Dannon parent sues Chobani over yogurt protein claims

Danone SA

15/06/2026 22:33

    By Jonathan Stempel
    NEW YORK, June 15 (Reuters) - The parent of U.S. yogurt
brand Dannon sued rival Chobani on Monday, accusing it of
misleading consumers with claims about a higher-protein line of
yogurt.
    In a complaint filed in Manhattan federal court, Danone
 DANO.PA  said Chobani inflates protein claims on labels on
multiple-serving tubs of Chobani 20G Protein, which it said
Chobani positions as a direct rival to Danone's Oikos Pro in the
ultra-high-protein yogurt category.
"This conduct is particularly insidious when Chobani knows that
healthcare providers and the federal government are directing
the public to choose foods that offer higher concentrations of
protein to maintain their health," Danone said.
Chobani and lawyers defending it against other false advertising
litigation by Danone did not immediately respond to requests for
comment.
     
    CHOBANI ACCUSED OF CONCEALING THE TRUTH
    Oikos Pro contains 20 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce
serving, a standard industry size.
    Danone said making dairy products with that protein density
is "difficult and costly," and Chobani chose to inflate serving
sizes on yogurt tubs without increasing the amount of yogurt.
    According to the complaint, Chobani servings would have
fewer than 18 grams of protein if that company followed U.S.
Food and Drug Administration serving-size rules.
    Danone said that left Chobani 20G Protein more akin to Oikos
Triple Zero, a lower-priced brand with 15 to 18 grams of protein
per serving.
    "If consumers knew the truth, instead of choosing the
Chobani product, they would choose either Oikos Pro for a true
ultra-high-protein option, or Oikos Triple Zero for a better
price," the complaint said.
     
    FOURTH LAWSUIT
    Danone is seeking unspecified damages and label changes.
    The lawsuit is at least the fourth since 2016 between Danone
and Chobani, two of the biggest sellers of Greek-style yogurt.
    Chobani has asked a Manhattan federal judge to dismiss
Danone's separate lawsuit claiming it copied packaging and the
"Bright & Mellow" slogan for a line of cold brew coffee.
    Chobani is based in New York. Danone is based in Paris and
its U.S. subsidiary is based in White Plains, New York.

 (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Editing by Franklin
Paul)
 ((jon.stempel@thomsonreuters.com ; +1 646 223 6317; Reuters
Messaging: jon.stempel.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net /))