Customers who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream and were misled by the brand’s claims of “natural” flavors may be entitled to a refund as part of a settlement worth $8.8 million. The deadline for affected buyers to file a claim is quickly approaching—Wednesday, February 19, 2025.
The lawsuit, which prompted the settlement, accused Breyers of falsely advertising its Natural Vanilla Ice Cream, leading consumers to believe the product was made solely with vanilla flavors derived from the vanilla plant. However, the complaint alleged that the ice cream contained “vanilla enhancers” from non-vanilla plant sources, which were not disclosed on the packaging.
Those who purchased the ice cream between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024, are eligible to file a claim. The claim form can be submitted either online or by mail before the February 19 deadline, with one submission allowed per household.
Refunds will be provided based on proof of purchase. Consumers can receive $1 for each carton of ice cream purchased, with no limit on the number of cartons if they can provide receipts. Without proof of purchase, individuals can claim up to eight cartons, for a maximum refund of $8. Claims made with a mix of proof and non-proof purchases will have the refunds combined.
Although a final settlement approval hearing was held on November 21, 2024, payments could be delayed by any potential appeals. Settlement administrators have advised claimants to be patient as the process moves forward.
McClatchy News reached out to Unilever, the parent company of Breyers, for comment on February 11, but a response had not been received at the time of publication.
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