CALIFORNIA – A California court approved a $10 million settlement in a class action lawsuit against Mondelez International (MDLZ) – parent company of Nabisco, for misrepresenting Wheat Thins crackers as “100% Whole Grain.”

According to the complaint, Plaintiffs and other consumers relied upon MDLZ’s labeling of Wheat Thins as “100% Whole Grain” in deciding to purchase its products. 

“If Plaintiffs and other consumers had known the representation was false, they would not have purchased MDLZ’s products or, alternatively, would have paid less for them,” said the court document. 

Plaintiffs argue that cornstarch is a refined grain

Plaintiffs in the case said that one of the primary grain ingredients in Wheat Thins crackers is cornstarch, which is a refined grain. 

They argue that by definition, refined grains are not whole grains. 

“A whole grain is a kernel comprised of three anatomical components – the germ, the bran and the endosperm. The bran and germ are what offer important antioxidants and good sources of fiber, B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, iron, zinc, and protein, and healthy fats,” said the plaintiffs.

All three primary components of a grain must be present in their original proportions to qualify as a whole grain ingredient.

Refining reduces naturally occurring protein in grain by 25%

However, they said that refined grains are processed to remove the “germ” and the “bran” components of the grain. 

“Roughly 25% of the protein naturally occurring in grain is reduced during the refining process, and the grain is stripped of important nutrients,” they said. 

They argue that MDLZ deceptively used “100% Whole Grain” on Wheat Thins packaging, which has helped it dominate the snack market.

Consumers have until July 7, 2025 to file a claim

Although MDLZ has not admitted any wrongdoing, it agreed to a $10 million settlement to resolve the allegations.

Consumers who purchased the following Wheat Thins product between Oct. 13, 2018, and May 9, 2025 are eligible to file a claim:

• Original Wheat Thins; 
• Reduced Fat Wheat Thins; 
• Sundried Tomato & Basil Wheat Thins; 
• Big Wheat Thins; 
• Ranch Wheat Thins;
• Hint of Salt Wheat Thins; 
• Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Wheat Thins; 
• Spicy Sweet Chili Wheat Thins; 
• Other Wheat Thins products labeled “100% Whole Grain.” 

Claimants can receive up to $20 with proof of purchase or $4.50 without proof of purchase. 

They must submit a valid claim form by July 7, 2025, to receive settlement benefits.

For more information visit https://www.wheatthinsclasssettlement.com/

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