By: Karolina Starczak

Sep 22, 2009

Still shelling out extra cash for overpriced yogurt that promises to keep the doctor away? Maybe it’s time to zip that wallet shut and forget the hype, especially now that Dannon Co. has settled a false-advertising lawsuit. In case you haven’t heard, Dannon’s almighty immunity boosting claims have been causing quite a stir among customers due to unproven health claims.

Two of Dannon’s products, Activia and DanActive gained their popularity by promising us stronger immune systems and improved digestive health with the power of probiotics. While many would argue that the friendly bacteria are the best thing since sliced bread, there is just one tiny problem—lack of evidence. There has not been enough research to prove that the added probiotics actually do anything aside from empty out our pockets and give us false hope.

So how will the lawsuit change Dannon’s products? The old labels used to blatantly state that the product has "a positive effect on your digestive tract's immune system." With wording like that we can’t really blame ourselves for feeling tempted to give our bodies an immunity advantage. Luckily for us, consumers have rebelled against the false claims and the label will now be changed to say the yogurt will "interact with your digestive tract's immune system." The word “immunity” will also have to be removed from the products.

Changing the statements and claims may sway future consumers from buying the product, but customers who have already invested in the immunity boosting yogurt will be entitled to a refund program. Try not to let this ruin your image of yogurt; it’s still a great way to get your calcium and vitamin D.

What are your thoughts on probiotic yogurt?

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