Manufacturers may be looking carefully at the printed labels they put on their products after companies in the US were accused of misleading consumers.

A study carried out by ConsumerLab.com looked at coconut water, a popular drink among dieters thanks to its low-fat nature and recent celebrity endorsement.

The sodium, potassium, magnesium and sugar contents of three brands were tested and while one product matched the claims on its packaging, the other two contained up to 82 per cent fewer electrolytes than stated.

Two lawsuits have now been launched against the companies behind the brands, highlighting the importance of correct printed labels.

Coconut water is the liquid inside unripe coconuts and should not be confused with coconut milk, which is made from the flesh of the fruit.

In June 2011, scientists at the University of South Carolina discovered that wording on food packaging has an influence on shoppers' presumptions about what is contained within.

For instance, 'smoothies' are considered healthier than 'milkshakes', even if they are made from the same ingredients.

Denny Bros Ltd, 11 Aug 2011