Multiple Lawsuits Emerge Against OWYN Protein Drinks
Over the past several years, the brand Only What You Need (OWYN) has been the subject of multiple legal actions, including several class action lawsuits. These cases primarily concern allegations of false advertising, ranging from misrepresenting nutritional content to the presence of undisclosed heavy metals. As a brand that markets itself on the purity and safety of its plant-based products, these legal challenges have brought significant scrutiny to its manufacturing and labeling practices.
Heavy Metal Allegations and Resolution
One of the most notable legal actions against OWYN came from the Environmental Research Center (ERC), a non-profit corporation enforcing California's Proposition 65.
- 2020 Notices: In early 2020, the ERC issued multiple notices alleging that several OWYN products contained lead and, in some cases, cadmium, exceeding the levels that require a warning under Proposition 65.
- 2021 Settlement: By March 2021, a settlement was reached between OWYN and the ERC. As part of this agreement, OWYN was required to pay a total of $200,000 in penalties, attorneys' fees, and costs. The settlement also mandated that OWYN undertake annual testing for a minimum of five years and permanently restricted the sale of products in California with lead or cadmium levels exceeding Prop 65 limits, unless a warning label is included.
- Ongoing Concern: Despite the settlement, a separate class action filed in August 2025 specifically alleges lead content in OWYN's chocolate-flavored plant protein powder, highlighting continued consumer and legal concerns over heavy metal contamination.
Lawsuits Over Misrepresented Protein Content
More recently, OWYN has faced legal trouble over claims of understating the amount of protein in its products. In September 2024, a class action lawsuit was filed alleging that OWYN misrepresents the protein value per serving on its packaging.
- Label Discrepancies: The lawsuit alleges that while OWYN's labels explicitly state "20g of Plant-Based Protein" per serving, independent testing showed the shakes contained less—as low as 17.5 grams.
- Calculation Methods: The plaintiffs argue that OWYN intentionally used a misleading calculation method (the nitrogen method) to overstate protein content rather than adhering to the FDA-mandated Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) for labeling.
- Misrepresented Macros: A related complaint filed in late 2024 also alleged misrepresentations in the amount of carbohydrates and sugar, in addition to the protein content. A judge denied a motion to dismiss claims in this case in September 2025, allowing it to proceed.
Vanilla Flavoring Controversy
In January 2020, a separate class action lawsuit was filed concerning the flavoring of OWYN's "Smooth Vanilla" protein drinks.
- The Allegation: The plaintiff alleged that the product label was misleading because it prominently featured vanilla imagery, implying it was flavored exclusively with real vanilla.
- The Reality: The ingredient list, however, indicated the use of unspecified "Natural Flavors," with the lawsuit claiming the flavor was reinforced with vanillin not derived from vanilla beans. This practice was labeled "food fraud" by the plaintiff, claiming consumers were getting less than what they paid for.
Comparison of Key OWYN Lawsuits
| Lawsuit | Primary Allegation | Status | Resolution/Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| ERC Prop 65 (2020) | Failure to warn about lead and cadmium in products. | Settled | Paid $200,000 settlement in 2021; ongoing testing required. |
| Vanilla Flavor (2020) | Misleading vanilla flavoring, using non-vanilla vanillin. | Settled | Terms not specified in search results; case closed. |
| Protein Content (2024) | Understating protein content per serving; misleading calculation. | Ongoing | Active class action filed in September 2024; motion to dismiss denied. |
| Chocolate Lead (2025) | Undisclosed lead content in chocolate protein powder. | Ongoing | New class action filed in August 2025. |
Implications for the Consumer
These multiple lawsuits against OWYN underscore the broader challenges of transparency and consumer trust in the dietary supplement market, which the FDA regulates less stringently than pharmaceuticals. For consumers, these cases serve as an important reminder to scrutinize product labels and not rely solely on marketing claims, even from brands with a 'clean' reputation.
A call for greater transparency
The ongoing legal battles suggest that OWYN's marketing, which heavily emphasizes product purity and minimalism ('Only What You Need'), may have not always been aligned with the reality of its product content. While some issues, such as the 2021 heavy metals settlement, led to corrective actions like mandatory testing, new allegations continue to surface. It is important for brands in this space to go beyond minimal legal compliance and offer full transparency to build and maintain consumer trust. Consumers seeking more information on the legal aspects can refer to legal news sites for updates on ongoing cases.
Conclusion
In summary, the various lawsuits against OWYN protein drinks highlight significant concerns over product accuracy and integrity. The allegations, which range from misleading protein and flavor labeling to the presence of heavy metals, have resulted in settlements and ongoing legal challenges. These events serve as a critical case study in the importance of truth in advertising and thorough independent testing within the supplement industry. Consumers are advised to remain vigilant and informed about product claims, as legal action can be a lengthy process with evolving outcomes.
What is the lawsuit against OWYN protein drinks? - FAQs
Has OWYN been sued multiple times?
Yes, OWYN has faced multiple class action lawsuits regarding allegations of misrepresentation, false advertising, heavy metal contamination, and misleading flavor claims since 2020.
Is the heavy metals lawsuit against OWYN settled?
The lawsuit filed by the Environmental Research Center (ERC) in 2020 concerning lead and cadmium was settled in March 2021, with OWYN paying $200,000 and agreeing to ongoing testing.
What are the allegations regarding protein content?
A class action filed in September 2024 alleges that OWYN's plant-based shakes contain less protein than the 20 grams stated on the product label, based on independent lab testing.
Is OWYN still facing legal challenges?
Yes, while some cases are settled, lawsuits filed in September 2024 and August 2025 concerning protein content and lead levels respectively are ongoing.
Was OWYN's vanilla flavoring real?
A 2020 lawsuit alleged that OWYN’s “Smooth Vanilla” drinks contained "Natural Flavors" with vanillin not derived from the vanilla bean, which was contested as misleading.
How does the protein misrepresentation relate to FDA guidelines?
The protein lawsuit claims OWYN used a less accurate calculation method than the FDA-mandated Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS), misleading consumers about the actual protein value.
Should I be concerned about OWYN products?
While the brand has addressed some issues through settlements, the recurrence of new allegations related to product content warrants consumer vigilance. Consumers can research third-party testing and certifications when evaluating supplement brands.
Did OWYN recall any products due to the lawsuits?
There is no mention of a formal recall in the search results regarding these specific lawsuits, although the ERC settlement did impact distribution in California.
How does OWYN test its products now?
Following the 2021 settlement, OWYN is required to perform annual testing for heavy metals. The company also states it conducts third-party testing for allergens, though transparency on who performs the testing is sometimes limited.
How was OWYN's heavy metal issue resolved?
OWYN and the ERC reached a stipulated consent judgment, including a financial settlement and requirements for ongoing testing and clear labeling in California.
What does Proposition 65 have to do with OWYN?
Proposition 65 is a California law requiring warnings for significant exposures to chemicals causing cancer or reproductive harm. The ERC lawsuit alleged OWYN violated this by not warning consumers about lead and cadmium.
How can I find the most current information about OWYN lawsuits?
For the most current information, it is best to check legal news websites and class action lawsuit aggregators like ClassAction.org.
