$150 ZOA Energy Settlement 2026: The ZOA Energy $150 settlement claims window is now closed, not open, and it’s important to be upfront about that before anything else. The $3 million ZOA Energy class action settlement, resolving claims that the Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson co-founded energy drink brand misled consumers with a “0 Preservatives” label, had a claim filing deadline of February 20, 2026. The court then held its final approval hearing on March 26, 2026 in San Francisco. If you’re searching for “how to claim” this settlement today, the honest answer is that new claims are no longer being accepted; what matters now is understanding where your existing claim stands and when payment is actually expected to arrive. We’ll be updating this article monthly as the settlement administrator releases further payment-distribution updates.
This guide walks through exactly what happened with the ZOA Energy settlement, why the claim deadline and final approval hearing both already passed, what the typical payment timeline looks like following final approval, and what options remain for anyone who missed the original filing window. Every detail here is sourced from the official, court-authorized settlement website and verified news coverage, not outdated “claim now” content still circulating from before the deadline.
Quick Summary (Key Highlights)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Case name | Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC (Case No. 3:23-cv-5444-JD) |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Northern District of California |
| Total settlement fund | $3,000,000 |
| Allegation | “0 Preservatives” label was misleading (drinks contain citric and ascorbic acid) |
| Eligible purchase window | March 1, 2021 – November 21, 2025 |
| Payment with proof of purchase | Up to $1 per unit, capped at $150 per household |
| Payment without proof of purchase | Up to $1 per unit, capped at $10 per household |
| Claim filing deadline | February 20, 2026 (PASSED) |
| Opt-out/objection deadline | February 13, 2026 (PASSED) |
| Final approval hearing | March 26, 2026, 11:00 a.m. PT (already occurred) |
| Typical payment timing after final approval | Approximately 60 days after final approval is granted |
| Uncashed check policy | Checks must be cashed within 180 days or are donated to the Clean Label Project |
| Official settlement website | zoasettlement.com |
What Is the ZOA Energy Settlement, and Why Did It Happen?
The ZOA Energy class action lawsuit, formally Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC, was filed in October 2023 in the Northern District of California. The lawsuit alleged that ZOA Energy drinks labeled “0 Preservatives” actually contained citric acid and ascorbic acid (vitamin C), both of which the plaintiff argued function as chemical preservatives, in violation of California’s False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, and Consumers Legal Remedies Act. ZOA Energy, co-founded by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, denied any wrongdoing throughout the case and maintained its labeling was truthful and compliant with applicable law. Rather than proceed to trial, the company agreed to a $3 million settlement fund, with the court granting preliminary approval on November 21, 2025.
Why Is the Claim Filing Deadline Already Closed?
This is the most important thing to understand if you’re reading about this settlement now: the official claim period ran from the preliminary approval date through February 20, 2026, and that window has already passed. The settlement’s own court-authorized timeline required all claim forms to be submitted online or postmarked by that date, with a separate, earlier deadline of February 13, 2026 for anyone wishing to opt out of the settlement or file a formal objection. Both deadlines are now behind us as of this update. If you submitted a claim before February 20, 2026, it is still valid and being processed; if you did not, you generally cannot submit a new claim through the standard process at this stage.
What Happened at the March 26, 2026 Final Approval Hearing?
The court’s Final Approval Hearing was scheduled for March 26, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. PT, in Courtroom 11 at the San Francisco courthouse. At this hearing, the court was asked to:
- Consider any properly filed objections to the settlement
- Determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, and was entered into in good faith
- Enter a Final Approval Order, including approval of the settlement agreement and a decision on the attorneys’ fees and costs award
As the settlement’s own notice stated in advance: “It is unknown how long these decisions will take.” As of this update, we do not have independent confirmation of the exact outcome published beyond the scheduled hearing itself, so anyone with a pending claim should verify current status directly through the official settlement website rather than relying on the pre-hearing “expected” timeline alone.
When Will ZOA Energy Settlement Payments Actually Be Sent?
Based on the settlement’s own published timeline, settlement payments are typically issued to approved claimants approximately 60 days after final approval is granted — but only once any appeals of that approval are also resolved. Given the March 26, 2026 hearing date, that would place expected payment issuance around late May 2026, assuming approval was granted without a contested appeal process extending the timeline further. If you filed a valid claim before the deadline, the most reliable way to confirm your actual payment status is to check directly with the settlement administrator rather than assuming a fixed date.
How Much Could Approved Claimants Receive?
For those who filed a valid claim before the deadline, the payment structure works as follows:
- With proof of purchase (receipts, purchase records, a removed UPC code, or other documentation reasonably establishing purchase): $1 per unit purchased, up to $150 per household
- Without proof of purchase: $1 per unit purchased, up to $10 per household
- Pro rata reduction: if the total value of all approved claims exceeds the net settlement fund (after deducting attorneys’ fees, administrative costs, and any service awards), individual payments will be reduced proportionally
- Payment method: paper checks mailed to the address provided on the claim form
- Expiration: any settlement checks not cashed within 180 days of issuance will be forfeited, with unclaimed funds donated to the Clean Label Project
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What If I Missed the Claim Deadline?
If you qualified for this settlement (purchased a ZOA Energy drink labeled “0 Preservatives” between March 1, 2021, and November 21, 2025) but did not submit a claim by February 20, 2026, here’s the practical reality:
- You generally remain part of the Settlement Class if you did not opt out, meaning you are still legally bound by the settlement’s terms
- However, remaining in the class without submitting a claim means you are not eligible for a payment, since payment requires a timely, valid claim form
- You also gave up your right to separately sue ZOA Energy over the same “0 Preservatives” labeling claims, unless you filed a timely opt-out request by February 13, 2026
- There is no indication, as of this update, that the settlement administrator is accepting new claims after the deadline, since doing so would generally require a new court order
How to Check Your Existing Claim Status
If you already submitted a claim before the deadline, use these steps to check on your payment:
- Visit the official, court-authorized settlement website: zoasettlement.com (this is explicitly stated as “the only authorized website for this Settlement”)
- Look for a claim status or login section, using your Class Member ID if you were provided one
- If you don’t have a Class Member ID, check the settlement website for a request form to have one emailed to you
- Call the settlement administrator directly at (833) 890-6436 for status updates
- Alternatively, write to: Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391
Why Does This Settlement Matter Beyond ZOA Energy?
This case reflects a broader trend of “clean label” litigation in the food and beverage industry, where companies face legal challenges over marketing claims like “0 preservatives,” “natural,” or “clean ingredients” that plaintiffs argue don’t match a product’s actual ingredient list. Both citric acid and ascorbic acid are naturally occurring and generally recognized as safe, but their dual function as both a flavoring/nutrient ingredient and a preservative is exactly the kind of labeling ambiguity driving this category of consumer-protection lawsuits.
Official Resources & Status Check Links
| Resource | Purpose | Official Link / Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Official Settlement Website | Check claim status, Class Member ID, and case updates | zoasettlement.com |
| Settlement Administrator Phone | Direct claim status inquiries | (833) 890-6436 |
| Settlement Administrator Mailing Address | Written correspondence regarding your claim | Gershzon v. ZOA Energy, LLC, c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC, P.O. Box 225391, New York, NY 10150-5391 |
| Class Counsel | Kuzyk Law, LLP and Law Offices of Peter N. Wasylyk | Contact via official settlement website |
| U.S. District Court, N.D. California | Official case record (Case No. 3:23-cv-5444-JD) | cand.uscourts.gov |
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FAQs
Can I still file a claim for the ZOA Energy settlement?
No, the claim filing deadline was February 20, 2026, and that window has now closed.
How much can I get from the ZOA Energy settlement?
Up to $150 per household with proof of purchase, or up to $10 per household without proof of purchase, subject to possible pro rata reduction.
What happens if I don’t cash my ZOA Energy settlement check?
Checks not cashed within 180 days of issuance are forfeited, with the funds donated to the Clean Label Project.
Why was ZOA Energy sued in the first place?
The lawsuit alleged its “0 Preservatives” label was misleading because the drinks contain citric acid and ascorbic acid, which function as chemical preservatives.
How do I check the status of a claim I already submitted?
Visit zoasettlement.com, use your Class Member ID, or call the settlement administrator at (833) 890-6436.
Conclusion
If you’re searching for the ZOA Energy $150 settlement today, the most important fact to know is that the claim window has already closed (February 20, 2026) and the final approval hearing has already taken place (March 26, 2026). For anyone who filed a valid, timely claim, the next milestone is simply payment, typically expected around 60 days after final approval, pending any appeals. For anyone who missed the deadline, unfortunately there is currently no indication that late claims are being accepted. The single most reliable way to get an accurate, personal answer about your own claim is to check directly through the official, court-authorized settlement website or contact the settlement administrator, rather than relying on outdated “how to claim” guidance still circulating online from before February 2026.
