$3M ZOA Energy Class Action Lawsuit Settlement, See If You’re Eligible And Claim Up to $150 by Feb 20, 2026 Deadline
ZOA Energy has agreed to pay $3 million to settle a class action lawsuit claiming the company misled consumers by labeling energy drinks as “0 Preservatives” when they contained citric and ascorbic acids. If you purchased ZOA Energy drinks between March 1, 2021, and November 21, 2025, you can claim up to $150 per household with receipts or $10 without receipts. The claim deadline is February 20, 2026.
The settlement resolves allegations in the case Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC (Case No. 3:23-cv-5444-JD) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Here’s everything you need to know to file your claim.
What Is the ZOA Energy Settlement About?
The lawsuit claims ZOA Energy’s “0 Preservatives” label was misleading because the drinks contain citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), which plaintiff Mikhail Gershzon argues function as preservatives.
ZOA Energy denies these allegations and maintains its labeling and marketing are truthful, accurate, and compliant with all applicable laws. The company has not admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the expense and uncertainty of continued litigation.
ZOA Energy is co-founded by celebrity Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. The brand name comes from the Polynesian word “toa” meaning “warrior,” with letters added to represent energy “from A to Z.”
Who Qualifies for the ZOA Energy Settlement?
You may be eligible if you meet all of these requirements:
- You live in the United States
- You purchased any ZOA Energy drink with a label stating “0 Preservatives”
- You bought the drink between March 1, 2021, and November 21, 2025
- You purchased it for personal consumption, not for resale or distribution
Only one claim per household is allowed.
How Much Money Can You Get?
The settlement offers two payment options depending on whether you have proof of purchase:
Without proof of purchase: $1 per unit purchased, up to $10 maximum per household
With proof of purchase: $1 per unit purchased, up to $150 maximum per household
If the total value of all approved claims exceeds the settlement fund after paying attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and service awards, payment amounts will be reduced proportionally for all claimants.
What Counts as Proof of Purchase?
Acceptable documentation includes:
- Store receipts showing ZOA Energy purchase dates
- Credit card or bank statements
- Purchase records from retailers
- Removed UPC codes from products
- Other third-party proof showing the product and purchase dates
Even without receipts, you can still file a claim and receive up to $10 per household.
How to File Your ZOA Energy Settlement Claim
Online: Go to www.ZOASettlement.com and follow the “Submit Claim” instructions. You’ll need to provide your class member ID, which you can request on the website if you don’t have one.
By mail: Download and print the claim form from www.ZOASettlement.com and mail it (postmarked by February 20, 2026) to:
Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
For questions, call the settlement administrator at (833) 890-6436.
ZOA Energy Settlement Deadlines
February 13, 2026: Deadline to opt out (exclude yourself) from the settlement or file an objection
February 20, 2026: Claim deadline – all claims must be submitted online or postmarked by this date
March 26, 2026: Final approval hearing at 10:00 a.m. PT in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Courtroom 11, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102
Check www.ZOASettlement.com regularly for any updates to these dates.
When Will You Receive Payment?
The settlement administrator will issue payments approximately 60 days after the court grants final approval of the settlement at the March 26, 2026 hearing.
Payments will be sent as paper checks mailed to the address you provide on your claim form.
Any settlement checks that remain uncashed after 180 days will be donated to the Clean Label Project.
Your Rights as a Class Member
You have three options:
Option 1: Submit a claim
File your claim by February 20, 2026, to receive a settlement payment. By staying in the settlement class, you give up your right to sue ZOA Energy separately about the “0 Preservatives” labeling claims.
Option 2: Opt out (exclude yourself)
Submit a request for exclusion postmarked by February 13, 2026. If you opt out, you won’t receive any settlement money, but you preserve your right to sue ZOA Energy individually about these claims.
Option 3: Object to the settlement
If you think the settlement is unfair, file an objection with the court postmarked by February 13, 2026. You can object and still receive settlement benefits if the court approves the settlement. However, if you opt out, you cannot object.
Option 4: Do nothing
If you do nothing, you won’t receive any money, but you’ll still give up your right to sue ZOA Energy about the released claims.
Why the Lawsuit Claims ZOA’s Label Was Misleading
The plaintiff argues that citric acid and ascorbic acid serve as preservatives because they prevent spoilage and extend shelf life, even though they may also serve other functions like adding flavor or nutrients.
Citric acid is commonly used in beverages to provide tartness and act as a preservative by lowering pH levels, which inhibits bacterial growth. Ascorbic acid (vitamin C) also has preservative properties because it prevents oxidation.
The lawsuit alleges that by stating “0 Preservatives” on the label while including these acids, ZOA Energy engaged in false advertising and violated California’s consumer protection laws, including:
- Breach of warranty
- Violation of California Business and Professions Code § 17200 (unfair competition)
- Violation of California Business and Professions Code § 17500 (false advertising)
- Violation of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act
What ZOA Energy Says About the Allegations
ZOA Energy denies all allegations and maintains that:
- Its labeling and marketing are truthful and accurate
- All labeling complies with applicable laws and regulations
- Citric and ascorbic acids serve functions beyond preservation
- The “0 Preservatives” claim is not misleading
The court has not ruled in favor of either side. Both parties agreed to settle to avoid the cost, time, and risk of continued litigation.
What Changes Is ZOA Energy Making?
As part of the settlement, ZOA Energy has agreed to adopt new labeling that does not state “0 Preservatives” when the product contains chemical preservatives.
This means future ZOA Energy products will either:
- Remove the “0 Preservatives” claim entirely, or
- Reformulate products to actually contain no preservatives
Similar Energy Drink Settlements
ZOA isn’t the first energy drink brand to face labeling lawsuits. Other recent settlements include:
Red Bull: Paid $13 million in 2014 to settle claims that its “wings” slogan and marketing overstated the drink’s performance benefits.
Monster Energy: Faced multiple lawsuits over health claims and marketing to minors, settling several for undisclosed amounts.
5-Hour Energy: Settled deceptive advertising claims for $4.3 million in 2017 over “hours of energy” claims.
Food and beverage labeling lawsuits have become increasingly common as consumers scrutinize product claims more carefully. “Natural,” “all natural,” “no preservatives,” and similar claims frequently trigger class action litigation when ingredients don’t match consumer expectations.
The Legal Framework for Food Labeling Claims
Food labeling in the United States is primarily regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and FTC (Federal Trade Commission). However, many consumer protection lawsuits are filed under state consumer protection laws, which often provide stricter standards than federal regulations.
California has some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the country, which is why many food and beverage class actions are filed there even when the company is headquartered elsewhere.
Key California consumer protection laws used in this case:
California Business and Professions Code § 17200 prohibits unfair competition, including unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business acts.
California Business and Professions Code § 17500 prohibits false advertising and requires that statements about products be truthful.
Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) provides consumers with legal remedies when businesses engage in deceptive practices.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Filing Your Claim
Missing the February 20, 2026 deadline: Mark this date on your calendar. Late claims will not be accepted.
Filing without qualifying: Make sure you actually purchased ZOA Energy drinks with the “0 Preservatives” label during the class period (March 1, 2021 – November 21, 2025).
Submitting incomplete information: Fill out all required fields on the claim form. Missing information can delay or invalidate your claim.
Losing your class member ID: If you received a notice in the mail, save the class member ID. You’ll need it to file online.
Providing false information: Claims are typically signed under penalty of perjury. The settlement administrator can reject fraudulent claims and you could face legal consequences.
Forgetting to keep copies: Save copies of everything you submit in case questions arise later.
FAQs About the ZOA Energy Settlement
Do I need to attend the final approval hearing?
No. You’re welcome to attend the March 26, 2026 hearing at your own expense, but it’s not required. The hearing will take place at 10:00 a.m. PT in U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, Courtroom 11, 450 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102.
What if I bought ZOA drinks but threw away my receipts?
You can still file a claim without receipts and receive up to $10 per household. The settlement administrator may accept alternative documentation like credit card statements or bank records showing purchases.
Can I file a claim if I bought ZOA from online retailers like Amazon?
Yes. Any purchase of ZOA Energy drinks with the “0 Preservatives” label made in the United States during the class period qualifies, regardless of where you bought them. Online order confirmations and receipts count as proof of purchase.
How many cans can I claim?
You can claim $1 per unit purchased. With receipts, the maximum is $150 per household (150 units). Without receipts, the maximum is $10 per household (10 units).
What happens if my claim is rejected?
The settlement administrator will notify you if your claim is rejected and may request additional information or documentation. Check the status of your claim by visiting www.ZOASettlement.com or calling (833) 890-6436.
Are the settlement payments taxable?
Settlement payments for consumer product claims are typically not taxable as they represent reimbursement for money you already spent. However, consult a tax professional if you have specific concerns.
Will ZOA Energy recall products currently on store shelves?
No. This is a settlement, not a recall. Current products on shelves remain safe to consume. ZOA Energy has agreed to change future labeling but is not recalling existing inventory.
Can I still buy ZOA Energy drinks?
Yes. ZOA Energy drinks remain available for purchase. The settlement only addresses the labeling claim and does not suggest the products are unsafe or defective.
What if I bought ZOA Energy for my business?
You’re only eligible if you purchased the drinks for personal consumption, not for resale or distribution. Business purchases do not qualify for the settlement.
Can I file claims for purchases made by other family members?
Only one claim per household is allowed. You can include all eligible purchases made by anyone in your household on a single claim form.
How to Maximize Your Settlement Claim
Search for receipts: Check email for online order confirmations, credit card statements, bank records, and loyalty card purchase history.
File early: Don’t wait until February 20. Submit your claim as soon as possible to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Keep documentation: Save copies of everything you submit, including your confirmation number or email.
Provide accurate information: Double-check that all information on your claim form is correct, especially your mailing address for payment.
Track your claim: Visit www.ZOASettlement.com periodically to check the status of your claim and watch for any updates.
What Happens Next?
Now through February 20, 2026: Claims period – submit your claim online or by mail
February 13, 2026: Final deadline to opt out or object to the settlement
March 26, 2026: Final approval hearing where the court will decide whether to approve the settlement
Approximately 60 days after final approval: Settlement payments issued to approved claimants
180 days after checks are mailed: Any uncashed checks will be donated to the Clean Label Project
Consumer Protection and Food Labeling Trends
This settlement reflects growing consumer awareness and legal scrutiny of food and beverage marketing claims. “Clean label” movements and health-conscious consumers increasingly demand transparency about what’s in their products.
Class action lawsuits over labeling have targeted claims like:
- “All natural” (when products contain synthetic ingredients)
- “No artificial ingredients” (when products contain processed components)
- “Made with real fruit” (when fruit content is minimal)
- “No preservatives” (when ingredients have preservative properties)
- Misleading health or nutrition claims
These lawsuits serve to hold companies accountable and push for more accurate, transparent labeling that helps consumers make informed choices.
Contact Information and Resources
Official Settlement Website: www.ZOASettlement.com
Settlement Administrator Phone: (833) 890-6436
Settlement Administrator Mailing Address:
Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC
c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
P.O. Box 225391
New York, NY 10150-5391
Class Counsel: [email protected]
Court Case: Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC, Case No. 3:23-cv-5444-JD, U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California
Do not contact the court or court clerk’s office about this settlement. Direct all questions to the settlement administrator or class counsel.
Take Action Before the February 20, 2026 Deadline
If you purchased ZOA Energy drinks labeled “0 Preservatives” between March 2021 and November 2025, you have until February 20, 2026 to file your claim.
Don’t leave money on the table. With proof of purchase, you can receive up to $150 per household. Even without receipts, you can still claim up to $10.
Visit www.ZOASettlement.com today to:
- Verify your eligibility
- Request your class member ID
- Submit your claim online
- Download claim forms if you prefer to mail your claim
- Check for updates and announcements
The process takes just 10-15 minutes. Gather your purchase documentation, visit the settlement website, and file your claim before the deadline passes.
Remember: even if you received a settlement notice in the mail, you still must submit a claim form to receive payment. Don’t assume you’re automatically enrolled.
Mark February 20, 2026 on your calendar and file your claim today.
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
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