Chia Crisps Contain Insufficient Amount of Chia Seeds, Purported Class Action Alleges

A consumer has filed a putative class action in Florida federal court alleging that LesserEvil LLC falsely advertises its Chia Crisps as containing “a significant amount of chia seeds, when, in actuality, the Product is primarily composed of black beans, a less expensive ingredient.” Crane v. LesserEvil LLC, No. 14-62854 (S.D. Fla., filed December 16, 2014).

The plaintiff asserts that LesserEvil attempted to capitalize on increasing consumer demand for antioxidant-rich chia seeds by creating a black-bean product with an insignificant amount of the seeds and advertising it as a chia-seed product. She alleges unjust enrichment and a violation of the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act; she seeks class certification, compensatory damages, restitution, an injunction, and attorney’s fees.

Issue 549