A RECENT class action lawsuit has resulted in an $8.85 million settlement for consumers who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream.
The settlement is meant to resolve claims that the brand misrepresented its product as containing real vanilla.
This comes after allegations that Breyers’ ice cream contained artificial vanilla flavoring rather than actual vanilla derived from the vanilla plant.
Eligible consumers include anyone who purchased any size of Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024.
While Breyers has not admitted any wrongdoing, the company has agreed to this substantial payout to resolve the misleading advertising claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, class members can claim $1 for each purchased product.
Those without proof of purchase can claim compensation for up to eight products, totaling a payment of $8.
For those with receipts, proof of online orders, emails from retailers, or credit card statements, there is no limit on the number of products they can claim, potentially leading to much larger payouts.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Consumers interested in filing a claim should be aware of several key deadlines:
- Deadline for Exclusion and Objection: October 31, 2024
- Final Approval Hearing: November 21, 2024
- Claim Filing Deadline: February 19, 2025
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
To qualify for the settlement, consumers must have purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream during the specified time frame.
The settlement is aimed at those who believed they were buying a product made with real vanilla, only to discover that it contained artificial flavoring instead.
To file a claim, consumers can gather their proof of purchase documents or simply provide details of their purchases if they lack receipts.
It’s a straightforward process aimed at reimbursing those misled by the brand’s marketing.
HOW TO FILE
Filing a claim is easy and can be done on the settlement’s website.
Those looking to claim their share of the $8.85 million Breyers settlement have two options: online or by mail.
What’s a class-action settlement?
Class action lawsuits offer groups of people, or ‘classes,’ a way to band together in court.
These suits are often brought by one or a few people who allege a company or other entity has wronged a large group of people.
When a suit becomes a class action, it extends to all “class members,” or people who may have similar complaints to those who filed the suit.
Companies often settle class actions – offering payment to class members who typically waive their right to pursue further legal action by accepting money.
These payout agreements frequently include statements by the defendant denying wrongdoing. Companies tend to settle class actions to avoid the costs of further litigation.
Pollution, discrimination, or false advertising are a few examples of what can land a class action on a company’s doorstep.
To file your claim online, simply click the designated button on the settlement website to get started.
After completing your Claim Form, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a unique code.
It’s essential to keep this email and code for future reference, as they will be important if you have any questions regarding your submission.
If you prefer to submit your Claim Form via standard mail, you can download a copy of the form from the settlement website.
Make sure to fill out all required information, and sign and date the form.
Then, send it to:
McKinley et al. v. Conopco, Inc. et al.
Claim Administrator
P.O. Box 2813
Portland, OR 97208-2813
Remember, your Claim Form must be submitted by February 19, 2025.
If you miss this deadline, your claim will be rejected, and you will forfeit your right to any monetary benefits under the settlement.
There are other settlements consumers may benefit from.
Select AT&T customers may be qualified to get money from a data breach settlement.
Plus, Home Depot is set to pay a $2 million settlement after overcharging customers.
