Bought Clif Bars? You could be owed part of $12 million settlement. What to know
Clif Bar buyers say they were duped into buying “nutritional” snacks loaded with sugar.
Now, customers may be owed part of a $12 million class-action settlement.
Clif Bar & Company agreed to the settlement to resolve claims that its products, often advertised as a healthy snack option, are the opposite due to their high sugar content.
Eligible buyers can receive a maximum $50 refund.
The 79-page complaint, filed in April 2018, accused the energy bar maker of misleading buyers with labeling that suggested its snacks were healthy, “despite that as much as 37% of the calories in Clif’s Kid ZBars and ‘Classic’ Clif Bars come from added sugar.”
A classic white chocolate macadamia nut Clif Bar has 9 grams of protein and 17 grams of total sugar — 16 of which are added sugars, according to Clifbar.com
“Clif markets these so-called ‘nutrition’ bars with labeling and packaging claims that convey a health and wellness message with the goal of increasing the price and sales of its high-sugar ‘nutrition bars,’” the lawsuit says.
McClatchy News reached out to Clif Bar & Company for comment Tuesday, Aug. 6, and was awaiting a response.
Available in flavors such as chocolate brownie and crunchy peanut butter, Clif’s snacks are made with a “balanced mix of craveable, plant-based ingredients” that provide “on-the-go nutrition to support everyday wellness goals,” the company says.
The company has denied any wrongdoing and says added sugars don’t make its snacks unhealthy.
Here’s how to know if you’re owed a refund:
Who’s eligible?
Customers who bought original Clif Bars in packaging that said “Nutrition for Sustained Energy,” or Clif Kid Z Bars with labeling claiming “No high fructose corn syrup” between April 19, 2014, and March 31, 2023, in California or New York are eligible to file a claim, according to the claim administrator’s website.
The settlement also includes anyone outside California or New York who bought the aforementioned snack bars between March 31, 2019, and March 31, 2023.
How do I file a claim?
Customers can submit a claim form online or print and mail a completed form to administrators.
The deadline to file a claim is Monday, Nov. 25, administrators said.
How much is the cash refund?
Under the terms of the settlement, eligible customers are entitled to a cash refund based on the type and amount of Clif Bars purchased, administrators said.
The estimated payments:
- $5 for up to 30 Clif bars
- $10 for 31-60 Clif bars
- $15 for more than 60 Clif bars
Buyers with proof of purchase will be paid $15 for the first 60 bars, “plus 25 cents for each additional bar” up to a maximum refund of $50, according to administrators.
When will I get paid?
Customers can expect to be paid once the settlement gets final approval on Nov. 14, barring appeals.
“It is always uncertain when these appeals will be resolved, and resolving them can take time,” according to the settlement administrator. “Please be patient.”
This story was originally published August 7, 2024 at 6:32 AM with the headline "Bought Clif Bars? You could be owed part of $12 million settlement. What to know."