If you have purchased ZOA Energy drinks in recent years, you may be eligible for a cash payment as part of a recent class action settlement. The lawsuit alleged that ZOA Energy drinks were marketed as having “no preservatives,” despite containing citric acid, a common ingredient that can function as a preservative. To resolve these claims, the company agreed to a settlement fund to compensate eligible consumers.
Understanding the ZOA Energy Settlement
The ZOA Energy settlement was reached to address concerns regarding the labeling and marketing of the brand’s popular energy drinks. Plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit argued that the “no preservatives” claim on the packaging was misleading because the products contained citric acid. While citric acid is often used for flavor, it is also scientifically classified as a preservative.
By settling the case, ZOA Energy does not admit to any wrongdoing or illegal acts. Instead, the settlement allows the company to avoid the costs and uncertainties of a lengthy trial while providing a resolution for consumers who felt the labeling was inaccurate. This settlement provides a specific window of time for consumers to request a refund for their purchases.
Who Is Eligible to File a Claim?
Eligibility for the ZOA Energy settlement is based on when and where you purchased the products. You are generally considered a class member if you purchased any ZOA Energy drink for personal use, rather than for resale, within a specific timeframe.
The eligibility period typically covers purchases made between February 10, 2021, and May 14, 2024. If you bought any flavor or variety of ZOA Energy drinks during this window, you are likely eligible to participate in the settlement. It is important to note that this applies to consumers across the United States.
Products Included in the Settlement
The settlement covers the full line of ZOA Energy products sold during the class period. This includes various flavors and sizes of their standard energy drinks. Whether you purchased a single can at a convenience store or a bulk pack from a major retailer, those transactions are eligible for the claim process.
How to File Your Claim Step-by-Step
Filing a claim for a class action settlement is designed to be a straightforward process that you can complete online. Follow these steps to ensure your claim is submitted correctly and on time.
1. Visit the Official Settlement Website
To begin, you must navigate to the dedicated settlement administrator’s website. This site is the only authorized place to submit your claim form. Avoid using third-party sites that ask for a fee to file your claim, as the official process is always free for consumers.
2. Choose Your Claim Type
When you start the online form, you will be asked if you have a “Claimant ID.” If you received a notice in the mail or via email, your ID will be located there. If you did not receive a notice but believe you are eligible, you can still file a claim as a new claimant by providing your contact information.
3. Provide Purchase Information
You will need to disclose how many ZOA Energy drinks you purchased during the eligibility period. The settlement typically offers two paths for reimbursement:
- Claims with Proof of Purchase: If you have receipts or digital order histories, you can claim a higher amount per unit. There is usually no cap on the number of units you can claim if you have documentation.
- Claims without Proof of Purchase: If you no longer have your receipts, you can still file a claim based on your word (under penalty of perjury). These claims are usually capped at a specific dollar amount, often around $15 to $20 total per household.
4. Submit the Form
After filling out your details and selecting your preferred payment method (such as a check, Venmo, or digital prepaid card), review your information for accuracy. Once you are satisfied, submit the form. You should receive a confirmation number; keep this for your records.
Expected Payment Amounts
The amount of money you receive depends on the total number of valid claims submitted and whether you provided proof of purchase. Generally, the settlement provides a set dollar amount per can or pack purchased. However, if the total value of all claims exceeds the settlement fund, the payments may be adjusted proportionally (pro-rata) to ensure everyone receives a fair share.
For those without receipts, the payment is a flat fee intended to compensate for a reasonable number of purchases. For those with receipts, the payment can be significantly higher, depending on the volume of products documented in the receipts provided during the claim process.
Important Deadlines to Remember
Class action settlements always have strict deadlines that must be met to receive a payment. If you miss the filing deadline, you forfeit your right to a refund and your right to sue the company individually regarding this specific issue in the future.
- Claim Filing Deadline: This is the most critical date. Ensure your form is submitted online or postmarked by the date specified on the official settlement website.
- Exclusion Deadline: If you wish to opt out of the settlement to maintain your right to sue ZOA Energy separately, you must submit an exclusion request by this date.
- Objection Deadline: If you disagree with the terms of the settlement, you can file an objection with the court by this deadline.
- Final Approval Hearing: This is the date the court decides whether to officially approve the settlement. Payments are not distributed until after this hearing and any subsequent appeals are resolved.
What Happens After You File?
Once you submit your claim, the settlement administrator will review it for validity. This process can take several months. Because class action settlements often involve thousands of participants, the verification and distribution phases are lengthy.
If your claim is approved, your payment will be sent via the method you selected during the filing process. It is common for payments to be sent out 6 to 12 months after the final approval hearing. You do not need to take any further action once your claim is submitted unless the administrator contacts you for more information.
Final Thoughts on the ZOA Settlement
Participating in a class action settlement is a simple way for consumers to exercise their rights and receive compensation for products that may have been inaccurately labeled. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your claim is filed correctly. If you found this guide helpful, consider exploring our other articles on consumer rights and how to navigate common online services for more practical advice.