Ghost Lifestyle, the supplement and energy drink brand known for its nostalgic, candy-inspired flavors, is facing major legal trouble — and it could soon lose the right to use some of its most recognizable product names. Flavors like Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, Bubblicious, Chips Ahoy!, Oreo, and Nutter Butter may soon disappear from Ghost’s product line as the result of a class action lawsuit filed earlier this year.
The Lawsuit: Marketing to Minors?
Filed in February 2024 in the Northern District of Illinois, the class action complaint names both Ghost Beverages LLC and Mondelez International, Inc. as defendants. The plaintiffs allege that Ghost, with permission from Mondelez, marketed and sold energy drinks and supplements featuring licensed candy and cookie branding — despite knowing these products were not safe for children.
The lawsuit claims Ghost “took a page from the e-cig industry’s playbook” by using brightly colored packaging, sweet flavors, and recognizable candy names to market energy drinks to kids and teens. According to the complaint, this tactic misleads consumers — especially parents — into thinking these products are safe for minors.
What’s at Stake
At the center of the lawsuit are Ghost’s popular collaborations with Mondelez-owned brands: Sour Patch Kids, Swedish Fish, and Bubblicious. These flavors are featured across Ghost's pre-workouts, energy drinks, and even protein powders. In addition, Ghost has partnered with Nabisco brands like Chips Ahoy!, Oreo, and Nutter Butter — all of which are also under the Mondelez umbrella.
If the plaintiffs succeed, Ghost could be forced to stop using these brand names entirely and may face financial penalties including restitution, damages, and attorneys’ fees.
Why This Matters
Ghost’s success has been built on more than just performance — their flavors are a major part of their brand identity. The nostalgic taste and fun packaging are what make them stand out in a crowded fitness supplement market. But this lawsuit challenges that strategy, arguing that the branding crosses the line by targeting underage consumers with products that contain high levels of caffeine and other stimulants.
One 16 oz can of Ghost Energy contains 200 mg of caffeine, far exceeding the 100 mg/day recommendation for adolescents. The lawsuit cites studies linking energy drink consumption among minors to increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and even heart complications.
What’s Next for Ghost?
While Ghost hasn’t made any official public statements about the lawsuit, the implications are clear: they may soon have to pull or rebrand some of their most successful products. This would be a significant blow not just to Ghost, but also to their identity as a “lifestyle” brand rooted in fun, flavor, and fitness.
If the courts rule in favor of the plaintiffs, Ghost may be forced to reformulate or rename products that have helped them generate nearly $200 million in annual sales — and it could set a precedent for how supplement companies use nostalgic branding in the future.