A consumer watchdog has filed a class action lawsuit against the Coca-Cola Company, accusing it of making deceptive health claims about its VitaminWater drinks.
The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) says Coke makes claims that go beyond those allowed by the Food and Drug Administration.
VitaminWater is marketed as a healthy alternative to soda with claims it can do things like reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote healthy joints. But nutritionists at CSPI say the 33 grams of sugar in each bottle of VitaminWater do more to promote obesity, diabetes, and other health problems than the vitamins in the drinks do to perform the advertised benefits listed on the bottles.
“VitaminWater is Coke’s attempt to dress up soda in a physician’s white coat,” says CSPI litigation director Steve Gardner. “Underneath, it’s still sugar water, albeit sugar water that costs about ten bucks a gallon.”
“My advice to consumers is to get your vitamins from real food,” said CSPI executive director Michael F. Jacobson. “If you have reason to believe you have a shortcoming of one vitamin or another, perhaps take an inexpensive supplement. But don’t seek out your vitamins in sugary soft drinks like Coke’s VitaminWater.”
No comment yet from Coke.
More information on the lawsuit over here.
I call these “frankenwaters.” My “favorite” is Smart Water. Plain water is the best thing out there. Maybe licking a glacier is the best water, I don’t know for sure
I’m with you on those “frankenwaters” Dr. J – the list of ingredients on the “water” labels is scary.
My personal favorite for “frankenwater” has to be the caffeinated water. Get real!