Celsius Energy Drink Lawsuit: False Advertising & Health Claims

The Core Celsius False Advertising Allegations

Celsius energy drinks were marketed for years with the prominent label claim "no preservatives" -- a selling point that distinguished the brand in a crowded energy drink market and supported its health-conscious, fitness-oriented positioning. The problem, according to the class action lawsuit filed in the Southern District of New York, is that Celsius contained citric acid, which the FDA classifies as a preservative when used in beverages.

Plaintiffs argued they paid a premium price for Celsius specifically because of the no-preservatives claim and would have made different purchase decisions had they known the drinks contained an ingredient the FDA classifies as a preservative. The deception, plaintiffs argued, was not merely technical -- Celsius was capitalizing on consumer health consciousness to charge premium prices while its products did not meet the standard implied by the marketing.

The 2022 Celsius Settlement

Celsius Holdings agreed to a $7.8 million class action settlement in 2022 to resolve the no-preservatives claims. The settlement class covered US consumers who purchased Celsius products between January 1, 2015 and November 23, 2022. Class members who submitted valid claims were entitled to a cash payment, with the exact per-member amount depending on the total number of valid claims submitted.

The settlement also required Celsius to reformulate its products or update its labeling to remove the "no preservatives" claim. Celsius has since modified its marketing materials and product labeling. Celsius did not admit liability as part of the settlement, and the company denied all the substantive allegations. Related: Flo Rida vs. Celsius lawsuit over unpaid endorsement.

Ongoing Health Claims Litigation

Separate from the preservatives settlement, Celsius continues to face claims related to its marketing of specific health benefits. Celsius's branding has long emphasized clinical research suggesting its products boost metabolism, accelerate fat burning, and improve exercise performance. Plaintiffs in ongoing litigation argue that the cited research is either funded by Celsius itself, of insufficient scientific rigor, or does not support the broad health claims made in consumer-facing advertising.

The FTC has signaled increasing scrutiny of "clinically proven" and similar health claims in the food and beverage sector. Any representations that a product provides specific health benefits beyond general nutrition must be substantiated by competent and reliable scientific evidence. Plaintiffs argue Celsius's marketing implies a level of scientific validation it has not actually achieved. See also: Balance of Nature Lawsuit.

Who Qualifies for the Celsius Lawsuit

For the settled 2022 claims, the claim period has closed. Consumers who purchased Celsius between 2015 and November 2022 and did not file a claim in the original settlement may have limited options depending on the settlement's final approval terms. See also: Bang Energy Lawsuit.

For ongoing claims related to Celsius's health marketing: consumers who purchased Celsius products specifically based on metabolism-boosting, fat-burning, or performance claims may have grounds for a new class action. These claims are in early stages and have not yet been consolidated into a single major proceeding.

Where Things Stand in 2026

The original preservatives class action is resolved. Celsius underwent a significant business transformation following the settlement: in 2022, PepsiCo made a substantial distribution and investment deal with Celsius, dramatically expanding the brand's market reach. The company's revenue grew substantially in 2022 and 2023 before experiencing a slowdown in 2024.

Continuing legal scrutiny focuses on whether Celsius's current health claims meet the FTC's substantiation requirements. The brand's heavy marketing investment in fitness influencers and "clinical" positioning continues to draw legal and regulatory attention. Monitor this page for updates on new litigation.

How to Get Legal Help

If you believe you qualify based on the eligibility criteria described above, the next step is a free consultation with an experienced attorney. Most plaintiff-side attorneys handling these cases work on contingency -- meaning you pay nothing unless your case results in a recovery. Bring any relevant documentation including receipts, correspondence, or evidence of the harm you experienced.

To stay current on case developments, claim deadlines, and settlement news, bookmark this page and subscribe to LawsuitWatch alerts. Coverage is updated as new court filings, settlement announcements, and eligibility changes are made public.