Frito-Lay Poppables 'No Artificial Flavors' Class Action Lawsuit

By Steve Levine | Updated: October 17, 2025

Status: Lawsuit Dismissed

Estimated Payout: Pending

Proof required: Pending

What's the Frito-Lay Poppables Class Action Lawsuit?

A new class action against Frito-Lay Pepsico "Poppables" was filed in New York federal court and alleges that Frito-Lay and PepsiCo market their popular snack, Poppables with the statement “No Artificial Flavors,” while the products contain citric acid that plaintiffs characterize as synthetically produced. The complaint argues this representation misleads reasonable consumers and violates consumer protection laws.

Case Update: Lawsuit Voluntarily Dismissed

As of October 7, 2025, the class action lawsuit Palmeri v. PepsiCo, Inc. and Frito-Lay North America, Inc. was voluntarily dismissed by the plaintiff, Yovani Palmeri, shortly after both defendants were served. According to the federal docket, Magistrate Judge Robert M. Levy entered an order confirming that the case was dismissed without prejudice and without costs to either party. This means the plaintiff chose to withdraw the complaint under Rule 41(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, before the court made any ruling on the merits.

No settlement or class certification was reached before dismissal, and no payment claims were ever opened for consumers. However, since the dismissal was without prejudice, the plaintiff retains the right to refile similar allegations in the future or bring the claim in a different jurisdiction. At this time, there is no active case or settlement connected to the Poppables “No Artificial Flavors” allegations.

OpenClassActions.com will continue to monitor this matter and related food-labeling litigation against Frito-Lay and other major snack manufacturers. If a new or refiled case emerges, updates and potential claim opportunities will be posted here.

Why Citric Acid Is at the Center of These Lawsuits

Citric acid occurs naturally in citrus fruits. In packaged foods, it is commonly manufactured through industrial fermentation. the class action lawsuit argues that when a product bears a “No Artificial Flavors” message, the presence and function of citric acid should be spelled out clearly if it contributes to flavor or acts like a preservative. Courts have treated these questions as fact intensive, looking at how the ingredient is sourced and used in the specific product.

Recent Legal Context

Across the country, similar suits have challenged “natural,” “no preservatives,” or “no artificial flavor” claims where citric acid appears on the label. Some cases survive initial motions when plaintiffs plausibly allege synthetic origin or preservative function. Others are dismissed if the pleadings lack detail about what the ingredient does in the product or how a reasonable consumer would be misled. The outcome often turns on the product’s formulation, the label language, and the evidence uncovered in discovery.

Is There Be a Claim Form Yet?

Not yet. The Frito-Lay Poppables lawsuit was filed only recently, and the court has not approved a settlement or certified a class. A claim form will only appear if the case settles or moves forward successfully. Once that happens, an official website will be created by a settlement administrator where consumers can submit claims.

How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?

When Will the Claim Form Be Available

Most class actions at this stage take 12 to 24 months before reaching a settlement. If the court approves a resolution, a claim website and submission form typically open within 30 to 60 days of preliminary approval. We will update this page and notify subscribers as soon as a verified claim form link is released.

How Much Will the Payment Be

No payout amounts are set yet. Based on similar false-advertising settlements against food and snack companies, payouts often range between $3 and $15 per household without proof of purchase, and up to $30 to $50 for those who can show receipts or product packaging. These figures are estimates only and depend on how many people file and the size of the settlement fund.

Do I Need Proof of Purchase

Proof is usually optional but helpful. Keep receipts, loyalty card records, or clear photos of product packaging showing the “No Artificial Flavors” statement. These can increase your payout tier once claims open.

How Long Will It Take to Get Paid

If a settlement is approved and claim submissions begin, payments usually arrive within three to six months after the claim deadline closes. Electronic options like PayPal, Venmo, or direct deposit are typically available.

Other Similar Open Class Actions

If you bought other snacks or packaged foods marketed with “natural” or “no artificial flavors” claims, you might also qualify for one of these current investigations or settlements listed on OpenClassActions.com

Where Can I Follow Updates

Visit OpenClassActions.com for verified updates as soon as filings, deadlines, or settlements are confirmed. You can also sign up for our newsletter to receive alerts when a claim form goes live.

What Happens Next?

• Pepsi may move to dismiss the case based on labeling rules and consumer expectations.
• If the case proceeds, discovery can cover formulation, sourcing, quality control, and internal communications about labeling.
• The court may later decide class certification. If a class is certified, consumers who bought Poppables during the class period could be included automatically unless they opt out.

What Does “No Artificial Flavors” Mean to Consumers

There is no single nationwide definition that resolves every dispute. Courts look at whether the ingredient is synthesized or highly processed, how it functions in the food, and what a reasonable shopper would believe when reading the front label and ingredient list together.

Is Citric Acid a Flavor or a Preservative

It can be both. Citric acid can add tartness and balance pH, and it can slow spoilage in some contexts. Whether it functions as a flavor or preservative in a specific product is a factual question that may require expert evidence and product records.

Do I Need to Do Anything Right Now

Usually not. Many consumers are automatically part of a class if one is certified. You can still keep receipts and photos of packaging that show the “No Artificial Flavors” claim. If a settlement opens, official instructions will explain how to submit a claim.

Could This Lead to a Settlement

Many labeling cases resolve without trial. If a settlement happens, it may offer cash payments, vouchers, and changes to packaging. The terms depend on the strength of the claims and the evidence.

Where Can I Read the Complaint

If a public docket link becomes available, we will add it here. You can also search PACER or CourtListener for filings related to Frito-Lay Poppables and “No Artificial Flavors.”

Why This Matters for Shoppers

Labels influence buying decisions. Lawsuits like this can shape how brands describe ingredients and flavor sources. Clearer front labels and consistent ingredient disclosures help consumers compare products and avoid confusing claims.

Sources

• Official Court Case Docket
• Packaging Digest — Food litigation heats up over citric acid label claims
• Daily Journal — Class action alleges misleading labeling by Frito-Lay
• InsideClassActions — SDNY dismisses “All Natural” false advertising claim re: synthetic citric acid
• Food & Beverage Litigation Update — Chips marketed as “natural / no preservatives” alleged to contain citric acid

How Do I Find Class Action Settlements?