Ritual Zero Proof Accused of Hiding Fees in Online Orders

Case Overview: A class action lawsuit claims Ritual Zero Proof misleads online shoppers by adding hidden "Shipping Protection" fees to orders despite advertising free shipping, violating consumer protection laws.

Consumers Affected: U.S. consumers who purchased products through Ritual Zero Proof's website and paid a "Shipping Protection" fee.

Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

A class action lawsuit in Illinois federal court claims shoppers are being blindsided by undisclosed “Shipping Protection” costs when they buy booze-free spirits from Ritual Zero Proof. 

The complaint, lodged by Chicago resident Philip Cantore, argues that the website’s advertised free—or flat-rate—shipping promise evaporates once customers reach payment, inflating totals with an unexpected add-on tied to partner platform Route App.

Discount Pitch Turns Into Extra Cost

Browsing any bottle of Ritual Zero Proof’s whiskey, tequila or gin alternative starts innocently enough: each product page flashes a clear price and a banner touting complimentary delivery on qualifying orders. 

Cantore says the trouble begins after items enter the cart. There, a small checkbox labeled “Shipping Protection” appears pre-selected, silently adding roughly two dollars. Busy consumers eager to finish their purchase might overlook the tiny line item until their card gets charged.

The lawsuit describes this label as marketing sleight of hand, noting that most buyers interpret “protection” to mean insurance already folded into the shipping promise, not a separate fee masquerading as a perk. 

Cantore insists no reasonable person would intentionally pay extra for coverage that duplicates carrier responsibility or existing store guarantees.

Countdown Timer Allegedly Pressures Consumers into Payment

Checkout on Ritual’s site features a ticking timer that nudges shoppers to complete transactions quickly or risk losing their cart. Cantore says the countdown heightens urgency, shrinking the chance that visitors will notice (or untick) the surprise service. By the time the payment screen loads, many customers simply press “Place Order” to beat the clock.

Claims at the Center of the Case

• Hidden Charges: Plaintiffs argue the company conceals the optional Route fee until the final step, undermining earlier promises of free postage.
  
  
• Deceptive Naming: Calling the add-on “Shipping Protection” implies a benefit while disguising its true nature as another delivery cost.
  
  
• Unjust Enrichment: Shoppers allegedly pay more than advertised, boosting revenues for Ritual Zero Proof and Route without fair disclosure.
  
  
• Competitive Disadvantage: Retailers that list honest shipping charges from the outset appear more expensive in search results, while brands using drip pricing gain an unfair edge.

Growing Attention on Digital “Junk Fees”

Hidden extras are turning into a hot topic across e-commerce. California’s Honest Pricing Law, which took effect in July 2024, bans last-minute add-ons that hike the final bill after an item is selected. 

Similar rules appear in draft form in several other states. Federal regulators have also announced crackdowns on “drip pricing” in ticketing, travel, and subscription services.

Recent lawsuits mirror the allegations facing Ritual:

• Olly Nutrition is accused of slipping an “Order Protection” fee into vitamin orders while touting free shipping on purchases over $49.
  
  
• Renaissance Faire New York defendants allegedly conceal processing costs until the final ticket screen, triggering a separate case in upstate courts.
  
  
• Fiverr users say undisclosed platform charges violate new transparency standards by popping up only after freelance gigs reach checkout.

What Ritual Zero Proof Consumers Say They Experience

Social-media threads dedicated to non-alcoholic spirits reveal multiple anecdotes about ritualzeroproof.com totals climbing unexpectedly. Users describe catching the $1.98 fee moments before clicking pay, feeling tricked by what looked like a secure-shipping upsell but actually covered the same FedEx or UPS journey already promised free.

Others report overlooking the line entirely, noticing it only after reviewing emailed receipts. Several commenters liken the experience to ticket websites that bury service costs behind layers of clicks.

In the Ritual Zero Proof hidden fees class action lawsuit, Cantore seeks to represent everyone nationwide who unknowingly paid Route’s fee while purchasing Ritual beverages. The complaint requests class certification, restitution, damages, and an order forcing upfront display of all mandatory—or pre-checked—costs.

Case Details

• Lawsuit: Cantore v. Ritual Zero Proof, et al.
• Case Number: 1:25-cv-04677
• Court: U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois

Plaintiffs' Attorney:

• Jeffrey D. Kaliel, Amanda J. Rosenberg and Sophia G. Gold (KalielGold PLLC)

Have you ordered from Ritual Zero Proof online? Did you notice an unexpected "Shipping Protection" fee? Share your experience below.