Humm Kombucha Sued Over Zero Sugar Labeling Claims

A new lawsuit alleges that Oregon residents were misled by labeling on beverages containing the sweetener allulose.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Organic Food

A glass bottle of kombucha sits on a wooden store shelf illuminated by soft morning window light. — A federal lawsuit filed in Portland alleges that Humm Kombucha misled consumers by labeling beverages containing allulose as having zero sugar. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should food companies face stricter federal penalties for misleading sugar labels on packaging?

A federal lawsuit filed in Portland claims that Humm Kombucha deceptively labeled its probiotic drinks as zero sugar despite containing significant amounts of the sweetener allulose. The action joins nearly 60 similar cases nationwide challenging the use of the zero sugar claim on products sweetened with allulose.

Why it matters

Federal regulations prohibit zero sugar labels on items with 0.5 grams or more of sugar per serving, and this litigation highlights a growing dispute over how manufacturers classify allulose under FDA definitions. The case centers on whether consumers have been overcharged for beverages based on label claims that may not meet current legal standards.

The lawsuit references recent federal findings that allulose is classified as a sugar, noting the product contains 10 grams per serving. This is compared against the FDA regulatory threshold of 0.5 grams per serving allowed for a zero sugar label, though the ultimate legal standing of these specific marketing claims remains under adjudication.

The players

Humm Kombucha

An Oregon-based beverage manufacturer founded in 2008 that specializes in probiotic-fortified kombucha drinks.

7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

A federal appellate body that provides legal interpretations of federal regulations, including those governing food labeling and sugar classification.

The details

The complaint alleges that Humm Kombucha beverages utilize allulose, a monosaccharide that federal authorities have determined fits the regulatory definition of sugar. By placing a circular badge claiming 0 grams of sugar on packaging, the manufacturer is accused of violating labeling standards for products containing over 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The plaintiff alleges this practice misled shoppers into paying a premium price for the product based on health claims that contradicted the actual ingredient content.

Humm Kombucha was founded in Bend in 2008.
The 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that allulose constitutes a sugar in July 2026.
The plaintiff purchased a Humm beverage in August 2026.
The federal lawsuit was reported on October 6, 2026.

Health Landscape

This case follows the pattern set by the July 2026 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling by challenging product labels that conflict with the established classification of allulose. It represents a broader trend of legal challenges targeting the use of alternative sweeteners in products marketed as sugar-free.

Shoppers who rely on zero sugar labeling to manage their intake should scrutinize ingredient lists, as allulose may be present even when labels claim 0 grams of sugar. If you have concerns about the specific sugar content of the products you purchase, consider discussing these label discrepancies with your physician or a registered dietitian.

The takeaway

When choosing packaged beverages, prioritize the ingredients list over front-of-package marketing badges like zero sugar. Tracking your daily intake by checking the total carbohydrate and monosaccharide content can help you maintain an accurate view of your sugar consumption.