Vanilla Ice Cream $8.85M Class Action Settlement

If you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream in the United States between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024, you may be eligible to claim up to $1.00 per product from a class action settlement.

Conopco, Inc. and Unilever United States, Inc. have agreed to pay $8,850,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged misleading labeling of their ice cream products. The lawsuit claims that the labeling led consumers to believe the vanilla flavor was derived exclusively from vanilla plants, while it allegedly contained flavors from non-vanilla plant sources.

Can I submit a claim?

You are a class member and can submit a claim if:

• You purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream in any size within the United States
• Your purchase was made between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024
• The purchase was for personal use and not for resale

How much is the payout?

Class members can receive cash payments based on their claims:

• With Proof of Purchase: $1.00 for each product, with no limit on the number of products claimed.
• Without Proof of Purchase: $1.00 for each product, up to a maximum of 8 products.

If the total claims exceed the settlement fund after fees, the amount payable for each claim will be reduced on a pro-rata basis.

Do I need proof of purchase to submit a claim?

Proof of purchase is required to submit more than eight (8) claims. Acceptable proof includes receipts, proof of online order, or credit card statements showing the purchase details.

For claims without proof of purchase, submissions are capped at a maximum of eight (8) products. Claims submitted without proof of purchase are subject to signing the claim form _under the penalty of perjury_. Only submit a valid claim form if you are an eligible class member.

How to submit a claim

To claim an award, class members must submit a claim form by February 19, 2025.

Claims can be filed online through the online claim form or by mailing a completed PDF claim form to the settlement administrator:

McKinley et al. v. Conopco, Inc. et al.

Claim Administrator

P.O. Box 2813

Portland, OR 97208-2813

Claim instructions

Follow these steps to submit your claim:

1. Gather proof of purchase if applicable.
2. Complete the claim form with accurate information.
3. Submit the form online or mail it to the address provided.

Payout options

• Amazon
• Zelle
• ACH
• Venmo
• Virtual Mastercard
• Check

How is the settlement fund distributed?

The settlement fund of $8,850,000 will cover:

• Cash payments to class members.
• Attorneys' fees and costs up to $3,175,000.
• Service awards of $5,000 each to the class representatives.

Important dates

• Deadline to File a Claim: February 19, 2025
• Final Approval Hearing: November 21, 2024

When is the Breyers Vanilla Ice Cream payout date?

The court will hold a final approval hearing on November 21, 2024. If approved, the settlement will proceed, and payments will be distributed after any appeals are resolved.

Why is there a class action settlement?

The lawsuit was filed because the labeling of Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream allegedly misled consumers into believing the flavor was derived solely from vanilla plants. The defendants deny these allegations but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of a trial.