Nature’s Way Coconut Oils

January 2020: A federal judge granted final approval of a settlement agreement that provides class members with a cash award for each product purchased ($3 for a 16-ounce jar of semi-solid coconut oil, $6 for a 32-ounce jar of semi-solid coconut oil, $3.50 for a 10-ounce jar of liquid coconut cooking oil, and $6 for a 20-ounce jar of liquid coconut cooking oil). Class members who do not have proof of purchase may receive a maximum of three awards. In addition, the company agreed not to use the following four terms in marketing materials for a period of five years:

• “Healthy,”
• “Ideal for Exercise and Weight Loss Programs,”
• “Recommendation: Take 1 tablespoon (14 g) up to 4 times daily,” and
• “Non-hydrogenated, no trans fat” without a disclosure required by the FDA.

February 2018: The parties reached a settlement agreement that would resolve this case. The terms have not yet been disclosed.

2016: A false advertising class-action lawsuit was filed against Nature’s Way in January 2016. Specifically, the complaint alleges that the company deceptively markets coconut oils – including Nature’s Way Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and Nature’s Way Liquid Coconut Oil – as healthy and healthy alternatives to butter, margarine, shortening, and other cooking oils when, according to plaintiffs, the total and saturated fat content in the oils make them unhealthy and less healthy alternatives. In addition, the complaint alleges that the labeling and advertising for the coconut oils violates federal and state food regulations. The lawsuit was transferred to federal court in March 2016. (Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint in February 2018.) (Hunter et al v. Nature’s Way Products, LLC and Schwabe North America, Inc., Case No. 16-cv-532, S.D. Cal.)

For more information about other class-action lawsuits regarding deceptive marketing of coconut oils and TINA.org’s coverage of the product, click here.