When you pick up a bottle labeled “100% Apple Juice,” you expect nothing more , and nothing less , than juice extracted purely from apples. But now, a federal class action lawsuit has cast serious doubt on that promise.
Tree Top Inc. is under fire in California federal court, accused of misrepresenting its apple juices by labeling them “100% Apple Juice” while they allegedly contain synthetic ascorbic acid. The lawsuit brings up broader concerns that echo recent controversies in the dietary supplements industry , especially around transparency and labeling accuracy.
The plaintiff, Nora Borowsky, filed the suit on July 1, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. She claims she was misled by the product’s label, which convinced her the juice contained no synthetic additives , a concern commonly raised among buyers of dietary supplements and natural health products.
With similar issues already triggering federal scrutiny from regulators like the Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration, this case could set a legal precedent , especially in high-awareness regions like Washington, DC.
Synthetic Ingredients in “Natural” Products: A Common Theme in Dietary Supplements
Borowsky’s complaint specifically calls out ascorbic acid , a synthetic form of vitamin C used to preserve and stabilize food products. Though generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, synthetic ascorbic acid is not derived from apples.
Much like in dietary supplements, where synthetic ingredients are often concealed behind technical jargon, the labeling of Tree Top’s “100% Apple Juice” may mislead health-conscious buyers looking to avoid lab-derived substances.
This has become a repeated issue in the dietary supplements market, where hidden ingredients, overstated health claims, and misleading “all-natural” labels have led to lawsuits, investigations, and federal actions.
Why Consumers in Washington, DC and Nationwide Are Watching Closely
Consumers in Washington, DC, known for being highly educated and health-aware, are among those most attuned to these legal and ethical issues. Advocacy groups and legal watchdogs in the capital have pushed for tighter regulation of everything from dietary supplements to beverages like apple juices.
As a result, cases like this , where synthetic compounds may contradict a “100%” natural claim , raise alarms not just in local communities, but across national regulatory bodies as well.
Tree Top’s Labeling Under Legal Fire
The lawsuit targets Tree Top Inc. for claiming its product is made with “100% Apple Juice” and “100% USA Apples,” while simultaneously including synthetic ascorbic acid in the ingredient list. The complaint asserts that these labels mislead the public and cause financial harm to consumers.
Just like in the dietary supplements industry, where labels are often examined for hidden synthetic agents, food and beverage labels are now under increasing scrutiny. If found liable, Tree Top Inc. could be ordered to change its packaging, pay restitution, and even issue public corrective measures , something we’ve seen before with The Bountiful Company, a major supplement brand recently targeted for deceptive marketing.
Labeling Laws and Industry-Wide Implications
This class action raises the same core question repeatedly posed to dietary supplements manufacturers: How far can companies go with health-related claims before crossing into deception?
The case cites violations of:
- California’s Consumers Legal Remedies Act
- False Advertising Law
- Unfair Competition Law
The involvement of the Federal Trade Commission and Food and Drug Administration, which already oversee dietary supplements, only adds to the significance. It underscores the possibility that misleading advertising , whether for juices or pills , could face uniform legal standards moving forward.
Echoes Across Other Industries
This lawsuit is part of a broader wave of litigation aimed at misleading claims, including:
- The Bountiful Company: sued for deceptive labeling of dietary supplements
- Publishers Clearing House: for misleading promotional practices
- Crypto companies: under fire for false investor promises
- Medical alert devices: targeted for overstating life-saving capabilities
Each example adds weight to the argument that corporate accountability is no longer industry-specific. Whether in Washington, DC or nationwide, consumers are no longer willing to accept vague or misleading marketing , especially when their health or trust is involved.
Why the “100% Apple Juice” Claim Is Legally Risky
Using words like “100%” or “natural” when a product includes synthetic ascorbic acid , especially without clear labeling , can mislead consumers in much the same way that misleading terms plague dietary supplements.
These types of claims manipulate consumer expectations, often encouraging people to pay premium prices for what they believe is a healthier, purer product.
Just like with dietary supplements, the failure to transparently disclose synthetic ingredients is a growing legal liability.
Could You Be Affected?
If you purchased Tree Top Inc.’s “100% Apple Juice” under the impression that it contained no synthetic ingredients, you may be entitled to compensation through the class action lawsuit.
This is especially true if you’re someone who, like many in Washington, DC, makes intentional efforts to avoid synthetic ingredients , in both beverages and dietary supplements.
The Rise of Consumer Protection and Class Action Claims
We are witnessing a powerful wave of legal pushback from consumers , particularly around food products and dietary supplements. Whether you’re from Washington, DC or elsewhere, the demand for clear, honest labeling is stronger than ever.
Lawsuits like this one push the industry toward accountability and remind corporations that consumers are paying attention to what goes into their bodies , and what’s on the label.
What Happens Next?
The U.S. District Court in California federal court will decide whether this class action can move forward. If approved, it may impact thousands of consumers and force Tree Top Inc. to:
- Update its labeling practices
- Provide financial restitution
- Clarify product composition
- Face increased oversight , particularly from agencies that also regulate dietary supplements
Why Legal Support Matters
Whether it’s a misleading label on juice or unlisted chemicals in dietary supplements, consumers deserve better. And when companies fail to deliver on what they promise, legal action is often the only recourse.
At Ted Law Firm, we stand with those who’ve been misled , from food claims to false guarantees in dietary supplements and beyond.
Have you purchased Tree Top “100% Apple Juice” only to discover it contains synthetic ascorbic acid?
You may be eligible for compensation as part of this growing class action lawsuit.At Ted Law, we’ve taken on cases involving food fraud, deceptive marketing, and mislabeled dietary supplements. We serve families across Aiken, Anderson, Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, Myrtle Beach, North Augusta and Orangeburg Get a free consultation with no upfront fees , we only get paid when you do. Let us fight for your right to truth in labeling. Contact Ted Law today
Attorney Ted Sink, founder of The Ted Law Firm, is a Yale, Stanford Business School, and Charleston School of Law graduate and former marketing executive who built a 7-figure law practice, earning millions for his clients. With experience in both law and advertising, Ted has been recognized in Forbes, Entrepreneur, and the ABA Journal. He speaks at industry conferences on marketing and law firm management, sharing insights from his unique background to help other firms grow. When not working, Ted enjoys traveling, diving, and dog-sitting golden retrievers.
