Red Bull Energy Drink Class Action Settlement

A $13 million settlement has been reached in two consumer class action lawsuits that allege Red Bull North America Inc. misrepresents the functionality and safety of its Red Bull energy drinks.

The Red Bull class action lawsuit took issue with the beverage maker’s promises that “Red Bull gives you wings” and that it “vitalizes body and mind” due to its unique mixture of ingredients that could supposedly improve a consumer’s mental and physiological performance. However, the plaintiffs allege Red Bull is no more effective than a cup of coffee or a caffeine pill.

In their class action lawsuits, the plaintiffs challenged the scientific studies posted on the Red Bull web site that purportedly demonstrated the superiority of the Red Bull energy drinks over the less expensive products that contain only caffeine. According to the class action lawsuits, there are no scientifically reliable studies that support Red Bull’s claims that the energy drink is superior to the cheaper alternatives.

The Red Bull class action lawsuits made claims for breach of express warranty, unjust enrichment and violations of various states’ consumer protection statutes.

Red Bull denies any wrongdoing and maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate. However, the energy drink maker has agreed to settle the deceptive marketing class action lawsuit to avoid the burden, expense and risk of ongoing litigation.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members of the Red Bull class action settlement include all persons who made at least one purchase of Red Bull Products in the United States between Jan. 1, 2002 and Oct. 3, 2014.

Potential Award

Class Members who submit valid Claim Forms may choose from one of two benefits:

(1)    A cash reimbursement (in the form of a check) of $10; or

(2)    Free Red Bull products with a retail value of approximately $15.

The actual value of benefits each Class Member receives may be reduced if the total amount of claims submitted exceeds the class action settlement funds available.

Proof of Purchase

None required. However, Class Members must attest under penalty of perjury that they are a member of the Settlement Class.

Claim Form

UPDATE: On Oct. 9, 2014, The link to the Redbull settlement website is correct, but it appears the Settlement Administrator took down the site. Please check again soon. It should be temporary.

UPDATE 2: On Oct. 13, 2014, The Redbull settlement site is back up. The Settlement Administrator said it was experiencing abnormally high traffic, which is why it went down temporarily. If it happens again, be patient and try again.

UPDATE 3: On Jan. 26, 2016, Top Class Actions readers started reporting that they received four-packs of Red Bull or checks worth $4.25 in the mail.

UPDATE 4: On Oct. 19, 2016, Top Class Actions viewers started receiving a second round of settlement checks worth as much as $2.01! 

Claim Form Deadline

3/2/2015

Case Name

Benjamin Careathers v. Red Bull North America Inc., Case No. 1:13-cv-00369, and Wolf, et al. v. Red Bull GmbH et al., Case No. 1:13-cv-08008, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York

Final Hearing

5/1/2015

Settlement Website

www.EnergyDrinkSettlement.com

UPDATE: On Oct. 9, 2014, The link to the Redbull settlement website is correct, but it appears the Settlement Administrator took down the site. Please check again soon. It should be temporary.

UPDATE 2: On Oct. 13, 2014, The Redbull settlement site is back up. The Settlement Administrator said it was experiencing abnormally high traffic, which is why it went down temporarily. If it happens again, be patient and try again.

UPDATE 3: On Jan. 26, 2016, Top Class Actions readers started reporting that they received four-packs of Red Bull or checks worth $4.25 in the mail.

Claims Administrator

Energy Drink Settlement
c/o GCG
P.O. Box 35123
Seattle, WA 98124-5123
(877) 495-1568
EnergyDrinkSettlement@GCGinc.com

Class Counsel

MORELLI ALTERS RATNER LLP

KAPLAN FOX & KILSHEIMER LLP

Defense Counsel

SKADDEN ARPS SLATE MEAGHER & FLOM LLP