Class Action Alleges Life Cereal Contains Chemical Preservatives Despite Label

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit alleges The Quaker Oats Co. falsely labels its Life Cereal as having “No Artificial Preservatives,” despite the product containing tocopherols, a chemical preservative.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased Life Cereal with a "No Artificial Preservatives" label.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Quaker Oats capitalizes on health-conscious shoppers desires for clean products by falsely labeling its Life Cereal as having “No Artificial Preservatives,” a new lawsuit claims.

The lawsuit alleges that the cereal actually contains tocopherols, a widely recognized chemical preservative, despite claims to the contrary on its packaging. The case argues Quaker profited by capitalizing on consumer demand for healthier, additive-free foods while knowingly selling products that didn’t live up to their labels.

Plaintiff Claims Tocopherols Are Not "Naturally" Derived

The lawsuit was filed by Selassie Edwards, a Bronx resident who says he purchased both Cinnamon Life and Original Life cereals from a local supermarket in December 2024. Edwards believed the “No Artificial Preservatives” claim on the boxes meant the cereals were free from synthetic additives. 

But the products contained tocopherols, which are commercially manufactured chemical preservatives. Edwards argues that if he had known the truth, he either would not have purchased the cereals or would have paid less for them.

What Are Tocopherols?

At the center of the case is tocopherols, an additive that acts as an antioxidant to preserve freshness and extend shelf life. While some tocopherols occur naturally, the ones in Quaker’s cereal are commercially processed, the lawsuit alleges. 

According to the FDA, tocopherols are classified as chemical preservatives, directly contradicting Quaker’s “No Artificial Preservatives” claim.

The lawsuit says Quaker deliberately leaned on these labels to appeal to the growing “clean label” movement, where consumers seek out foods marketed as natural, simple, or free from additives. 

Studies show that more than 70% of consumers consider preservative-free claims important, and many are willing to pay more for them. The complaint argues Quaker exploited these preferences, driving up sales of Life Cereal while misleading the public.

Food Industry Faces Increasing Legal Challenges Over Labeling

Quaker isn’t alone in facing scrutiny over what goes into packaged foods. Kroger is being sued for labeling its Simple Truth Fruit & Grain Bars as preservative-free, even though they contain citric acid, an FDA-recognized preservative. Cape Cod potato chips face similar claims, accused of advertising their products as free from artificial additives despite also using citric acid.

Other big brands like Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, and Flagstone Foods are under fire for similar “no preservatives” or “all natural” marketing that plaintiffs say doesn’t match ingredient lists. Even GoMacro, a popular protein bar company, is accused of using health-focused branding while packing its bars with sugar levels critics argue are far from healthy.

Edwards is seeking to represent all U.S. consumers who purchased Life Cereal during the relevant period. He is suing for violations of New York consumer protection laws, breach of warranty, and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit asks for damages, legal fees, and corrective advertising to stop what plaintiffs describe as deceptive labeling.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Edwards v. The Quaker Oats Co.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-06794
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Plaintiffs' Attorneys

• Julian C. Diamond (Bursor & Fisher, P.A.)

Do you buy Quaker Oats Life Cereal products? Let us know in the comments section below if this lawsuit concerns you.