A Class Action Settlement Means Some Buyers of ZOA Energy Labeled “0 Preservatives” Could Get Cash — Here’s How to Claim

Settlement in the ZOA “0 preservatives” case — what happened and what it means for buyers

A settlement has been reached in a class action accusing ZOA Energy of misleading customers with bottles labeled “0 preservatives.” The case, brought by a named plaintiff in federal court, alleged that the labeling suggested the drinks contained no preservatives when, the complaint said, that was not always true. Under the proposed deal, people who bought ZOA drinks bearing the “0 preservatives” label during the class period may be eligible for a payment, provided they file a claim by the deadline in the official notice.

For most shoppers the immediate takeaway is simple: if you kept a receipt, a photo, or any proof that you bought ZOA drinks with that label, you might be able to claim a small cash payment. The settlement does not change product labels, but it does give consumers a chance at compensation without going to court themselves.

Who can claim and the basic steps to file

The settlement covers people who bought ZOA Energy drinks labeled “0 preservatives” in the United States during the specific period identified in the court notice. The official class notice will list exact dates and any geographic limits, so check that notice if you think you qualify.

Typical proof that counts includes original receipts, bank or credit card statements showing the purchase, or dated photos that clearly show the product label. If you paid with a loyalty app or online account, screenshots of order history can also work. The notice will say whether unopened product, UPC codes, or product packaging photos are acceptable substitutes.

Filing a claim usually follows three simple steps: 1) obtain the claim form named in the notice (often available from the settlement administrator or the court clerk), 2) fill in your purchase details and attach proof, and 3) submit the claim before the filing deadline. The notice will explain whether you can submit by mail, by email, or online, and whether you need to include originals or copies of receipts.

Watch the notice for the final claim deadline and any instructions on signing under penalty of perjury. Missing the deadline or providing insufficient proof can disqualify a claim.

How the lawsuit described the label and how the case moved through court

The complaint accused ZOA of false advertising and mislabeling, saying the “0 preservatives” claim led customers to believe the drinks contained no preservatives at all. Legally, the plaintiffs relied on consumer protection statutes and common-law fraud and unjust enrichment theories. Those are standard tools in food-label cases: plaintiffs argue the label created a false impression that affected buying decisions.

After the suit was filed, the parties negotiated a settlement rather than continuing to trial. The court reviewed and preliminarily approved a proposed deal and ordered that class members be notified. That step opens a window for consumers to file claims or, if they choose, opt out or object to the settlement. The court will hold a final fairness hearing before it gives final approval and allows distribution of any money to class members.

What the settlement likely pays and what you’ll need to collect it

The notice describes how payments will be calculated. Expect modest awards: in cases like this, individual payments typically range from a few dollars to low double-digit amounts, depending on how many valid claims are filed and whether the settlement fund is reduced by fees and expenses.

Proof requirements will be spelled out in the claim form. If the settlement awards different amounts for single purchases versus multiple purchases, the form will make that clear. The settlement administrator handles the distribution once the court grants final approval. That process can take months, depending on appeals and the volume of claims.

What this means for consumers and the brand going forward

For consumers, the deal provides a quick route to compensation without a trial. Payments are unlikely to be large, but the settlement recognizes that some buyers were misled by the label. It also offers a record that the issue was serious enough to prompt legal action and correction through settlement.

For ZOA, the settlement avoids a protracted court fight and the risk of larger damages if the case had gone to trial. It could prompt the company to revisit labeling practices to avoid future disputes. Regulators sometimes take an interest after high-profile label litigation, but a settlement alone does not mean enforcement action will follow.

For those who want more detail, the official class notice and the court docket list dates, claim forms, and the settlement administrator’s contact information. The notice is the controlling document for eligibility, deadlines, and required proof.

Sources

• prnewswire.com