Coca-Cola, maker of Vitaminwater, has been sued by the Center for Science in Public Interest (“CSPI”) over what is called “deceptive and unsubstantiated health claims” on the products' labels. 

The Washington-based self-proclaimed nutrition advocacy group claims the labels deceive customers into believing that Vitaminwater offers health benefits.  The Vitaminwater flavor names include “defense,” “rescue,” and “energy.”  CSPI said the drink was basically sugar water.

"Coke fears, probably correctly, that they will sell less soda as Americans become increasingly concerned with obesity, diabetes, and other conditions linked to diets too high in sugar. VitaminWater is Coke's attempt to dress up soda in a physician's white coat.  Underneath, its still sugar water, albeit sugar water that costs about ten bucks a gallon," CSPI litigation director Steve Gardner said.

Coca-Cola calls the suit “ridiculous,” saying Vitaminwater's labels are accurate.  According to one label, the bottle lists six vitamins plus folic acid at 50 percent of daily values.

"This is a ridiculous and ludicrous lawsuit. Glaceau Vitaminwater is a great tasting, hydrating beverage with essential vitamins and water, with labels showing calorie content," the company stated while reacting to the class action lawsuit filed in US District Court in the Northern District of California.

"Filing a lawsuit is an opportunistic PR stunt. This is not about protecting the public interest. This is about grandstanding at a time when CSPI is receiving very little attention,” a Coca-Cola statement added.

—Sources:  Boston Globe and Culinologyonline.com