Breyers ice cream settles class action lawsuit, owes customers nearly $9 million

If you purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream anytime over the past eight years, you may be eligible for compensation.

In June, New York firms Reese LLP and Sheehan and Associates – which is by Spencer Sheehan also known as the Vanilla Vigilante – filed a lawsuit against the ice cream company alleging they falsely advertised the “vanilla” used in their product came from the vanilla plant, when in fact it contained non-vanilla plant flavors.

The defendants, Unilever United States, Inc., which owns Breyers, and Conopco, Inc., the advertising firm Breyers works with, have disputed the allegations and denied any wrongdoing. Although the court “has not decided who is right,” a settlement has been reached, and thousands of U.S. customers could benefit.

According to a press release from the Supreme Court of the State of New York, within one year of the settlement becoming final, Breyers will be required to “develop a new Product formula” that doesn’t include vanilla derived from non-vanilla products.

The defendants have also been ordered to compensate the plaintiffs. Any U.S. customer who purchased Breyers Natural Vanilla ice cream – a full list of products can be found here – between April 21, 2016 and August 14, 2024 is eligible to receive a portion of the $8.85 million settlement fund.

Those who wish to file a claim have until February 19, 2025 to submit a valid claim either with or without proof of purchase. If customers wish to sue the companies themselves, they must “exclude” themselves from the class action lawsuit.

Each household is only allowed to submit one claim form.