Disney’s Most Iconic Treat Is At the Center of a Huge New Lawsuit

For Disney fans, a trip to the parks isn’t complete without indulging in a DOLE Whip. This refreshing pineapple soft-serve treat, available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World has become a beloved icon for park-goers. Over the years, DOLE Whip has earned its status as a Disney staple, not only because of its delightful taste but also due to its dairy-free appeal, making it a go-to treat for guests with dietary restrictions.

The lineup of flavors has also grown to include Mango, Strawberry, Coconut, and Lime, making DOLE Whip a fan-favorite across multiple generations. In 2023, the treat made an even bigger splash when DOLE started selling its frozen product in grocery stores nationwide, letting fans bring the Disney magic into their own homes.

Credit: Disney

Related: Disney-Themed Dole Whip Recipe

But now, DOLE Whip is making headlines for a different reason — a new class-action lawsuit challenging the “natural” ingredients it claims to contain.

The Lawsuit: What’s at Stake?

The current class-action lawsuit was filed by Julian Aguilar, a California resident, who alleges that DOLE misled customers by advertising its DOLE Whip as free of artificial ingredients. Aguilar’s complaint claims that popular flavors like Pineapple, Mango, and Strawberry feature prominent labeling suggesting they contain “real fruit” and “no artificial additives.”

However, Aguilar argues that this labeling misrepresents the product because it contains preservatives such as citric acid and xanthan gum.

Credit: Disney

According to Aguilar’s complaint, citric acid in DOLE Whip is produced through a fermentation process involving modified black mold, known as Aspergillus niger. Aguilar argues that this process contradicts DOLE’s “all-natural” claims and has filed suit on behalf of other consumers who say they would have avoided the product had they known more about its ingredients.

The suit calls out the use of these additives, which Aguilar claims could potentially impact health by causing issues like joint pain and respiratory irritation. In his filing, Aguilar is seeking a class-action certification, monetary damages, legal fees, and a corrective advertising campaign from DOLE to accurately represent the contents of their products.

Credit: Disney

Related: YUM! Here’s How to Make Delicious Dole Whip Mimosas

DOLE’s Labeling Challenges: Not a First Offense

This isn’t the first time DOLE has faced legal trouble over product labeling. Earlier in 2024, the company found itself embroiled in a similar lawsuit involving its gummy snacks.

In that case, DOLE marketed its gummy fruit snacks as a healthy option despite their high sugar content. Plaintiffs argued that the company’s focus on the product’s “natural” ingredients misled consumers into believing they were making a healthier choice.

Credit: Disney

The lawsuit highlighted a significant gap between DOLE’s marketing and the actual product contents, and while DOLE contested these claims, the case underscored ongoing challenges in consumer perception.

For a brand like DOLE, these kinds of labeling lawsuits pose real risks. Consumers are increasingly savvy and expect transparency in product ingredients, especially when labels emphasize health benefits or “natural” ingredients.

With the growing availability of products like DOLE Whip in grocery stores, companies like DOLE may face mounting pressure to clarify or adjust their labeling standards to match consumer expectations.

Does this new lawsuit change how you feel about grabbing a DOLE Whip at Disney? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!