Energy drink company Celsius allegedly duped a Washington woman with a “health-washing scheme” through phrases like, “accelerates metabolism” and “improves function,” she says in a new lawsuit.
The suit seeking class-action status was filed earlier this week in federal court in Washington against the Boca Raton, Fla.-based company, which has the second largest energy drink portfolio in the country.
Annabelle Nielsen allegedly suffered economic losses because she would have bought a cheaper product if she’d known Celsius’ health claims were phony, her suit states.
“Plaintiff purchased the Healthwashed Energy Products on the reasonable but mistaken belief that the Healthwashed Energy Products have certain health and wellness benefits,” the complaint says.
“Healthwashing” refers to vague and dubious claims like “organic” and “high protein.” With some products, like Celsius, healthy claims are put on the front of a product and then effectively taken back in small print on the back, according to Nielsen’s suit.
She pointed to a can of Astro Vibe-flavored Celsius as having “accelerates metabolism” and “burns body fat” claims, with three small photos of a cartoon running, biking, and meditating. Marketing for the company also includes highlighting ingredients, like ginger root and green tea extract, the suit notes.
Tiny lettering on the back of the cans state, “Celsius alone does not produce weight loss in absence of a healthy diet and moderate exercise. So whether you walk the dog or work out the gym make Celsius part of your daily regimen,” according to Celsius’ website.
The company also claims its products have “thermogenic,” or heat-producing, properties, the suit notes. Caffeine is known to be a mild “thermogenic” agent. The drinks have between 200 and 270 milligrams of caffeine – the equivalent of nearly three cups of coffee.
“First, we’re better for you but don’t sacrifice flavor; second, Celsius delivers on more function with clinically proven fat-burning and metabolism acceleration and third, Celsius is all about fitness (it was born in gyms and health clubs), and with fitness being a megatrend, we have mass appeal,” CEO John Fieldly said in 2025, according to the complaint.
The lawsuit claims Celsius published and funded studies on their drinks that were misleading to consumers. On the company’s website, Celsius recommends consumers consult with their doctor if they are concerned about how products impact their health. They also recommend no more than two cans per day.
“We stand firmly behind our peer-reviewed clinical studies and product claims, which have previously been approved by the Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division. Our products are clearly labeled as they have been for many years and go above and beyond FDA requirements,” a Celsius spokesperson told The Post.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton opened an investigation into Celsius over the packaging and marketing for one of its products, Alani Nu, in June. It has 200 milligrams of caffeine in a 12-ounce can and is marketed to teens, according to the prosecutor.
Celsius said at the time it would cooperate with the probe but disagreed with Paxton’s characterization of the product.