Understanding the Core Claims in the Crumbl Lawsuit
The 2023 class-action lawsuit against Crumbl Cookies centered on allegations that the company intentionally misled customers regarding the actual calorie count of its gourmet cookies. The complaint, filed in a California federal court, argued that Crumbl's in-store and online nutritional information did not accurately reflect the contents of a full, single cookie. Instead of displaying the total calorie count, Crumbl often listed the calories for a small fraction of the cookie, such as a quarter or a sixth. The legal action highlighted that this practice created a false impression that the decadent treats were much lower in calories than they actually were.
The Misleading Serving Size Controversy
At the heart of the legal dispute was Crumbl's use of an asterisk to denote that the displayed calorie count was per serving, not per cookie. For instance, a customer might see '180 calories' next to a cookie's description, only to discover in tiny, buried fine print that this figure applied to a single serving, with the full cookie containing four servings. This practice allegedly allowed Crumbl to advertise the cookies as appearing more diet-friendly while selling a product that was substantially higher in sugar, fat, and total calories. The lawsuit detailed how this obscured information impacted customers, some of whom were shocked to discover the true caloric load after regularly consuming the products based on the misleading menu figures.
FDA Menu Labeling Rules and Corporate Practices
The lawsuit pointed out that Crumbl's menu labeling tactics allegedly violated specific U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations. According to FDA rules, food retailers with 20 or more locations must provide caloric information for a "whole, single menu item" as it is typically sold. Critics and plaintiffs argued that a gourmet, four-and-a-half to five-inch cookie, sold as a single unit, should have the calorie count for the entire cookie clearly displayed. By using a fractional serving size, Crumbl allegedly skirted this requirement, a practice explicitly prohibited by the FDA when a menu item is a single, complete food item.
The Actual Caloric Reality Revealed
While the lawsuit was ongoing, several consumer advocacy groups and news reports helped shed light on the real calorie counts. A report by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) found that Crumbl's Milk Chocolate Chip Cookie contained 720 calories, contrasting sharply with the initially displayed lower serving size calorie count. The complaint itself stated that some of Crumbl's offerings could have as many as 900 calories per cookie, putting them on par with or exceeding the calorie count of a fast-food double cheeseburger.
Here are some examples of reported full-cookie calorie counts based on nutritional reviews and lawsuit claims:
- Classic Milk Chocolate Chip: Allegedly around 720 calories per cookie.
- Classic Pink Sugar Cookie: Reportedly around 760 calories.
- Other rotating flavors: Many were cited as ranging between 700 and 800 calories apiece, with some exceeding 900 calories.
Comparing Crumbl's Cookies to Competitors
The sheer caloric density of Crumbl's products is best understood when compared to other popular cookie options. The oversized nature and generous toppings contribute significantly to the high numbers, setting them apart from standard fast-food or pre-packaged cookies.
| Brand | Avg. Calories per Cookie | Average Cookie Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crumbl | 700–900+ calories | 4.5" to 5" diameter | Gourmet, often heavily topped |
| Insomnia Cookies | 300–400 calories | Standard size | Less frosting and toppings |
| Subway Cookies | 210–230 calories | Standard size | Fast-food chain cookie |
| Mrs. Fields | 250–400 calories | Standard size | Mall staple, varying sizes |
The Fallout and Consumer Response
The revelations from the lawsuit prompted significant backlash on social media, with many customers expressing feelings of shock and betrayal. Health-conscious individuals who relied on the misleading menu figures felt their trust had been violated. The lawsuit, therefore, isn't just about the calorie count itself, but about the principle of corporate accountability and consumer protection. As the legal process unfolded, it served as a stark reminder for consumers to be vigilant and question the nutritional information provided, particularly for high-portion, indulgent treats.
Conclusion: The Legal and Nutritional Precedent
While the specifics of the case's resolution are subject to legal developments, the Crumbl cookie lawsuit has already had a lasting impact on how consumers view nutritional labeling for indulgent desserts. The issue of how many calories are in the Crumbl cookie lawsuit goes beyond a single company and highlights a broader conversation about transparency in the food industry. For consumers, the case serves as a powerful reminder to read the fine print carefully and not assume that small calorie numbers apply to a full, oversized product. For food retailers, it reinforces the importance of adhering to federal regulations and upholding consumer trust by providing clear, honest, and accurate nutritional information.
For more detailed information on FDA menu labeling regulations, please visit the FDA's official guidance.
This content is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or nutritional advice. Always consult with a professional for specific concerns.
