Chobani, the yogurt brand long associated with clean ingredients and wholesome marketing, is facing a class action lawsuit that challenges the very foundation of its “only natural” label. Filed earlier this year, the suit alleges that Chobani’s Nonfat Plain Greek Yogurt and Whole Milk Plain Greek Yogurt contain toxic plastic chemicals, specifically phthalates, which are known endocrine disruptors linked to reproductive and developmental health risks.
The lawsuit stems from independent testing conducted by PlasticList, which reportedly found four types of phthalates—DEHP, DEP, DBP, and DEHT—in Chobani products. These chemicals are commonly used to make plastic packaging more flexible, and the suit claims they likely migrated from the brand’s #5 plastic containers into the yogurt itself. Plaintiffs argue that consumers were misled by the “only natural ingredients” label and would not have purchased the products had they known about the contamination.
Chobani attempted to dismiss the case, but a federal judge ruled in July that the lawsuit could proceed, citing sufficient evidence that the labeling may have misled reasonable consumers. The case builds on earlier litigation involving Chobani’s zero-sugar yogurt line, which was accused of deceptive marketing over its use of allulose.
A Cold Brew Clash With Danone
As if one lawsuit weren’t enough, Chobani is also being sued by Danone, the parent company of Stōk Coffee, over alleged trademark infringement tied to its La Colombe cold brew packaging. Filed in Manhattan federal court, the suit claims Chobani’s product uses “strikingly similar” black-and-yellow packaging and even copies Danone’s “Bright & Mellow” slogan.
Danone argues that Chobani’s actions are “knowing, calculated, and systematic,” and that the brand is attempting to free ride on Danone’s reputation. The lawsuit seeks monetary damages and an injunction to prevent Chobani from continuing to use the disputed branding.
This isn’t the first time the two companies have clashed. Danone previously sued Chobani over advertising claims in 2016 and again in 2019, making this the third legal battle between the yogurt giants in less than a decade.
What It Means for the Brand
For a company that built its identity on transparency and wellness, these lawsuits pose a serious reputational challenge. Chobani has yet to issue a detailed public response to either case, but the outcomes could reshape how the brand markets its products—and how consumers perceive them.
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