Breyers Ice Cream $8.85 Million Class Action Settlement: If you have bought Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024, you may be eligible for a cash payment from an $8.85 million class action settlement. This settlement stems from a lawsuit that alleged Breyers falsely marketed its vanilla ice cream as containing only natural vanilla flavors when, in reality, some of its flavors were derived from other plant sources. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the settlement, how to file a claim, and how much you could receive.
Breyers Ice Cream Million Class Action Settlement
If you’ve purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream over the past several years, this class action settlement could mean cash back in your pocket. With a payout of $1 per product (up to $8 without proof of purchase), it’s worth taking a few minutes to file your claim before the February 19, 2025 deadline. For more information and to submit your claim, be sure to visit the official settlement website.
Key Information | Details |
---|---|
Settlement Amount | $8.85 million |
Eligible Products | Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream (Various Sizes) |
Claim Period | April 21, 2016 – August 14, 2024 |
Compensation per Product | $1 per product (max $8 without proof) |
Deadline to File a Claim | February 19, 2025 |
Official Settlement Website | Link to Settlement Site |
Exclusion Deadline | October 31, 2024 |
Final Hearing | November 21, 2024 |
Product Reformulation | Breyers to reformulate product to comply with labeling within 12 months of final settlement |
Background: The Lawsuit Against Breyers
The class action lawsuit was filed against Conopco, Inc. and Unilever United States, Inc., the companies behind Breyers ice cream. The core of the lawsuit revolves around how Breyers marketed its Natural Vanilla Ice Cream.
Consumers claimed that Breyers misled them by marketing the product as containing “only natural vanilla” flavors, when in reality, some of the vanilla flavor came from other natural plant sources. This allegedly violated consumer protection laws, prompting the lawsuit.
The lawsuit does not allege that the product was harmful to consume. Instead, it’s about deceptive marketing practices.
Settlement Details
As part of the settlement, Breyers has agreed to the following:
- Monetary Compensation: If you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream during the eligibility period (April 21, 2016, to August 14, 2024), you can receive $1.00 per product. You can claim for as many products as you purchased if you have proof of purchase. Without proof, you can still claim up to eight products, which would result in a maximum payout of $8.00.
- Product Reformulation: Breyers has also agreed to reformulate its Natural Vanilla Ice Cream to comply with accurate labeling, ensuring that its vanilla flavor is derived only from natural vanilla sources.
- Legal Costs and Fees: As part of the settlement, a portion of the $8.85 million will be allocated to cover legal fees and administrative costs.
Maximum SSI Payout & Expected Increase For 2025: Know Details
How to File a Claim Breyers Ice Cream $8.85 Million Class Action Settlement?
If you believe you’re eligible for a payout, here’s what you need to do to file a claim:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Ensure that you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024. Only purchases made during this time period qualify for compensation.
Step 2: Gather Proof (If Applicable)
If you have proof of purchase (such as receipts or credit card statements), you can claim for the exact number of products you bought. Without proof, you can claim up to eight products.
Step 3: Submit a Claim
You can submit your claim either online or by mail.
- Online: Visit the Official Breyers Settlement Website and follow the instructions to file your claim. You will need to fill out a form, including information about how many products you purchased.
- By Mail: You can also submit a paper claim form by downloading it from the settlement website and mailing it to the following address:
McKinley et al. v. Conopco, Inc. et al.
Claim Administrator
P.O. Box 2813
Portland, OR 97208-2813
Make sure your mailed claim is postmarked by February 19, 2025.
Step 4: Wait for Your Payment
Once your claim is approved, you will receive your payment by check. Payments may take several months, depending on the number of claims filed and the processing time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much money can I receive?
You can receive $1.00 per Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream product you purchased. If you have proof of purchase, there’s no limit to the number of products you can claim. Without proof, you can claim up to eight products, resulting in a maximum payout of $8.00.
2. What if I don’t have a receipt?
If you don’t have a receipt or proof of purchase, you can still file a claim for up to eight products. This would give you a payout of $8.00.
3. What is the deadline to file a claim?
The deadline to submit a claim is February 19, 2025. If submitting by mail, your claim must be postmarked by this date.
4. Can I opt out of the settlement?
Yes, if you do not wish to participate in the settlement, you can opt out by October 31, 2024. This means you won’t receive any compensation, but you will retain the right to sue Breyers on your own.
5. Will Breyers change its product?
Yes, as part of the settlement, Breyers has agreed to reformulate its Natural Vanilla Ice Cream so that its vanilla flavor comes only from natural vanilla sources.
6. When will the final settlement be approved?
The court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on November 21, 2024. If the settlement is approved, payments will start being issued once all claims are processed.
Important Deadlines
Here’s a quick overview of the key deadlines related to the settlement:
- October 31, 2024: Deadline to opt out of or object to the settlement.
- November 21, 2024: Final approval hearing for the settlement.
- February 19, 2025: Deadline to file a claim for compensation.