Illinois Residents Have One Week Left to Claim Ice Cream Settlement Payout

Illinois residents who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream may be eligible for a cash settlement—but the deadline to file a claim is fast approaching. Consumers have until February 19, 2025, to submit their claims and receive compensation as part of an $8.85 million class-action lawsuit against Conopco Inc., the parent company of Breyers.

The Settlement: What You Need to Know

The lawsuit alleges that Conopco Inc. falsely advertised its Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream by misleading consumers about its ingredients. The company agreed to a settlement without admitting wrongdoing. The affected period for eligible purchases spans from April 21, 2016, to August 14, 2024.

Illinois residents who bought the product during this time may qualify for up to $8 without proof of purchase or more if they provide receipts.

Who Is Eligible?

Anyone who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream within the eligible time frame qualifies to file a claim. However, the amount of compensation depends on whether they can provide proof of purchase:

• Without proof of purchase: Claimants can receive $1 per container, up to a maximum of 8 containers ($8 total).
• With proof of purchase: Claimants can receive $1 per container with no set limit.

Consumers who believe they are eligible should act quickly to ensure they receive their payment before the deadline.

How to File a Claim?

Filing a claim is a straightforward process. Eligible consumers can submit their claims online or by mail.

1. Online Submission: Visit the official settlement website and fill out the online claim form before February 19, 2025.
2. Mail-in Option: Consumers can download and print the claim form, complete it, and send it via mail to the designated settlement administrator’s address listed on the website.

Where to File a Claim: [Insert Official Settlement Website Here]

How Will Consumers Be Paid?

Once claims are approved, eligible consumers can receive their settlement payments through various digital options:

• Venmo
• Zelle
• Amazon Gift Card

These options make it convenient for consumers to access their settlement money without needing a physical check.

Why Is There a Settlement?

The lawsuit claims that Breyers misrepresented the ingredients in its Natural Vanilla Ice Cream. Plaintiffs argued that the product contained artificial and synthetic flavoring instead of being made purely from natural vanilla, as the packaging suggested. The case was settled out of court, meaning the company did not admit to any wrongdoing but agreed to compensate consumers to resolve the legal dispute.

For more details on the case, visit the Illinois Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division: Illinois Attorney General’s Website

Consumer Reactions and Implications

Consumer advocacy groups say this settlement highlights the importance of transparency in food labeling. Misleading branding can result in consumer distrust and legal consequences for companies that fail to accurately represent their products.

For Illinois residents, this settlement serves as a reminder to stay informed about their rights regarding false advertising claims. Checking product labels, reviewing class-action settlements, and keeping receipts can help consumers claim compensation in cases like this.

Final Reminder: Deadline Approaching

With the February 19, 2025, deadline just a week away, Illinois residents who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla Ice Cream should act fast. Filing a claim takes only a few minutes and could put money back in consumers’ pockets.

For more information on consumer rights and ongoing settlements, visit the Federal Trade Commission’s website: FTC Consumer Protection

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.