Health-conscious consumers often rely on the claims made on the front of a frozen meal package to make quick, informed choices. Brands use buzzwords like “sustainable,” “high protein,” and “natural” to attract shoppers. However, a wave of class-action lawsuits and consumer complaints alleges that some of the biggest brands in the freezer aisle are not being truthful. These legal actions accuse companies of a wide range of misleading practices, from making false claims about ingredient sourcing to exaggerating health benefits.
Image Source: pexels.com
1. Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s (Sustainable Seafood Claims)
Conagra Brands, which owns both Healthy Choice and Marie Callender’s, is facing a major class-action lawsuit filed in 2024 over its seafood products. The company prominently features a “sustainably sourced” claim on its frozen fish and shrimp entrees. However, the lawsuit alleges that these seafood products are sourced from industrial fish farms in Asia that use methods known to cause significant environmental damage and rely on forced labor. The case argues that the “sustainable” claim is a deceptive marketing tactic.
2. Tyson Foods (Antibiotic-Free Chicken Claims)
Tyson, a giant in the poultry industry, sells a huge range of frozen chicken products, including nuggets, patties, and strips. The company has faced multiple lawsuits and intense public scrutiny over its “Raised Without Antibiotics” label. The lawsuits alleged that Tyson was still using antibiotics in its chicken feed, a claim the company disputed but eventually led them to change their labeling. This controversy has left many consumers skeptical of the “antibiotic-free” claims they see on frozen chicken packaging.
3. Lean Cuisine (Protein Content Claims)
Nestlé, the parent company of Lean Cuisine, was hit with a class-action lawsuit in 2025 that specifically targets the protein claims on its “High Protein” line of bowls. The lawsuit, focusing on the Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese, alleges that the “20g PROTEIN” claim on the front of the box is a material overstatement. The plaintiffs claim that their independent lab testing revealed the meal contained significantly less protein, and they accuse the company of false advertising.
4. Gardein (“Plant-Based” Health Halo)
Gardein, another brand owned by Conagra, is a leader in the plant-based frozen food market. While the company has not faced a major lawsuit on this front, it is often cited by nutritionists and consumer advocates for creating a misleading “health halo.” Critics argue that while the products are plant-based, they are also highly processed. They often contain high levels of sodium, refined grains, and industrial seed oils. The healthy-sounding “plant-based” claim can obscure the fact that these are not necessarily whole or healthy foods.
5. Amy’s Kitchen (“Handmade” and “Natural” Claims)
Amy’s Kitchen built its brand on an image of wholesome, “handmade” meals from a family-run kitchen. However, the company has faced criticism and lawsuits over its labor practices and its marketing claims. Some critics have argued that it is deceptive to label products as “handmade.” Especially when they are produced on an industrial scale in a factory setting, this has led many consumers to question the authenticity of the brand’s home-cooked image.
Reading Beyond the Buzzwords
The freezer aisle is a battleground of marketing claims. It is becoming increasingly difficult for consumers to separate fact from fiction. The legal and public challenges faced by these brands show that the buzzwords on the front of the box often do not tell the whole story. For shoppers, this serves as a powerful reminder to be skeptical of bold promises. It also reminds them to focus on the ingredient list and the nutrition panel to make a truly informed choice.
How much do you trust the marketing claims on frozen food boxes? Has the news of these lawsuits changed how you will shop? Let us know!
Read More
