Breakfast biscuit settlement refers to a legal process through which consumers can receive compensation from companies that misrepresented the ingredients or nutrition facts of their breakfast biscuits. This has become an issue in recent years as major brands have faced lawsuits over ingredients like whole grains and fats in their biscuits and sandwiches.
Why are companies settling breakfast biscuit claims?
There are a few reasons that major food manufacturers like Kellogg’s and General Mills have agreed to settle cases over their breakfast biscuits and sandwiches:
- Lawsuits started being filed around 2016-2017 accusing brands of mislabeling as “whole grain” biscuits that contained mostly refined white flour. This raised issues of false advertising.
- Studies and lab tests contradicted nutrition information on the labels, finding fewer whole grains and more saturated fat than claimed.
- The FTC and FDA threatened action against companies misrepresenting the healthfulness of processed foods high in sugar.
- Class action lawyers accumulated sufficient evidence and consumer complaints to pressure companies into settling.
Rather than fight these lawsuits in lengthy court battles, food companies made business calculations to settle the class actions. Settlements allowed them to avoid further reputational damage from trials and move on.
Major breakfast biscuit class action settlements
Some of the major class action settlements over nutritional claims on breakfast biscuits include:
Kellogg – $15 million settlement
- Settled in 2019 over claims of whole grains in Nutri-Grain cereals and bars.
- Consumers had accused Kellogg of misleading them through packaging and ads touting whole grains.
- Lab tests showed products contained more refined grain than whole grain.
- Kellogg denied wrongdoing but agreed to a $15 million settlement.
General Mills – $8 million settlement
- Settled in 2017 over Nature Valley granola bars.
- Plaintiffs alleged the bars contained more sugar and saturated fats than advertised.
- General Mills settled complaints about false health claims for $8.5 million.
- They were required to update nutrition info on Nature Valley products.
Quaker Oats – $6 million settlement
- Settled in 2019 over Instant Oatmeal and Chewy Granola Bars.
- Consumers accused the company of exaggerating the protein content through misleading ads.
- The case claimed Quaker misrepresented the bars as an “excellent source” of protein when they had limited protein.
- Without admitting wrongdoing, Quaker settled for $6 million and agreed to change packaging and marketing.
Recent breakfast biscuit settlements
Some recent noteworthy settlements in 2022-2023 include:
Mondelez – $9 million settlement
- Settled in November 2022 over belVita Breakfast Biscuits.
- A class action lawsuit alleged Mondelez exaggerated the whole grain and fiber content of belVita biscuits.
- While marketing claimed 4-5 grams of whole grain per serving, the first ingredient was refined white flour.
- Mondelez agreed to a $9 million settlement without admitting wrongdoing.
Flowers Foods – $21 million settlement
- Settled in October 2022 regarding Dave’s Killer Bread.
- Consumers accused Flowers Foods of overstating the amount of whole grains and understating how much sugar and sodium was in the bread.
- Lab testing revealed up to 70% less whole wheat than claimed on nutrition labels.
- Flowers agreed to settle for $21 million and correct product labeling.
| Company | Brand | Settlement Amount | Year Settled |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kellogg | Nutri-Grain | $15 million | 2019 |
| General Mills | Nature Valley | $8 million | 2017 |
| Quaker Oats | Instant Oatmeal | $6 million | 2019 |
| Mondelez | belVita | $9 million | 2022 |
| Flowers Foods | Dave’s Killer Bread | $21 million | 2022 |
What does the settlement mean for consumers?
These breakfast biscuit class action settlements have a few implications for consumers:
- Settlements provide monetary relief – Consumers can file claims to receive cash compensation from the settlement funds.
- Companies must be more transparent – Brands are required to update nutrition labels and marketing to more accurately reflect ingredients.
- Serves as a warning to food companies – Large settlements deter other brands from overstating health claims on their packaged foods.
- Highlights the importance of close scrutiny – Consumers should be alert to discrepancies between a product’s labeling and its actual nutrition content.
Overall, the breakfast biscuit settlements empower consumers with more transparent information to make informed choices and hold companies accountable for false or misleading claims.
How to file a claim in a breakfast biscuit settlement
If you purchased one of the breakfast biscuits involved in a class action settlement, here is how to file a claim to receive part of the settlement fund:
- Determine eligibility – You must have purchased the product within the class period outlined in the settlement.
- Collect proof of purchase – Find receipts or other documentation showing you bought the breakfast biscuits.
- Obtain claim form – Request a claim form by mail, email, or through the settlement website.
- Complete claim form – Provide your contact info, purchases, and other details as required.
- Submit claim form – Follow the instructions to submit your claim either electronically or by mail.
- Wait for approval – The claims administrator will review and confirm your claim’s validity.
- Receive compensation – Once approved, you’ll be mailed a check or funds deposited into your account.
Be sure to follow all instructions carefully and submit your claim before the deadline. Keep copies of everything for your records.
Conclusion
Major food brands have paid millions in class action settlements for misrepresenting the nutritional content of their breakfast biscuits and bars. These settlements provide monetary compensation to consumers who purchased the products and require companies to be more transparent. By reviewing claims carefully and filing for damages, consumers can hold brands accountable for false advertising and develop healthier purchasing habits.