Consumers in the U.S. who have purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream within the last eight years might be entitled to a cash payout from a settlement worth nearly $9 million against the ice cream manufacturer.

This lawsuit involves U.S. customers who bought the ice cream from April 21, 2016, to August 14, 2024, as detailed in a release from the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Bronx.

The class action suit resulted in a settlement of $8.85 million and was filed against Unilever United States, Inc., the parent company of Breyers, and Conopco, Inc., the advertising firm associated with Breyers.

The court’s announcement indicates that the complaint claims the ice cream was sold as “vanilla” suggesting its flavor solely derived from the vanilla plant, while it actually contained flavors from non-vanilla sources.

“The Defendants dispute all these allegations and deny any misconduct,” read the court’s release. “The Court has not determined who is correct.”

Nevertheless, Conopco, Inc. and Unilever United States, Inc. have agreed to establish a settlement fund amounting to $8,850,000.

How to claim your cash settlement

As per the news announcement, customers may qualify for a cash settlement if they’ve purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream of any size in the U.S. between April 21, 2016, and August 14, 2024.

Cash settlements will be awarded to:

• Class members who submit valid claim forms by February 19, 2025.
• Claims with proof of purchase ($1 per item).
• Claims without proof of purchase ($1 per item, limited to eight items total).
• Class members who submit claims with both proof and without proof of purchase (these individuals will receive combined cash benefits).

Each household can only submit one claim form, as stated by the companies.

The court mandated that within 12 months after the settlement is finalized, the companies must update their product formula to exclude any flavor derived from non-vanilla sources.

Can I still file a lawsuit against the companies?

The court’s announcement specified that customers wishing to pursue their own legal actions must “exclude” themselves from the settlement using an exclusion form available on the settlement’s website.

Customers may also send a written exclusion request by mail or email to the claims administrator by October 31.

“If you opt to exclude yourself from the Settlement, you will not be bound by the Settlement or any court decision related to this lawsuit,” stated the court’s release.

Additionally, customers may voice objections to the settlement by October 31.

A fairness hearing is scheduled for November 21 to evaluate the reasonableness of the settlement, where the court will consider any objections made.

Participation in the final approval hearing is an option for customers, though not mandatory.

“Please do not reach out to the Court or the Clerk of the Court for details regarding the Settlement,” advised the court.

Documents related to the claims can be found at www.vanillaicecreamsettlement.com/Home/Documents.

For further inquiries, call 1-888-603-5137. A comprehensive list of included products is available at www.VanillaIceCreamSettlement.com.