Chocolate bar recall over life-threatening allergic reaction warning

A nationwide recall of select lots of NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip and Dark Chocolate Pretzel nutrition bars has been formalized by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) following multiple reports of serious allergic reactions.

Lifestyle Evolution Inc. announced on January 10, 2025, that these products may contain undeclared milk.

Newsweek contacted Lifestyle Evolution Inc. via email on Saturday for comment.

Why It Matters

After receiving 11 reports of allergic reactions from consumers who ate these products, the company conducted testing that confirmed milk as an unlisted ingredient. This discovery prompted a formal recall procedure, consolidating earlier retailer-specific recalls from December 2024.

The presence of undeclared milk creates a serious health risk for consumers with dairy allergies or severe sensitivities.

While fatal allergic reactions caused by recalled food are rare, mislabeling products poses a serious risk to those who may be vulnerable.

What To Know

The recall affects multiple products with specific manufacturing codes and Best By dates:

For NuGo Dark Chocolate Chip:

• Best By dates: December 21-23, 2025
• Item Numbers: Bar 6 91535 52101, Box 6 91535 52102
• Manufacturing Codes: C24234B, C24235A, C24235B, C24236A

For NuGo Dark Chocolate Pretzel with Sea Salt:

• Best By date: December 14, 2025
• Item Numbers: Bar 6 91535 52901, Box 6 91535 52902
• Manufacturing Code: B24227B

For NuGo Dark Multipack (containing both varieties):

• Best By dates: December 22-23, 2025
• Item Numbers: Bars 6 91535 52901 and 6 91535 52101, Box 6 91535 52004
• Manufacturing Codes: B24235A, B24235B, B24236B, C24236A

These products were distributed nationwide through various retailers and online platforms, including Amazon, Costco, Wegmans, and Giant Eagle.

What People Are Saying

The FDA classifies milk as one of nine major food allergens, and the recall notice emphasizes that consuming these products poses a risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions for people with milk allergies or severe sensitivities.

The other major allergens are tree nuts, eggs, fish, shellfish, peanuts, wheat, sesame and soybeans. Nearly six percent of U.S. adults and eight percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What Happens Next

While the company's investigation into the source of the milk contamination continues, consumers who purchased the affected products should return them to their place of purchase for a full refund.

The company has established a dedicated response line (1-888-421-2032) operating Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST and can be contacted via email at contact@nugonutrition.com.

The FDA is monitoring the situation as the company's investigation proceeds.