Danone US is suing Chobani over an alleged “deceptive naming, labeling, and advertising campaign,” over protein yogurts. Danone is seeking damages, injunctive relief, disgorgement and corrective advertising.
Danone, more commonly known in the U.S. as “Dannon”, has a yogurt brand line called Oikos Pro, promising 20 grams of protein per 5.3-ounce serving. Chobani has a similar product called “20g Protein,” released in 2024. However, Chobani’s single serving cups are 6.7 ounces.
For the 32-ounce tubs of yogurt, both companies have servings of ¾ cup with five servings per container. FDA regulations say serving sizes must be rounded to the nearest common household measurement from its industry standard — in yogurt’s case, cups. Danone argues that Chobani should have used a ⅔‑cup serving for the tubs of yogurt, which — because there is less protein per ounce — would amount to 17.78 grams of protein per serving, not 20.
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Danone alleges that Chobani is deceiving the market because their product is less protein-dense and that consumers “are likely to be fooled by Chobani’s ploy.”
Danone claims that Chobani’s process to produce their “20g Protein” line is giving the company a disproportionate profit for the claim and in the market, and is “siphoning away protein-conscious customers who would otherwise have purchased Oikos Pro.” The lawsuit argues that “20g Protein” is more on par as a competitor with “Oikos Triple Zero” for its amount of protein.
For 32-ounce vanilla yogurt cost comparisons, Chobani “20g Protein” is going for $7.69, while Oikos Pro is going for $8.59 and Oikos Triple Zero is going for $7.19. Danone says in the lawsuit that consumers are more likely to choose Chobani “20g Protein” over Oikos Pro for cheaper prices.
Chobani did not respond to Agri-Pulse's request for comment.
