Bigelow Tea Class Action Settlement, Claim Up to $20 (California Purchases) by February 8, 2027

Bigelow Tea Settlement

R.C. Bigelow, Inc. has agreed to settle a class action alleging that certain Bigelow tea boxes were falsely advertised as “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned” when the tea leaves were sourced and processed outside the United States. The case is Banks, et al. v. R.C. Bigelow, Inc., Case No. 2:20-cv-06208-SVW-RAO, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

This case is unusual because it went to a jury. On April 8, 2025, the jury found that Bigelow violated California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, breached an express warranty, and made a false representation (fraud), and awarded $2,360,744 to the class. Bigelow appealed, then agreed to settle.

Who qualifies: People who bought one of nine listed Bigelow teas, in 18- or 20-count boxes carrying the challenged label, at a retail store in California between October 17, 2017 and July 31, 2023.

What you can get: Payment is $0.50 per qualifying box:

• Up to $10 without proof of purchase (up to 20 boxes)
• Up to $20 with proof of purchase (up to 40 boxes)
• One combined cap per household (same mailing address)

You must file a claim. A notice or a past purchase alone does not trigger payment.

Key dates:

• January 7, 2027: Opt-out and objection deadline
• February 8, 2027: Claim deadline (online, or postmarked if mailed)
• May 17, 2027, 1:30 p.m. PT: Final approval hearing

Official settlement website: https://www.teaclassaction.com/ Official online claim form: https://www.teaclassaction.com/claim

Bigelow Tea Settlement: Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Official settlement website	https://www.teaclassaction.com/
Official claim form	https://www.teaclassaction.com/claim
Defendant	R.C. Bigelow, Inc.
Plaintiffs	Kimberly Banks and Carol Cantwell
Case name	Banks, et al. v. R.C. Bigelow, Inc.
Case number	2:20-cv-06208-SVW-RAO
Court	U.S. District Court, Central District of California
Judge	Stephen V. Wilson
Lawsuit filed	July 13, 2020
Jury verdict	April 8, 2025
Jury damages award	$2,360,744
Class Judgment Amount (consumer benefits)	$2,548,187
Maximum total settlement payment	About $6,500,000
Allegation	Misleading “Manufactured in the USA” tea labeling
Where purchased	Retail store in California
Purchase period	October 17, 2017 – July 31, 2023
Payment	$0.50 per qualifying box
Without proof of purchase	Up to $10
With proof of purchase	Up to $20
Household limit	One combined $10 or $20 maximum per mailing address
Claim form required	Yes
Claim deadline	February 8, 2027
Opt-out / objection deadline	January 7, 2027
Final approval hearing	May 17, 2027, 1:30 p.m. PT, Courtroom 10A
Administrator	JND Legal Administration
Administrator phone / email	1-844-566-0049 / [email protected]
Class Counsel	The Wand Law Firm, P.C. and Schneider Wallace Cottrell Kim LLP
Status	Preliminary approval granted October 5, 2026; final approval pending

Why Did Consumers Sue Bigelow Tea?

The challenged statement was printed on certain Bigelow boxes: “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned.” The plaintiffs argued that shoppers could reasonably read this to mean the tea, including its main ingredient, was made in America. They alleged the tea leaves were grown and processed abroad, in countries such as China, India and Sri Lanka, and that Bigelow only prepared, blended and packaged them in the United States.

A company can do real manufacturing, blending or packaging in the U.S. while using imported ingredients. The question in the case was whether an unqualified “Manufactured in the USA” statement adequately conveyed that difference.

Why does a “Made in USA” label matter to shoppers?

Many buyers prefer American-made goods because they associate them with supporting U.S. workers and businesses, domestic agriculture and manufacturing, quality standards and shorter supply chains. The plaintiffs alleged the label influenced purchases and that consumers paid more, or would not have bought, had they known the truth.

Did Bigelow change its packaging?

Court materials in related litigation describe alternative wording such as “Blended and Packaged in the USA 100% American Family Owned.” A qualified statement about where blending and packaging occur differs from an unqualified claim of U.S. manufacture. This settlement covers only boxes carrying the challenged “Manufactured in the USA” statement.

What Did the Bigelow Lawsuit Claim?

Ms. Banks and Ms. Cantwell sued on behalf of themselves and other California consumers. The amended complaint alleged:

1. California Made-in-USA labeling violations (Bus. & Prof. Code §17533.7)
2. Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA) violations, including misrepresenting geographic origin and product characteristics
3. Unfair Competition Law (UCL) violations (Bus. & Prof. Code §17200)
4. Breach of express warranty
5. Fraud and false representation

Bigelow Lost at Trial in April 2025

Most class settlements come before trial. Here, a federal jury heard the evidence and, on April 8, 2025, found for the plaintiffs and the class. The official settlement FAQ identifies three findings:

1. Bigelow violated the CLRA.
2. Bigelow breached an express warranty.
3. Bigelow made a false representation (fraud).

The jury awarded $2,360,744 in compensatory damages. The court entered judgment on May 29, 2025.

Why is the Class Judgment Amount $2,548,187?

Component	Amount
Jury damages award	$2,360,744
Two years of post-judgment interest (3.97%)	$187,443
Class Judgment Amount	$2,548,187

This amount funds payments to valid claimants.

Why did Bigelow appeal, and why settle?

Bigelow disputed the verdict and appealed to the Ninth Circuit (Case No. 25-5911), creating uncertainty about whether the award would stand and adding cost and delay. The parties then negotiated a settlement. Bigelow continues to deny the allegations and has not admitted wrongdoing through the settlement. A jury found against Bigelow at trial, but the settlement itself is not an admission of liability and still needs final court approval.

Is the Settlement $2.5 Million or $6.5 Million?

Both numbers appear in coverage, because they describe different pieces of the agreement.

• $2,548,187 is the Class Judgment Amount used to pay valid consumer claims.
• About $6.5 million is the Maximum Settlement Amount, the most Bigelow pays in total, including class benefits and additional costs.

Component	Amount
Class-member benefits	$2,548,187
Attorneys’ fees	$2,746,451
Litigation expenses	$653,756
Service awards for two plaintiffs	$50,000
Notice and administration costs	Up to $501,605.90
Maximum total	About $6,500,000

These amounts are subject to the agreement and court approval. The fees, expenses, service awards and administration are separate amounts within the overall maximum. It is not a common fund in which lawyers’ fees reduce what consumers receive, so do not subtract the extras from $6.5 million and call the remainder the consumer fund.

Who Qualifies for the Bigelow Tea Settlement?

You may be a Settlement Class Member if you bought a qualifying Bigelow tea at a retail store in California between October 17, 2017 and July 31, 2023.

The nine eligible products

Eligible product

Bigelow Earl Grey Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Green Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Constant Comment Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Green Lemon Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Vanilla Chai Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow English Tea Time Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Spiced Chai Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow French Vanilla Black Tea (Caffeine)

Bigelow Vanilla Caramel Black Tea (Caffeine)

They must be 18-count or 20-count boxes labeled “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned.”

Eligibility checklist

1. California retail store. Purchases in other states do not qualify. The class definition focuses on where you bought, not on where you live.
2. Purchase period. October 17, 2017 through July 31, 2023. A purchase in 2024 does not qualify.
3. Listed product, package and label. Other flavors, other box sizes or boxes with different wording may fall outside the class.
4. Not excluded. The settlement excludes anyone who properly opts out, distributors and retailers of the products, the court and court staff, the mediator and staff, and counsel of record and their immediate families.

Can you qualify without a receipt?

Yes. You can submit a claim without proof, but you must truthfully attest to your purchases under penalty of perjury.

How Much Can You Get?

Payment is calculated at $0.50 per qualifying box.

Claim option	Per-box payment	Maximum boxes	Maximum payment
A: No proof of purchase	$0.50	20	$10
B: With proof of purchase	$0.50	40	$20

Examples

• No receipts, 10 boxes: 10 × $0.50 = $5.00
• No receipts, 20 or more boxes: capped at $10.00
• Receipts for 30 boxes: 30 × $0.50 = $15.00
• Receipts for 40 or more boxes: capped at $20.00

Under the receipt option, documentation is required for every purchase you claim.

The household limit

People who live at the same mailing address and each submit claims share one combined maximum: $10 without proof or $20 with proof. The agreement says the aggregate household amount is paid to the person who submitted the first valid and timely claim. Two people at one address filing without receipts cannot each get $10. Coordinate before filing.

Can payments go up or down?

Yes. The agreement includes a class-wide pro-rata adjustment. If total valid claims exceed the $2,548,187 Class Judgment Amount, payments may be reduced proportionally. If they fall short, the agreement allows a proportional increase, subject to its limits. The public FAQ and claim form advertise the ordinary $10 and $20 maximums and the household caps, so do not assume everyone gets the maximum, and do not count on a higher payment.

Do You Need Proof of Purchase?

No. You choose between:

• Without proof: A declaration of the number of qualifying boxes, affirmed under penalty of perjury.
• With proof: Original or copied receipts, paid invoices or similar documentation of purchases of eligible products at California retail stores in the class period.

Other records, such as a bank statement, may help if they sufficiently identify the transaction and product, but the administrator decides whether documentation is sufficient.

How to File the Bigelow Tea Claim

Deadline: February 8, 2027. Filing is free.

Option 1: File online

1. Go to the official settlement website and open the claim form (link in the Quick Facts table above).
2. Enter your personal and contact information.
3. Confirm you bought qualifying Bigelow tea in California during the class period.
4. Choose Option A (no receipts) or Option B (with proof).
5. List the number of qualifying boxes for each eligible variety.
6. Upload receipts or other records if you chose Option B.
7. Choose your payment method.
8. Review, submit and save your confirmation.

You must affirm that the information is true and that you personally purchased the products.

Option 2: File by mail

Download the printable claim form from the settlement website, complete and sign it, attach supporting documents if you chose the proof option, and mail it to:

Tea Class Action c/o JND Legal Administration P.O. Box 91307 Seattle, WA 98111

It must be postmarked by February 8, 2027.

Payment options

The online claim form offers electronic payment through PayPal, Venmo or Zelle. The paper form offers a paper check. If you want electronic payment, file online.

Incomplete or inaccurate claims

Claims missing required information or documentation may be rejected. Do not claim purchases you did not make or submit altered receipts.

Deadlines and Court Dates

Action	Deadline
Request exclusion (opt out)	January 7, 2027
Submit objection	January 7, 2027
Submit online claim	February 8, 2027
Mail paper claim	Postmarked by February 8, 2027
Final approval hearing	May 17, 2027, 1:30 p.m. PT

The claim deadline comes after the opt-out and objection deadline. If you want to keep the right to sue separately, decide on exclusion before January 7.

Your Options: Claim, Opt Out, Object or Do Nothing

Option	Get paid?	Keep right to sue?	Deadline
File a claim	Yes, if valid	No, you release covered claims	Feb. 8, 2027
Opt out	No	Yes	Jan. 7, 2027
Object (and stay in)	Yes, if you also claim	No	Jan. 7, 2027
Do nothing	No	No	N/A

How to opt out

Submit a written request by January 7, 2027 stating that you want to be excluded from Banks, et al. v. R.C. Bigelow, Inc., Case No. 2:20-cv-06208-SVW (RAOx). It must include your full name, current mailing address, telephone number, a clear statement that you want to be excluded, your signature and the date.

Email it to [email protected], or mail it (postmarked by January 7, 2027) to:

Tea Class Action – Exclusions c/o JND Legal Administration P.O. Box 91307 Seattle, WA 98111

If you opt out you receive no payment, you are not bound by the release, you keep whatever rights you may have (subject to law and defenses), and you cannot object.

How to object

An objection tells the judge why you think the settlement is unfair and does not remove you from the class. The deadline is January 7, 2027. Under the official FAQ, your objection must include:

1. A statement identifying the objection and the case
2. Your name, address, telephone number and email address (if available)
3. Your lawyer’s information, if represented
4. Information showing that you are a class member
5. The factual and legal reasons for the objection
6. Whether it applies only to you, a specific group or the whole class
7. Whether you or your lawyer plan to attend the hearing
8. Your signature, and your lawyer’s if applicable

Submit it to:

Class Action Clerk United States District Court, Central District of California 350 West 1st Street Los Angeles, CA 90012

You may also file through the court’s ECF system if eligible. The judge can approve or reject the settlement but cannot rewrite it. A class member who objects and remains in the class may still submit a claim.

What if you do nothing?

You get no payment but remain in the class and, if the judge approves the settlement, you are bound by it and give up the released claims. Doing nothing is not the same as opting out. If you plan your own lawsuit over the same labeling, review the release in the Settlement Agreement first.

California and Federal Laws Behind the Bigelow Case

1. Business and Professions Code §17533.7: “Made in USA” labels

This California law bars selling merchandise with unqualified statements such as “Made in U.S.A.” or “Made in America” if the product, or a component or part of it, was entirely or substantially made, manufactured or produced outside the United States. Limited exceptions exist: a product may contain foreign components that collectively do not exceed 5% of the final wholesale value, or 10% if the manufacturer shows a component cannot be made or obtained domestically. The plaintiffs argued the imported tea leaves made the unqualified label deceptive.

2. Consumer Legal Remedies Act (Civil Code §1750 et seq.)

The CLRA prohibits unfair or deceptive practices in consumer sales. Relevant provisions of §1770(a) include:

• (a)(2): misrepresenting the source, sponsorship, approval or certification of goods
• (a)(4): using deceptive representations or designations of geographic origin
• (a)(5): misrepresenting the characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits or quantities of goods

Remedies available under §1780 include actual damages, restitution, injunctive relief, punitive damages in some cases and attorneys’ fees for a prevailing plaintiff. Before a CLRA damages claim, a consumer generally must send written notice at least 30 days in advance under §1782, and the statute provides a three-year limitations period under §1783. The jury found Bigelow violated the CLRA.

3. Unfair Competition Law (Business and Professions Code §17200)

The UCL prohibits unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business practices and unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading advertising. To sue, a person must have suffered injury in fact and lost money or property as a result (§17204), and remedies are generally limited to restitution and injunctive relief.

4. False Advertising Law (Business and Professions Code §17500 et seq.)

Section 17533.7 sits within California’s False Advertising Law, which prohibits untrue or misleading statements made to induce purchases.

5. Express warranty (Commercial Code §2313)

An affirmation of fact or a description of goods that becomes part of the basis of the bargain creates an express warranty that the goods will conform. The plaintiffs argued the box statement promised American manufacture, and the jury found a breach.

6. Fraud and misrepresentation

Fraud generally requires a misrepresentation or concealment, knowledge of falsity, intent to induce reliance, justifiable reliance and resulting damage. The jury found for the plaintiffs on this theory.

7. Why “Made in USA” claims support consumer standing: Kwikset

In Kwikset Corp. v. Superior Court, 51 Cal.4th 310 (2011), the California Supreme Court held that consumers who pay for a product labeled “Made in U.S.A.” that was not can show economic injury under the UCL and FAL, because they paid for something they did not receive. That decision is a cornerstone of California “Made in USA” class actions.

8. The FTC Made in USA Labeling Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 323)

Federal rules also apply. The FTC’s rule generally requires that a product labeled “Made in USA” without qualification be “all or virtually all” made in the United States: final assembly or processing in the U.S., significant U.S. processing, and all or virtually all ingredients or components of U.S. origin. For tea, the origin of the leaves can be significant. The Bigelow case was a private California lawsuit, not an FTC enforcement action, and no court found that Bigelow violated the FTC rule. The federal standard is background only.

9. Federal class action rules: Rule 23

The case is a class action under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23. A consumer class seeking damages is generally certified under Rule 23(b)(3), which is why class members can opt out. Under Rule 23(e), the court must find a class settlement fair, reasonable and adequate, and Rule 23(h) governs fee awards. The Ninth Circuit applies heightened scrutiny to settlements, particularly fee arrangements, as in In re Bluetooth Headset Products Liability Litigation, 654 F.3d 935 (9th Cir. 2011). The Class Action Fairness Act (28 U.S.C. §1715) also requires notice of the settlement to federal and state officials.

10. Unclaimed money and cy pres

Unclaimed funds are directed to Feeding America (or the Consumer Federation of California if the court does not approve that organization), subject to court approval. Courts review such cy pres distributions to make sure they reasonably benefit the class’s interests.

How Did the Bigelow Lawsuit Develop?

Date	Event
July 13, 2020	Original federal case filed
August 20, 2020	First amended class action complaint filed
2021 onward	Motion practice; court certified the California consumer class
2024–2025	Summary judgment and trial proceedings
April 8, 2025	Jury found for plaintiffs; $2,360,744 awarded
May 29, 2025	Court entered judgment
September 2025	Bigelow’s Ninth Circuit appeal opened (No. 25-5911)
June 2026	Parties accepted a mediator’s proposal (per settlement reporting)
September 3, 2026	Settlement agreement filed
October 5, 2026	Preliminary approval granted
January 7, 2027	Exclusion and objection deadlines
February 8, 2027	Claim deadline
May 17, 2027	Final approval hearing

Did the settlement erase the jury’s findings?

No. The jury’s verdict is a matter of record, and the settlement is not an admission of liability. Final approval determines whether the settlement replaces continued litigation with a final settlement judgment and release. If the settlement does not become effective, the parties may face renewed proceedings under the court orders and agreement terms.

When Will Payments Be Sent?

Final approval hearing: May 17, 2027, at 1:30 p.m. PT, Courtroom 10A, Felicitas and Gonzalo Mendez United States Courthouse, 350 West 1st Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012, before Judge Stephen V. Wilson. The court will consider whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate, along with the requested fees, expenses and service awards and the claims process.

Per the official FAQ, valid claimants should be paid approximately 45 days after final approval and the completion of any appeal process. The timeline can change if the hearing is postponed or more proceedings are needed.

Do payments expire?

Yes. PayPal payments must be accepted within 30 days under PayPal’s procedures, and paper checks must be cashed within 90 days of issuance.

Are Settlement Payments Taxable?

Small consumer settlement payments may or may not be taxable depending on your circumstances, including whether the payment is treated as a refund of purchase price. This is not tax advice. Ask a tax professional if you have questions.

How to Contact the Settlement Administrator

Administrator: JND Legal Administration Official website: https://www.teaclassaction.com/ Phone: 1-844-566-0049 Email: [email protected] Mail: Tea Class Action, c/o JND Legal Administration, P.O. Box 91307, Seattle, WA 98111

The website includes the FAQ, court documents and contact page. Contact the administrator about eligibility, missing notices, receipts and payment options. Never pay anyone to file a claim.

Bigelow Tea Settlement: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Bigelow Tea settlement real?

Yes. It is a proposed class settlement in Banks, et al. v. R.C. Bigelow, Inc., Case No. 2:20-cv-06208-SVW-RAO, administered by JND Legal Administration. Final approval is pending.

Is it $2.5 million or $6.5 million?

The $2,548,187 Class Judgment Amount funds consumer benefits. The maximum total payment, including fees, expenses, service awards and administration, is about $6.5 million.

How much can I get without receipts?

Up to 10(0.50 per qualifying box, up to 20 boxes), subject to the household limit and final calculation.

How much with receipts?

Up to 20(0.50 per qualifying box, up to 40 boxes).

Can I get more than $20?

The agreement has a conditional pro-rata increase if claims are low, but the public instructions state the ordinary $10 and $20 maximums. Do not count on more.

Do I qualify if I bought Bigelow tea outside California?

No.

Do I qualify if I bought it in 2024?

No. The covered period ended July 31, 2023.

Are all Bigelow flavors covered?

No. Only the nine listed varieties in qualifying 18- or 20-count boxes with the challenged label.

Can I file without a receipt?

Yes, by choosing the no-proof option and attesting to your purchases.

Can two people in one home both get paid?

Each may file, but the household shares one combined $10 or $20 maximum.

What is the claim deadline?

February 8, 2027, online or postmarked.

What is the opt-out and objection deadline?

January 7, 2027.

What if I do nothing?

You receive nothing but are bound by the release if the court approves the settlement.

Did Bigelow admit it falsely advertised its tea?

No. A jury ruled against Bigelow in April 2025, but Bigelow denies the allegations and the settlement is not an admission of liability.

When will checks arrive?

About 45 days after final approval and the end of any appeal process, per the administrator’s FAQ.

What Should Bigelow Tea Buyers Do Before February 8, 2027?

Check your purchases against the product list. Look for:

• An 18-count or 20-count box
• One of the nine eligible varieties
• The statement “Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned”
• A purchase at a California retail store
• A purchase date between October 17, 2017 and July 31, 2023

Then choose the no-receipt or receipt-backed option, keep any receipts, and file online or mail your form by February 8, 2027. If you want to preserve the right to pursue the same claims separately, consider the earlier January 7, 2027 exclusion deadline.

The key takeaway: The Bigelow Tea settlement pays $0.50 per qualifying box, ordinarily up to $10 without proof or $20 with proof, subject to a household cap. The $2.548 million Class Judgment Amount is reserved for consumer benefits, while the maximum total payment is about $6.5 million. The case is notable because a jury ruled before the parties settled. Final court approval is still required.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. AllAboutLawyer.com is a legal information website, not a law firm, and does not provide legal representation. The official settlement notice, agreement and court orders control over this summary. For advice about your own rights, contact the administrator or consult a qualified attorney.

Related Consumer Labeling and False Advertising Coverage

These are separate disputes. Their allegations, status and eligibility rules differ from the Bigelow case.

1. Nordic Ware “Made in USA” Lawsuit, Did You Overpay for Bakeware Based on a False Claim?
2. Hershey Lawsuit, Reese’s False Advertising Claims & Settlement Status
3. Bucked Up Class Action Lawsuit, Ruchman v. DAS Labs Alleges Protein Drinks Contain Less Than 25 Grams

Sources

Official Bigelow settlement materials

• Official Bigelow Tea Settlement Website
• Official Settlement FAQs
• Official Online Claim Portal
• Official Court Documents
• Settlement Administrator Contact Information
• Court-Authorized Settlement Notice, Executed Settlement Agreement and Paper Claim Form (available on the official website)

Federal court records

• First Amended Class Action Complaint
• Order on Motions for Summary Judgment
• Jury Verdict Form
• Judgment entered May 29, 2025
• Ninth Circuit Appeal, Case No. 25-5911

Statutes, regulations and cases

• California Business and Professions Code §17533.7
• California Civil Code §1770 (CLRA)
• California Business and Professions Code §17200 (UCL)
• California Commercial Code §2313
• FTC Made in USA Labeling Rule
• 16 C.F.R. §323.2
• Kwikset Corp. v. Superior Court, 51 Cal.4th 310 (2011)
• In re Bluetooth Headset Products Liability Litigation, 654 F.3d 935 (9th Cir. 2011)
• Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23; 28 U.S.C. §1715