Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit – March 2025 Update

The Ultra Processed Foods Lawsuit Is An Active Lawsuit

See If You Qualify!

People are filing ultra-processed food lawsuits alleging these foods can contribute to multiple diseases and are designed to be addictive. Consuming ultra-processed foods can lead to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and other conditions, especially in children. Lawsuits accuse Kraft, Heinz, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle, General Mills, and other food manufacturers of not properly disclosing the potentially dangerous consequences of people eating these addictive, ultra-processed foods. Recent research studies have shown an increased risk of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and diabetes in adults and children. This increase in consumption coincides with the increase in the availability of ultra-processed foods.

Individuals who have experienced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes after eating ultra-processed foods say they were not properly warned about this dangerous side effect by food manufacturers. After developing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes, many people suffered financial, physical, and mental setbacks. In an effort to gain compensation for these losses, people are filing ultra-processed food lawsuits.

Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit – 2025 Updates

March 19, 2025: Kids Who Eat Ultra-Processed Foods Experience Obesity and Related Conditions At Higher Rates

According to a recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), children whose diets are high in ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are more likely to be obese and experience negative health outcomes associated with obesity. The risk of obesity was even higher in male children who consumed high amounts of these foods. The study calls for more research into how UPFs affect children and their life-long health outcomes. A growing body of scientific literature supports the idea that UPF consumption harms children. Due to that connection, many parents have begun filing lawsuits against food manufacturers.

March 4, 2025: Research Shows Ultra-Processed Foods Increase All-Cause Mortality Rates 

In “Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses,” scientists uncovered additional evidence suggesting that ultra-processed food exposure can negatively impact people’s health. The study’s authors found that consuming high amounts of ultra-processed foods was associated with higher rates of mortality for all causes. Additionally, the researchers found that UPF exposure elevated patients’ risks of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even mental health disorders like depression or insomnia.

February 27, 2025: Lawsuit Filed Against Processed Food Manufacturers Says Junk Foods Are Hurting America’s Children

Bryce Martinez developed fatty-liver disease and type-2 diabetes at the age of 16. Martinez says these diseases were the result of consuming ultra-processed foods (UPF), which were aggressively marketed to him as a child. Martinez has filed a lawsuit against UPF manufacturers, alleging multiple companies are responsible for his conditions. In the lawsuit, which was filed in Philadelphia. Martinez and his attorneys say many manufacturers created dangerous food products and then relentlessly marketed them to children, endangering the well-being of millions of children.

February 12, 2025: Ultra-Processed Food Consumption Increases All-Cause Mortality Risk, Study Shows

A study published in the March 2025 edition of The Lancet in Europe shows that eating high amounts of ultra-processed foods (UPFs) increases someone’s risk of mortality from all causes. The analysis looked at data from a span of 15.9 years and included over 427,000 participants, 40,016 of which died. The study found that people who regularly ate UPFs had a higher overall risk of dying. Additionally, UPF consumers had a higher risk of dying due to circulatory, cerebrovascular, ischemic heart, digestive, and Parkinson’s diseases. 

January 18, 2025: Researchers Caution Against Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Encourage Targeted Studies

In January 2025, researchers noted the global rise in type 2 diabetes, which also coincides with an increase in obesity and intake of ultra-processed foods. The authors encouraged additional, targeted studies into specific features of how ultra-processed foods are made, including the addition of additives, their ingredients, and their impacts on health. The researchers noted information from these studies could help people make more informed choices about their diets and lead to a decrease in type 2 diabetes. This information would also guide consumers who are suing UPF companies for creating addictive foods that caused them to develop health conditions like type 2 diabetes.

January 14, 2025: Study Revealed that 70% of Foods in Grocery Stores Are Ultra-Processed

A new study revealed that about 70% of the grocery items in supermarkets like Walmart, Target, and Whole Foods are ultra-processed. The researchers cataloged around 50,000 food products sold online by these establishments and categorized their ingredients by level of processing. The results showed that over half of the items were ultra-processed, even at health-centric places like Whole Foods. The researchers created a website consumers can refer to for more information about the thousands of foods in the database.

December 10, 2024: Pennsylvania Man Files First Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit

Bryce Martinez filed a lawsuit against Kraft Heinz, CocaCola, and others, accusing them of creating ultra-processed foods that are addictive and dangerous. Bryce was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease when he was just 16 years old. He claims that he was the victim of targeted and deceptive marketing practices, which caused him to become addicted to UPFs. Bryce is the first in what is expected to be a long line of other consumers who will stand up against these companies. 

November 2024: Dietary Committee Confirms that Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Risks of Childhood and Adult Obesity Levels

According to the 2025 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee, there is a link between the consumption of ultra-processed foods and obesity in children and adults. Obesity is often associated with ultra-processed, nutrient-poor diets and sedentary lifestyles in adults. However, the finding that ultra-processed foods are also increasing childhood obesity levels is of particular note. Rates of conditions like obesity have risen in children over the years, tracking the increase in the availability of ultra-processed foods. Obesity puts people at a higher risk of developing other diseases, like heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

About the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit:

What Are Ultra-Processed Foods?

Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) are foods that go through many levels of processing before they are consumed. UPFs are made by extracting nutrients—like salt, starch, and carbohydrates—from whole foods. These extractions are then used to create new food by mixing in additives. UPFs tend to have a higher shelf life than whole foods—like bananas, apples, raw meat, and uncooked nuts. Some of the problematic ingredients found in UPFs include preservatives, flavor enhancers, high fructose corn syrup, and hydrogenated oils. 

Common Examples of UPFs

Many people have UFPs in their pantries and eat them as part of their regular diet, but they may not know what foods are ultra processed and which ones are not. UPFs that people commonly consume include the following:

• Soft drinks
• Hot dogs
• Sweetened breakfast cereals
• Fried chicken
• White bread
• Instant mashed potatoes
• Potato chips (especially if flavors are added)
• Cheese flavored crackers
• Granola bars that have extra flavors in them
• Protein bars

Food companies advertise these foods as tasty, affordable, and even healthy options. Many people turn to granola and protein bars as a nutritious alternative to a high-carb staple like pancakes or sugary cereals. However, even granola and protein bars may be highly processed and contain harmful ingredients.

Why Are Ultra-Processed Foods Harmful?

Ultra-processed foods have hyper-palatable, highly processed ingredients that are addictive, especially to children and people experiencing food insecurity. UPFs typically have a high amount of added salts, refined carbohydrates, and unhealthy fats. UPFs may be an attractive option because of the immediate burst of energy someone gets from eating them and their long shelf life. However, studies show a connection between high UPF intake and an increased risk of all-cause mortality, depression, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even certain cancers. 

UPFs contain many taste or flavor enhancers and formulations designed to increase cravings. Studies show these foods create an unhealthy imbalance in the amount of UPFs people crave and eat, which is believed to be a reason why childhood obesity levels are increasing.

Health Risks Linked to Ultra-Processed Foods

Research continues to strengthen the possible link between ultra-processed food consumption and harmful health conditions. For example, robust studies show a connection between high UPF consumption and cancer, all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease. UPFs may also raise the risk of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes. 

People of all ages—even children—are suffering the negative health impacts of high UPF intake. The ultra-processed food addiction lawsuits accuse companies of exploiting vulnerable groups—like children and food-insecure populations—to increase dependency and consumption. 

Type 2 Diabetes in Children

High intakes of ultra-processed foods can have disastrous impacts on the health of children and adolescents. The ingredients in UPFs—like refined carbohydrates, sugar, and unhealthy fats—can interrupt children’s normal metabolic function, which is how your body keeps itself regulated and converts things like food into energy. Children and adolescents whose diets are high in UPFs experience elevated rates of type 2 diabetes and obesity. These findings are especially concerning because children do not typically get type 2 diabetes until they are adults. 

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

There is a concerning link between UPFs and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, which is now called metabolic-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). UPFs can raise someone’s chances of getting type 2 diabetes, having non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or being obese. Even children are at risk, even though these are conditions people would not expect children to experience until much later in life. A 2023 study that looked at the health outcome for a total of 52,885 participants confirmed the relationship between UPFs and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. 

High fructose levels, artificial additives, and unhealthy fats (like saturated fats) found in UPFs may be significant drivers for this increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The consequences of NAFLD can range from fatigue and stomach pains to liver failure, fibrosis, and cirrhosis—scarring of the liver. 

Other Chronic Conditions

A 2024 study suggested that eating a high amount of ultra-processed foods may increase someone’s risk of the following:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure) by 32%
• Diabetes by 37%
• Low HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol) concentration by 43%
• Hypertriglyceridemia—high fat levels in the blood—by 47%

Ultra-processed foods and artificial sweeteners are also associated with up to a 50 percent increase in someone’s risk of developing depression. Consuming a lot of UPFs may also “significantly” raise someone’s chances of having hormonal cancers and cancers of the digestive tract, like the bowel.

Recent Research Linking UPFs to Health Issues

A 2024 study revealed a connection between UPFs and an increased likelihood of developing cardiometabolic diseases—like high blood pressure, diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease—and mental health disorders. Another study published in 2024 found that a 10% increase in UPF intake raised someone’s risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. A robust connection has also been revealed between UPFs and 32 health conditions, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality.

Allegations Against Major Food Manufacturers

Parents and consumers are filing lawsuits against companies that engineered and marketed ultra-processed foods. They claim food companies designed UPFs to be addictive despite knowledge of the health risks. 

Additionally, people allege that the companies used branding tactics—like using cartoons, bright labels, and child-centered advertisements—to target children and get them addicted. The companies’ goals, the lawsuits claim, were to keep people hooked on UPFs for life, starting from when consumers are children and continuing through adulthood. 

Companies Named in the Lawsuits

Some of the food companies that are being sued include:

• Kraft Heinz 
• Mondelez
• PepsiCo
• Coca-Cola
• Nestlé
• Kellogg’s 
• Kellanova
• Mars
• General Mills
• ConAgra
• Post Holdings

Ultra-processed foods that are called out in the claims include sugary drinks—like sodas, snack foods, and frozen meals. Research shows consuming these products may put people at a higher risk of obesity and type 2 diabetes. 

These companies have an incredible global reach and tremendous market power. For years, they have heavily influenced food industry standards and the diets of millions of consumers. These lawsuits may increase regulations around how these companies market their products, helping to pave the way for much-needed change.

Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuits and Comparisons to Tobacco Litigation

Ultra-processed food manufacturers appear to use the same playbook as the tobacco companies. In the 1980s, Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds—tobacco manufacturers—acquired major food brands Kraft, General Foods, and Nabisco, which make hyper-palatable foods. Like the tobacco industry, UPF companies often ignored or used deceptive tactics to hide the health risks of their products. For example, a UPF-backed report in the UK warned of the alleged crisis that would follow if UPFs were limited or removed from the market, downplaying the known health risks of these foods. 

There are long-established links between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and the ingredients in UPFs—like saturated fats, salts, and refined carbohydrates. The UPF companies baselessly try to sidestep liability by claiming the food-based connection to these conditions is circumstantial.

Legal Basis for an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit

The cases against the ultra-processed food manufacturers allege that these companies were negligent and failed to warn consumers about the significant health risks associated with their products. Additionally, people are filing product liability lawsuits against UPF manufacturers, alleging they are responsible for the harm consumers have suffered, including medical bills and lost wages. The claims also accuse manufacturers of using deceptive advertising to trick the public into thinking UPFs are safe, encouraging life-long consumption, especially by children. 

Required Evidence in an Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit

People filing claims against UPF manufacturers need to have evidence to support their allegations. Evidence people can use to strengthen their cases includes medical reports from scientific journals showing a link between UPFs and health conditions they have, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Likewise, they or their attorney can present records of the UPF companies’ marketing materials and explain how these are misleading and encourage excessive use.

Potential Damages Sought in the UPF Lawsuit

Injured consumers can request compensation for various losses they have suffered because of UPF addictions and over-consumption. For example, they can seek reimbursement for the cost of diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Individuals may also request a financial award to address the long-term consequences of these conditions on their overall life satisfaction, ability to earn a living, and physical development.

Who Qualifies to File an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit?

People wishing to file an ultra-processed foods lawsuit need to prove that they qualify to sue for compensation. For example, the person needs to have consumed UPFs regularly, particularly during childhood. The person should also have a diagnosed condition associated with UPF intake, like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. The exact criteria may change as the lawsuits develop, so it is important to consult a lawyer for updated information so you do not miss out on compensation.

Eligibility Criteria to File a Lawsuit

The eligibility criteria for filing an ultra-processed foods lawsuit include a diagnosis of a diet-related health condition, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, or obesity. Additionally, the consumer must have consumed UPFs regularly throughout their life, particularly during childhood. The person filing the lawsuit should have evidence to prove what they consumed and, ideally, in what quantity or frequency.

How to File an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit

The first step in filing a claim against an ultra-processed food company is to consult an experienced attorney. They can talk to you about your situation, let you know if you have a valid case, and help you develop an effective strategy. Next, you can gather health records, receipts, food packaging, and advertisements to tell the story of how UPF marketing and consumption influenced your UPF intake and the consequences of this on your health. Then, your attorney can use this information to prepare and initiate a lawsuit against UPF companies like Kraft Heinz, Post Holdings, and Coca-Cola.

King Law’s Role in the Litigation Process

King Law is devoted to supporting clients throughout the ultra-processed foods lawsuit process. From our intake specialists to our paralegals and attorneys, our carefully chosen team members are here for our clients. We can take decisive steps to gather the evidence needed to prove your case, such as health records, advertising materials, receipts, and testimony. 

Our law firm can also partner with expert witnesses who may provide live testimony or thorough reports to support your position. When you hire us, we communicate with the courts and UPF companies, carry out legal strategies to further your best interests, and keep up with filing deadlines on your behalf.

Estimated Settlement Amounts in the Ultra-Processed Foods Lawsuit

The settlements in ultra-processed foods lawsuits can vary greatly depending on the law in effect at that time and the unique facts in the consumer’s case. Successful claimants may receive a payout of between $50,000 to $250,000, but this is not guaranteed. Factors that can change how much someone qualifies for include the severity of the injuries they suffered because of UPF consumption and whether they filed their lawsuit before the statute of limitations expired. 

Why Choose King Law for Your Ultra-Processed Food Lawsuit

King Law and our legal partners have vast experience handling mass tort cases, such as those against baby food manufacturers and pharmaceutical giants. You are not just a number or dollar sign when you work with us. We take time to personalize your experience, form a partnership with you, and tailor our legal strategy to fit you instead of depending on cookie-cutter solutions. We have a wealth of resources at our disposal, including a full-service team of intake specialists, highly knowledgeable lawyers and legal partners, and compassionate and diligent support staff. 

Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation

Consumers can contact our law firm to schedule a free case evaluation anytime. We can be reached by telephone or through the online contact form on our website. All information you submit to us is kept secure and private. Additionally, emails, meetings, and phone calls with our team are confidential. You do not have to pay any upfront fees to meet with or hire us, and you are under no obligation to hire us.

Contact an Ultra-Processed Foods Lawyer Today

If you think ultra-processed foods caused your health conditions, reach out to our team today. Partnering with us gives you the benefit of having seasoned legal professionals at your side, fighting for you every step of the way. You do not have to go up against ultra-processed food companies alone. Call (585) 496-2648 today to connect with us and explore your legal options. 

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