New York woman sues Canada Dry, claims its ginger ale soda doesn't contain actual ginger

A western New York woman has decided to sue soft drink maker Canada Dry after she discovered the drink isn't made with actual ginger.

Yes, this is real.

What are the details of the lawsuit?

Julie Fletcher filed a federal lawsuit in Buffalo, New York, earlier this month, claiming that Dr Pepper Snapple Group, the parent company that owns Canada Dry, misled customers by allegedly advertising its ginger ale soda as containing real ginger.

Because of Canada Dry's advertising, Fletcher believed the soda was a "healthier alternative" to other sodas. Turns out, that's not true.

"Instead, Canada Dry Ginger Ale is made from carbonated water, high fructose corn syrup, citric acid, preservatives, and 'natural flavors,' i.e., a flavor compound comprised predominately of flavor extracts not derived from ginger, and a minuscule amount of a ginger flavor extract," the lawsuit claims, according to the Rochester Democrat & Chronicle.

Fletcher claims her confusion began in 2007 when Canada Dry began advertising its ginger ale as "made with real ginger" with a commercial that showed a ginger farmer pulling the root out of the ground.

She so believed the advertising that she even purchased the soda as an aid for her children when they fell sick.

"Ms. Fletcher knew that ginger root can calm an upset stomach, and she often purchased Canada Dry for her children were sick, believing that the ginger root in the beverage would soothe their stomach aches," her lawsuit claims, according to the New York Post.

What is she asking for in amount of damages?

Fletcher requested an unspecified amount of damages. She reportedly hopes to turn her case into class-action litigation.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in Massachusetts, California, and Missouri. A Missouri judge later dismissed the lawsuit after the plaintiff asked it be thrown out.