A new class action lawsuit alleges that Laird Superfood, the plant-based nutrition company founded by surfing legend Laird Hamilton, is misleading consumers about what is actually inside its “protein bars.” The complaint claims that despite being marketed as high-protein snacks, the bars are actually dominated by carbohydrates and sugar, potentially violating federal labeling laws and deceptive trade practice acts.
Why Everyday People Are Challenging Laird Superfood Labels
For many health-conscious consumers, a protein bar is a convenient tool to fuel a workout or manage hunger. You likely reach for these products because the packaging promises a specific nutritional benefit—namely, a high dose of protein to support muscle recovery or overall wellness. However, a recently filed lawsuit suggests that Laird Superfood Protein Bars and Picky Bars may not live up to their name.
The legal challenge, filed in a California federal court, argues that the primary “characterizing” ingredient in these bars isn’t protein at all. Instead, the lawsuit alleges the products are “primarily composed of carbohydrate,” including significant amounts of sugar. This creates a “health halo” that might lead you to believe you are eating a nutritious supplement when, according to the filing, the bars are “really just sugar bars masquerading as protein bars.”
This isn’t just a matter of semantics. For everyday people managing conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or obesity, the balance of macronutrients (protein, fats, and carbs) is critical. The lawsuit asserts that by labeling these items as “protein bars,” the company is unfairly profiting from consumers who are trying to make healthier choices but are being steered toward high-sugar snacks instead.
What the Lawsuit Says About Hidden Carbohydrates and Sugar
The heart of the complaint lies in the caloric breakdown of the products. Using the Laird Chocolate Mint Protein Bar as a primary example, the lawsuit highlights a stark contrast between what is on the front of the wrapper and what is in the nutrition facts.
While the front label prominently features “10g Protein,” the legal filing points out that a single bar contains roughly 22 grams of carbohydrates, including 8 grams of sugar. When you look at where the calories actually come from, the numbers are even more revealing. The lawsuit alleges that this specific bar provides:
88 calories from carbohydrates
63 calories from fats
Only 30 calories from protein
Under these calculations, protein accounts for less than 20% of the bar’s total caloric value. The lawsuit argues that because carbohydrates and fats far outweigh the protein content, calling the product a “protein bar” is a violation of the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This law requires that a product’s “statement of identity”—the name on the front of the box—must accurately reflect what the product is based on its most prevalent ingredients.
Is the Protein Content Even Real? The Digestibility Issue
Beyond the high sugar content, the lawsuit raises a technical but vital concern regarding “digestible” protein. Not all protein listed on a label is actually absorbed by your body. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a measurement called the Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) to determine how much of a protein source humans can actually use.
The plaintiffs allege that because of the specific plant-based amino acids used in Laird bars, only about 7.5 grams of the advertised 10 grams of protein are fully digestible. If this claim is true, it means that you are receiving 25% less protein than the package promises.
“They are really just sugar bars masquerading as protein bars,” the case summarizes, highlighting the frustration of consumers who pay a premium for what they believe is a high-quality fitness supplement. By failing to account for this lower digestibility on the packaging, the lawsuit claims the company is further deceiving “everyday people” who don’t have a background in food science to decode complex nutritional labels.
Legal Context: Understanding California’s Consumer Protection Laws
This case is being brought under several of California’s strict consumer protection statutes, including the Unfair Competition Law and the False Advertising Law. These laws are designed to ensure that when a company takes your money, they are being 100% honest about what they are selling you.
The lawsuit also points to FDA regulations that specifically forbid companies from “fortifying” dessert-like snacks (such as cookies or dessert bars) with protein just so they can market them as healthy. The argument here is that by adding a small amount of protein to what is essentially a high-carb snack, Laird Superfood is attempting to bypass these common-sense rules.
For many years, consumer advocacy groups have fought against “misbranding,” where companies use buzzwords like “protein,” “natural,” or “healthy” to distract from high levels of processed sugar or artificial fillers. This case follows a growing trend of litigation aimed at holding the “health food” industry accountable for the claims they make on the front of their packaging.
Which Laird Superfood Products Are Included in the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit seeks to represent a “class” of consumers who purchased these products, meaning if you bought them, you might eventually be part of this legal action. While the investigation is ongoing, the complaint specifically names several popular flavors and product lines.
You may be affected if you purchased any of the following in the state of California:
Laird Protein Bars (All flavors, including Double Chocolate Peanut Butter, Dark Chocolate Sea Salt, Lemon Almond, and Chocolate Mint)
Picky Bars (All varieties marketed as protein bars)
The plaintiffs are seeking “restitution,” which is a legal term for getting your money back. They argue that if they had known the bars were primarily made of sugar and carbs, they never would have bought them—or they certainly wouldn’t have paid the “premium price” that Laird Superfood charges compared to standard snack bars.
You May Be Eligible: How to Know if You Are Affected
If you have purchased Laird Superfood Protein Bars or Picky Bars recently, you may be eligible to join the class action. At this stage, the lawsuit is seeking to represent anyone in California who bought these products within the “statute of limitations” period (typically the last few years).
You don’t need to do anything immediately to “join” the case, but it is always a good idea to keep your receipts or records of your online purchases. These documents serve as proof that you were a customer and may be required if the case reaches a settlement or a court award.
Remember, class action lawsuits are one of the most effective ways for “everyday people” to stand up to large corporations. When one person is misled out of a few dollars, it might not seem like much—but when thousands of people are misled, it adds up to millions in profits for the company. By joining together, consumers can demand transparency and ensure that “protein” means protein.
Hold Companies Accountable: Your Next Steps
At Class Action U, we believe that you deserve to know exactly what you are putting into your body. When companies use misleading labels to charge more for “healthy” products, they must be held accountable.
If you believe you were misled by the packaging on Laird Superfood products, you don’t have to stand alone. While this specific lawsuit focuses on California consumers, similar investigations are often launched in other states when widespread labeling issues are uncovered.
What can you do now?
Check your pantry: Look for Laird Protein Bars or Picky Bars.
Save your receipts: Keep a record of any past or future purchases of these products.
Stay informed: Follow the progress of Caldera v. Laird Superfood, Inc. to see if a settlement fund is established.
If you have questions about your rights or want to share your experience with these products, you can connect with an experienced attorney through our network. There is no cost or obligation to reach out, and our goal is to provide you with the resources you need to seek justice. Don’t let big brands take advantage of your health goals—take action today to protect your wallet and your wellness.
