If you’ve ever enjoyed a Clif Bar or Clif Kid ZBar, you might be entitled to a cash payout from a $12 million settlement over misleading labeling claims. Read on to find out if you qualify and how to file your claim before the deadline!
Clif Bar & Company recently reached a $12 million settlement over a class-action lawsuit that accused the company of misleading consumers about the nutritional value of its Clif Bars and Clif Kid ZBars. If you purchased these products between 2014 and 2023, you may be eligible for a cash payout. Here’s everything you need to know about the settlement, how to file a claim, and what compensation you may receive.
Table of Contents
What Is the Lawsuit About?
The lawsuit, Ralph Milan et al. v. Clif Bar & Co., was filed in 2018. It alleged that Clif Bar misrepresented the nutritional benefits of its products by emphasizing health claims on its labels while not adequately disclosing the high amounts of added sugar. The packaging for both Clif Bars and Clif Kid ZBars included phrases like “Nutrition for Sustained Energy” and “No High Fructose Corn Syrup,” despite the products containing up to 37% of their calories from added sugars.
Although Clif Bar denied any wrongdoing, the company agreed to settle to resolve the claims. As part of the settlement, Clif Bar will also update its packaging to better reflect the true nutritional content of the bars.
Who Is Eligible for the Settlement?
If you purchased Clif Bars or Clif Kid ZBars for household use between:
March 31, 2019 – March 31, 2023: For consumers nationwide.
April 19, 2014 – March 31, 2023: For consumers in California and New York, where the timeline is extended.
You are eligible for a payout if your products included certain health-related claims on the packaging, such as “Nutrition for Sustained Energy” for Clif Bars, or claims like “No High Fructose Corn Syrup” for Clif Kid ZBars.
What Are the Terms of the Settlement?
Settlement Fund: $12 million.
Payout Amounts:
$5 for up to 30 bars.
$10 for 31 to 60 bars.
$15 for more than 60 bars.
If you have proof of purchase, you can receive $15 for the first 60 bars, plus $0.25 for each additional bar, with a maximum payout of $50.
Injunctive Relief: Clif Bar will update its product labeling for at least 24 months to more accurately represent the sugar content.
How Do I File a Claim?
Filing a claim is easy and does not require proof of purchase. Follow these steps:
Visit the official settlement website: BarsClassAction.com to submit your claim online.
Submit your claim: Provide your name, contact information, and details about your purchases.
Deadline: Claims must be submitted by February 1, 2025, or postmarked by that date if mailed.
Only one claim can be submitted per household.
What Happens if I Don’t File a Claim?
If you do nothing, you will not receive any settlement payment. You will also remain part of the class, meaning you won’t be able to sue Clif Bar separately for the same claims.
Can I Exclude Myself from the Settlement?
Yes, if you don’t want to be part of the settlement, you can exclude yourself by submitting a request to opt out. If you exclude yourself:
You will not receive any settlement payment.
You retain the right to pursue your own legal action against Clif Bar.
You must submit your opt-out request before the final approval hearing (scheduled for November 14, 2024).
What If I Object to the Settlement?
If you believe the settlement terms are unfair, you can object by submitting a written objection to the court.
Deadline: October 31, 2024, to file objections.
Difference Between Objecting and Excluding: Objecting allows you to voice concerns about the settlement but remain a part of it, while excluding yourself means you give up your right to any compensation in exchange for the ability to sue separately.
The final payout depends on the number of valid claims filed. Based on the number of Clif Bars purchased, you can expect:
Up to 30 bars: $5
31–60 bars: $10
More than 60 bars: $15
Proof of purchase: If you can provide it, you may receive $15 for the first 60 bars plus $0.25 for each additional bar, with a maximum payout of $50.
When Will I Receive My Payment?
Payments will not be issued until the court grants final approval of the settlement, which is scheduled for November 14, 2024. Once approval is granted and any potential appeals are resolved, payments will be processed. The exact timeline for receiving your payout will depend on the number of claims filed.
FAQs
Do I need proof of purchase to file a claim?
No, proof of purchase is not required. However, if you have it, you may be entitled to a larger payout.
What if I purchased Clif Bars in bulk?
The claim is based on the number of bars purchased, and multiple claims are not allowed per household. Ensure to file only one claim per household, even if you bought in bulk.
Can I submit a claim if I bought Clif Bars online?
Yes, if you purchased Clif Bars or Clif Kid ZBars online for personal use during the eligible dates, you can file a claim.
Conclusion
The Clif Bar $12 million settlement offers eligible consumers a chance to receive compensation for misleading labeling claims related to the nutritional content of Clif Bars and Clif Kid ZBars. If you purchased these products between 2014 and 2023, be sure to file your claim by February 1, 2025, to receive your payout. For more information, visit the official settlement website or contact the administrator.
