Just because a product is marketed as pure, natural or healthy doesn’t mean we’re getting the full story.
Several popular grocery brands have faced lawsuits, independent testing or recalls involving everything from forever chemicals and microplastics to pesticides and heavy metals. Here’s what consumers should know — and a few simple ways to choose healthier alternatives.
1. Simply Orange
Simply Orange, which is owned by Coca-Cola, has marketed its juice as a pure and natural choice.
However, a lawsuit alleged that Simply Tropical juice contained detectable PFAS — also known as “forever chemicals” — despite its all-natural marketing. PFAS break down very slowly and have been linked to potential health concerns with ongoing exposure.
The lawsuit was ultimately dismissed, so the allegations were not proven in court. Still, the case raised questions about how much words like “pure” and “natural” really tell us about a product.
A healthier option: Choose whole oranges more often since they contain fiber and less concentrated sugar. When buying juice, look for organic options with minimal ingredients when possible.
2. Campbell’s Microwavable Soup
Campbell’s is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that certain microwavable soup containers may release microplastics when heated.
The lawsuit focuses on polypropylene plastic used in the packaging and claims consumers weren’t adequately warned about the potential for plastic particles to enter the soup. The case is still ongoing, so these claims have not yet been proven.
Consumers who purchased qualifying products can check ClaimMoney.com for information about the case and possible eligibility.
A healthier option: Transfer microwavable soups and other packaged foods into a glass or ceramic bowl before heating. You can also look for soup sold in glass jars or make a large batch at home to freeze in individual portions.
3. Sabra Hummus
Independent testing commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found glyphosate in several Sabra hummus products. Some samples contained levels above EWG’s own health-based benchmark.
Glyphosate is a commonly used herbicide, and health organizations don’t all agree on the risk posed by typical dietary exposure. However, these findings may still concern shoppers trying to limit pesticide residues.
Sabra has also dealt with recalls over the years. In 2021, the company recalled a limited batch of Classic Hummus after FDA testing detected possible Salmonella contamination. That recall only applied to certain containers produced during a specific time — not all Sabra products.
A healthier option: Look for organic hummus or organic chickpeas when possible. Hummus is also easy to make using chickpeas, tahini, lemon, garlic and olive oil.
4. Vital Proteins Collagen
Heavy metals can be a concern with collagen and protein powders because ingredients may absorb naturally occurring lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury from soil and water.
Vital Proteins products have been included in independent testing examining detectable levels of these metals. “Detectable” doesn’t necessarily mean the amount is unsafe, and results can vary by product, formula and batch.
More recent Clean Label Project testing ranked Vital Proteins Unflavored Collagen Peptides among its “Clean Sixteen” products for purity. This is why current, product-specific testing matters more than relying on a brand’s marketing — or one older test result.
A healthier option: Look for powders independently tested for lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury. Certifications from NSF, USP or Clean Label Project can help, but make sure the certification applies to the exact product you’re buying.
5. SunChips
SunChips are often viewed as a healthier chip because they are prominently marketed as whole-grain snacks. But independent laboratory testing commissioned by GMO Free USA detected glyphosate residue in an Original SunChips sample.
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in many weed killers. Finding a detectable residue does not automatically prove that the amount is unsafe, and one test cannot establish the level in every bag. Still, the result is worth knowing when a product’s whole-grain marketing may lead shoppers to assume it is a cleaner choice.
A healthier option: Look for organic chips with a short ingredient list, or choose snacks such as organic popcorn, nuts, seeds or sliced vegetables. Organic farming restricts the use of glyphosate, although no certification can guarantee zero environmental residue.
6. Nature Valley Granola Bars
Nature Valley granola bars have also faced scrutiny over glyphosate. EWG testing detected glyphosate in several oat-based Nature Valley products, including Oats ’n Honey and Peanut Butter Crunchy Granola Bars.
The brand previously marketed certain bars as being made with “100% Natural Whole Grain Oats.” General Mills later agreed to remove that phrase after consumer groups challenged the labeling. The reported residue was below the EPA tolerance referenced in the dispute, but the concern centered on whether shoppers would expect an “all natural” product to contain traces of a synthetic herbicide.
A healthier option: Choose organic oat or granola bars with minimal added sugar when possible, or make simple snack bars at home. Some companies also voluntarily test their oat products for glyphosate and share the results.
How to Shop Smarter Without Overhauling Your Life
You don’t have to throw everything away or make every food from scratch. A few realistic changes can reduce your family’s exposure over time:
- Buy organic foods when possible and within your budget.
- Choose whole or minimally processed foods more often.
- Avoid heating food in plastic.
- Look for third-party-tested supplements.
- Ask supplement companies for recent testing or a certificate of analysis.
- Check FDA recall notices for the exact product and lot number.
- Rotate the foods and brands your family regularly consumes.
Organic doesn’t guarantee that a product is free from every contaminant, and third-party testing isn’t perfect. But these are still useful tools for making more informed choices.
The Bottom Line
Products marketed as healthy aren’t always as clean or transparent as they appear. This doesn’t mean every product from these brands is dangerous, but consumers deserve to know about lawsuits, recalls and independent testing that could affect their buying decisions.
Visit ClaimMoney.com to check current consumer lawsuits and see whether products you purchased may qualify.
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Subscribe NowFrequently Asked Questions
No. This doesn’t mean every product from these brands is dangerous. Several of these cases are allegations that have not been proven, and one test result can’t establish the level in every batch.
It’s a commonly used herbicide and the active ingredient in many weed killers. Health organizations don’t all agree on the risk posed by typical dietary exposure.
No. Organic doesn’t guarantee that a product is free from every contaminant, and third-party testing isn’t perfect — but both are still useful tools for making more informed choices.
Visit ClaimMoney.com and continue checking Tiff’s Money Tips for updates.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical or legal advice. Lawsuit claims are allegations unless proven in court. Product formulas, testing results, recalls and case statuses can change.
