Breyers owes some ice cream lovers a refund — but time is running out. What to know
Buyers duped by Breyers' claims of 'natural' flavors in its vanilla ice cream may be owed a refund, but time is ticking.
Affected customers have until Wednesday, Feb. 19, to claim their cut of an $8.8 million settlement after the ice cream brand was accused of 'falsely and misleadingly' marketing its natural vanilla ice cream.
In the complaint, buyers said they thought they were buying a dessert made with vanilla flavors 'derived only from the vanilla plant and not from non-vanilla plant sources.'
'Unfortunately for consumers, this is untrue,' the lawsuit said, arguing that Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream contains 'vanilla enhancers that are not disclosed on the product packaging or label.'
McClatchy News reached out to Unilever, Breyers's parent company, for comment Feb. 11 and was awaiting a response.
Here's what to know as the claim deadline approaches:
Who's eligible?
Anyone who bought Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream, in any size, between April 21, 2016, and Aug. 14, 2024, can file a claim, settlement administrators said.
How do I file a claim?
Claim forms can be submitted online or mailed before Feb. 19, administrators said.
One claim form can be submitted per household.
How much is the refund?
Those who submit a valid claim can receive $1 for each carton of ice cream purchased, according to administrators.
Customers can claim an unlimited number of cartons if they have proof of those purchases, while those without receipts are limited to eight cartons for a maximum $8 refund.
Customers who submit a claim with both proof of purchase and without proof of purchase will have their refunds combined, administrators said.
When would I get paid?
A final hearing to approve the settlement was Nov. 21, but appeals could delay payments.
'If you file a valid and timely Claim Form, you will not receive a cash payment until any appeals are resolved,' administrators said. 'Please be patient.'
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