protein (7 for Cheerios Protein versus 3 grams for the original) , a "smidgen" . However, the suit attributes that to a larger serving size (55 grams as opposed to 27 respectively). The complaint goes on to state that for the same 200 calories, there is only a 0.7 gram difference between Cheerios Protein Oats and Honey (6.7 grams) and Original Cheerios (6 grams).
Further, the suit alleges that Cheerios Protein contains significantly more sugar than Original Cheerios cereal. By way of example, a 1 1/4-cup serving of Cheerios Protein Oats and Honey has 17 grams of sugar, whereas Original Cheerios has 1 gram for a 1 cup serving. Similarly, a 1 1/4 cup serving of the Cinnamon Almond variety has 16 grams, according to the documents.
The complaint states that the advertising for Cheerios Protein says it's a "great start to your day" along with pictures of "appealing photographic images depicting healthy and successful kids and parents." Further, "These claims and images are part of a sophisticated marketing campaign to encourage parents to purchase Cheerios Protein for their children; and the sweet taste of the product helps ensure that children will eat the product," the suit states.
In a report by ABC News, the agency stated it also found Cheerios Protein Oats and Honey to have more sugar than every other variety of Cheerios on the market: with 10.2 grams for a 3/4 cup serving. Apple Cinnamon Cheerios has the second most with 10 grams and third is Cheerios Protein Cinnamon Almond at 9.6 grams. Frosted Cheerios, Fruity Cheerios and Chocolate Cheerios have 9 grams each, the calculations found.
Cheerios Protein False Advertising Class Action Legal Help
If you or a loved one has suffered similar damages or injuries, please fill in our form on the right and your complaint will be sent to a lawyer who may evaluate your claim at no cost or obligation.
My child eats these! It really upsets me how misleading this is!
Posted by JoAnne Paulo
on
I eat this protein cherish for years, due to my illness and to find them not to be honest and clear about their ingredients is wrong. I had trouble with my blood count realizing it was due to misrepresentation.
Posted by Letitia Forster
on
I have purchased these in the past, Big Companies need to be held accountable for their actions. Please let me know what I need to do to be included.
Posted by Christine Massey
on
I've bought this cereal many times trusting cheerios was honest with the higher protein healthier cereal. I buy for my elderly Father who is on a special diet and I would not have bought this cereal if I knew I was being mislead. I would like to be included in this lawsuit please.
Posted by Thomas Biedrzycki
on
My main reason for buying Cheerios protein is the extra protein. I feel Cheerios misled me to increase the sale of this product. This is unfair.
Posted by CAROL BARBATO-KREPS
on
I have brought my children and my grandchildren on Cherrios. As a matter of fact its the first finger food my children had as a treat.I don't understand if you have a good product and you want to better it then do so not mask it and make it less then what you advertise it to be. We use the original, multigrain and the protein. I buy at least three to four boxes a month for my family. Its been a family tradition since my sister who is now 62 started walking and my aunt fed her Cherrios on the porch of her house for the first time.I will be participating in this action as I feel I have been duped by the company into thinking this cereal would be good for my family paying more for a box of it and its not.
Posted by Julie
on
thI have been consuming this product due to the protein claims. Would like to be included in the law suit.
Posted by Sabrina Dempster's
on
I bought the cereal,how can I be included in the lawsuit? Demo's
Posted by GAUTAM PATKAR
on
Iam a diabetic person & have beien prescribed a strong Diabetic medications. I always have been purchasing these Cherrios all the time. I live in Alabama & don't have any recent purchase receipts. Do I still quality for this claim & file a lawsuit thru' you.
Thanks.
Posted by Christy Rosas
on
I have purchased same protein Cheerios. How can I be included in law suit?
Posted by Linda Greaves
on
I purchase this cereal all the time.
Posted by Darlene Galle
on
I have also purchased the same protein Cheerios for my husband who is a diabetic and requires accurate labeling to keep his blood sugar in check, How can I be included in this law suit?
Posted by Karen manuel
on
I am diabetic and require acurate labeling or I will have high blood sugars. I bought this cereal and I was deceived.
Posted by Debbie Floyd
on
I have bought this cereal several times and had no idea I contained so much sugar. I don't keep my receipts. How do I fail a claim?
Posted by alice hopkins
on
I have purchased same protein Cheerios. How can I be included in law suit?
Posted by Wanda Thompson
on
I have used and have a box in the cabinet right now of the Cheerios Protein, what do I do now, have no receipt never expected to have to use it. Could take a picture if need be.
Posted by Leah
on
Where do I file a claim . I bought this brand because I have diabetes and need protein and the sugar content was very high.
Posted by Maria Elena Friskel
on
Please kindly include me in the Cheerios class action lawsuit. My husband through television advertisements highly touting Cheerios as an aid to your heart bought all types of Cheerios. He has had 2-3 major heart procedures and believed this to be a viable product for his heart. Thanks for your updated information which we would have received from any other source. Wishing you continued success and happy holidays.
Posted by pat
on
i have purchase protein Cherrios -how can i be included in the lawsuit..
Posted by FRANCISCO GUERRA
on
i have bought these product at walmart in El Centro, ca. I do not keep all receipts, but I do have one which I recently bought in November, 2015
Posted by Anita Jackson
on
I purchased the cereal.
Posted by angela dunisn
on
how do i become included in the lawsuit
Posted by Christopher T Chalifoux
on
I have purchased same protein Cheerios. How can I be included in law suit?
Posted by Maureen Geddie
on
I have purchased same protein Cheerios. How can I be included in law suit?
Add Your Comment on This Issue
Request Consumer Fraud Legal Help
Please complete this form to request a review of your complaint by an attorney.
There is absolutely no cost to you to submit this form. Doing so places you under no obligations and does not establish an attorney-client relationship.
