Clif Bar & Company, maker of the popular Clif energy bars, is facing a legal situation that could benefit you if you have been a customer. The company has agreed to settle a class-action lawsuit that accused it of making misleading health claims about its products. Here we explain all the details you need to know about this case.
The lawsuit alleges that Clif Bar & Company provided incorrect information on the labels of some of its products, specifically regarding their nutritional content. The allegations revolve around claims that their bars were “healthy”, despite containing a significant amount of added sugar. The plaintiffs argue that these labels could have confused consumers.
The Legal Agreement — What You Should Know
Despite reaching an agreement, it is important to note that Clif Bar & Company has not admitted any wrongdoing, nor has it been found guilty by any court. The agreement was reached to avoid prolonging the litigation, without it having been determined whether the company or the plaintiffs are right.
The agreement includes the creation of a $12 million fund, which will cover legal and administrative costs, and reimbursements to customers who file claims under the terms of the lawsuit.
How Much Money Can I Receive as a Plaintiff?
If you purchased any Clif Bar products included in the lawsuit, you may be eligible for a cash refund. The amount you will receive will depend on whether you can provide proof of your purchase and how many bars you purchased.
- Without proof of purchase: you can receive $5 if you bought up to 30 bars, $10 if you bought between 31 and 60, and $15 if you bought more than 60.
- With proof of purchase: you could receive up to $15 for the first 60 bars, and $0.25 for each additional bar, for a maximum of $50 total.
These amounts may vary depending on the total number of people filing a claim.
Products Included in the Class Action Settlement
The agreement only covers Clif Bars purchased for personal use, excluding those purchased for resale or distribution purposes. The bars included in the deal are the original Clif Bars that contained labels with the phrase “Nutrition for Sustained Energy” and the Clif Kid ZBars with claims such as:
- “No high fructose corn syrup”
- “Nurturing children on the move”
- “Healthy and delicious snacks made with organic ingredients”
These claims are what are at issue in the lawsuit, as the plaintiffs argue that they are not consistent with the actual contents of the products.
Purchase Periods Covered in the Class Action Settlement
To be eligible for the payment, you must have purchased the products between April 19, 2014 and March 31, 2023 if you reside in New York or California, or between March 31, 2019 and March 31, 2023 if you live in New York or California, or if you live in other parts of the United States.
If you want to be part of the settlement, you need to file a claim. You can do this in two ways: through the official class action website or by submitting a claim form by mail. The deadline to submit your claim is November 25, 2024. Make sure you have all the details of your purchases and meet the established requirements to be considered for the agreement.