Bigelow Tea agrees to a cash payout over deceptive labels
If tea is your hot beverage of choice, here's a story that will make you think twice as you read the label. Bigelow Tea has agreed to a $2.55M cash payout in a class-action lawsuit over false advertising about where the product was manufactured.
Claims about deceptive advertising
R.C. Bigelow Inc. has agreed to a settlement in the class action lawsuit worth $2.55M. In the lawsuit, the plaintiff claimed Bigelow Tea deceptively and falsely advertised that some of its tea was manufactured in the United States.
The settlement will be paid to all approved claimants within approximately 75 days. First, the court must grant final approval. The final approval hearing is set for May 17, 2027.
A handful of teas are listed in the lawsuit
People who purchased specific 18 or 20-count boxes of Bigelow tea products in a retail store in California from Oct. 17, 2017 to July 31, 2023 are eligible.
The following teas qualify for a cash settlement:
- Earl Grey Black Tea Caffeine
- Green Tea Caffeine
- Constant Comment Black Tea Caffeine
- Green Lemon Tea Caffeine
- Vanilla Chai Black Tea Caffeine
- English Tea Time Black Tea Caffeine
- Spiced Chai Black Tea Caffeine
- French Vanilla Black Tea Caffeine
- Vanilla Caramel Black Tea Caffeine
The box labeling should read "Manufactured in the USA 100% American Family Owned."
Proof of purchase gets you a larger payout
Those without proof of purchase can submit a claim that is equal to $0.50 per box of tea, up to 20 boxes of tea. Your maximum payout is $10 per household.
If you have proof of purchase, you can get $0.50 per box up to 40 boxes of tea, with a maximum payout of $20 per household.
The claim deadline is fast approaching
Make sure to submit your claim by Feb. 8, 2027, to be eligible. You can read more about the settlement, who qualifies and print the claim form on the settlement website page.
Source: Claim Depot, Settlement website FAQ page
