Blue Diamond Growers Almond Breeze and Nut Thins Products

In March 2017, a state court judge granted final approval of a settlement in a lawsuit against Blue Diamond Growers alleging that the company deceptively markets Almond Breeze and Nut Thins products. The complaint alleged that the company:

• Falsely advertised products as natural when they contain synthetic ingredients;
• Misleadingly listed evaporated cane juice as an ingredient instead of calling the ingredient sugar;
• Misleadingly used the American Heart Association’s “heart check-mark” symbol on Almond Breeze products; and
• Misleadingly advertised products as containing significant amount of almonds and being heart healthy.

According to the settlement terms, class members may receive $1 for each Almond Breeze or Blue Diamond Nut Thins product purchased for a maximum of five products per household (class members with proof of purchase may receive refunds for a maximum of 10 products purchased). In addition, the company agreed to:

• Not describe products as natural on product packaging, its website, and other advertisements;
• Not include evaporated cane juice as an ingredient;
• Continue not using the American Heart Association’s (AHA’s) “heart check-mark” symbol on products unless and until a certification is obtained;
• Remove the image of two hands holding almonds from the packaging; and
• Change the phrase “Made from Real Almonds” to “Made with Real Almonds” on Almond Breeze products.

For more information, go to http://www.breezeandthinssettlement.com/. (Townsend et al v. Blue Diamond Growers, Case No.14-958-4, Circuit Court of Washington County, Arkansas)

For more information about other class-action lawsuits filed against Blue Diamond Growers and TINA.org’s coverage of the company, click here.