Class-Action Suit Targets David Protein Bars' Calorie Claims

A class-action lawsuit filed in January in New York federal court accuses the makers of David Protein bars of misrepresenting the calorie and fat content on their packaging, prompting widespread online scrutiny of the popular snack's nutritional claims.

The suit, brought by three consumers against Linus Technologies Inc., the company behind the bars, alleges that independent testing revealed significantly higher levels than advertised. According to the complaint, flavors such as red velvet, fudge brownie and chocolate chip cookie contain 268 to 275 calories per serving, compared with the labeled 150 calories, and 11 to 13.5 grams of fat, versus the stated two grams. The plaintiffs contend these discrepancies violate U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, which allow nutrient values to exceed labels by no more than 20 percent, and claim the misrepresentations enabled the company to charge premium prices of about $40 for a 12-pack.

David Protein founder Peter Rahal has rejected the allegations, describing the lawsuit as based on flawed testing methods. In statements to media outlets, Rahal explained that the bars include esterified propoxylated glycerol, or EPG, a fat...