Dannon parent sues Chobani over yogurt protein claims

• Danone alleges Chobani 20G Protein would contain fewer than 18 grams of protein per serving if FDA serving-size rules were followed, making it comparable to lower-priced Oikos Triple Zero (15-18g protein) rather than premium Oikos Pro (20g per 5.3-ounce serving)
• The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages and label changes, marking at least the fourth legal dispute between these Greek yogurt rivals since 2016
• Danone argues the deceptive labeling is 'particularly insidious' given healthcare providers are directing consumers toward higher-protein foods for health maintenance

Dannon Parent Sues Chobani Over Protein Claims

Danone, parent company of Dannon yogurt, filed a lawsuit against rival Chobani on June 15 in Manhattan federal court, alleging misleading protein claims on its Chobani 20G Protein product line. The complaint accuses Chobani of inflating protein content on multi-serving tub labels.

Key Allegations:

Danone claims Chobani manipulates serving sizes to achieve its advertised 20 grams of protein per serving, competing directly with Danone's Oikos Pro product. According to the lawsuit, Oikos Pro delivers 20 grams of protein per standard 5.3-ounce serving, while Chobani allegedly inflates serving sizes without proportionally increasing yogurt volume to reach the same protein claim.

If FDA serving-size regulations were properly followed, Danone asserts Chobani 20G Protein would contain fewer than 18 grams of protein per serving, making it comparable to the lower-priced Oikos Triple Zero line (15-18 grams). Danone characterizes this as "particularly insidious" given healthcare providers are encouraging consumers to choose higher-protein foods for health maintenance.

Market Context:

The ultra-high-protein yogurt category is highly competitive, with producing high-protein-density dairy products being "difficult and costly." Danone argues that Chobani's practices give it an unfair competitive advantage by misleading consumers who would otherwise choose Oikos Pro for genuine high-protein content or Oikos Triple Zero for better value.

Legal Background:

This marks at least the fourth lawsuit between these Greek yogurt rivals since 2016. Separately, Danone is pursuing litigation against Chobani for allegedly copying packaging and the "Bright & Mellow" slogan for a cold brew coffee line.

Danone seeks unspecified damages and mandatory label changes. Neither Chobani nor its legal representatives have yet commented.