10M Wheat Thins Whole Grain Class Action Settlement Now Open

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Wheat Thins Lawsuit

Millions of consumers may qualify for compensation from Mondelez's alleged false advertising claims.

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If you've purchased Wheat Thins crackers in the past seven years, you could be part of a significant $10 million class action settlement. 

 

Mondelez International, the parent company of Nabisco, has agreed to settle allegations that it falsely advertised its popular Wheat Thins crackers as "100% whole grain" when the products allegedly contained refined grains like cornstarch.

 

This settlement affects millions of consumers who purchased these premium crackers, believing they were getting a healthier, whole-grain product. 

 

Breaking Down the Wheat Thins Misrepresentation Allegations

The heart of this class action lawsuit lies in a significant but straightforward claim: Wheat Thins products labeled as "100% Whole Grain" contain cornstarch, a refined grain, not a whole grain.

 

According to the class plaintiffs, Mondelez’s misleading packaging matters because health-conscious consumers specifically seek out whole grain products for their nutritional benefit and often willingly pay premium prices for products they believe contain superior ingredients. 

 

The plaintiffs further argued that had they known Wheat Thins contained refined grains, they either wouldn't have purchased the products or would have paid less.

 

Whole Grains vs. Refined Grains in Your Crackers

Before diving deeper into the settlement details, let's understand the difference between whole and refined grains—a distinction at the core of this lawsuit.

 

Whole grains contain all three parts of the grain kernel:

  • The bran (outer layer rich in fiber and B vitamins)
  • The germ (nutrient-packed core with healthy fats and vitamin E)
  • The endosperm (starchy middle layer)

 

When all three components remain intact in their original proportions, you have an actual whole-grain product that delivers maximum nutritional value.

 

Refined grains, conversely, undergo processing that strips away the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm. This process removes approximately 25% of the grain's protein and eliminates many beneficial nutrients. While some refined grains are later "enriched" with added vitamins, they never fully regain their original nutritional profile.

 

Cornstarch, the controversial ingredient in Wheat Thins, comes from extracting and drying only the endosperm of corn kernels. Since it lacks the bran and germ, cornstarch cannot qualify as a whole grain under any definition, making the "100% whole grain" claim problematic.

 

 

Which Wheat Thins Products Does This Settlement Cover?

The Mondelez class action settlement covers a comprehensive range of products with "100% WHOLE GRAIN" labeling on their packaging.

 

According to the agreement, the following Wheat Thins varieties qualify for claims:

 

  • Original Wheat Thins - The classic variety that started it all.
  • Reduced Fat Wheat Thins - Marketed as a healthier option with less fat.
  • Sundried Tomato & Basil Wheat Thins - A flavored variety with Mediterranean appeal.
  • Big Wheat Thins - Larger-sized crackers for heartier snacking.
  • Ranch Wheat Thins - Popular ranch-flavored option.
  • Hint of Salt Wheat Thins - Lower sodium variety.
  • Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil Wheat Thins - Gourmet-flavored crackers.
  • Spicy Sweet Chili Wheat Thins - Bold-flavored variety with a kick.

 

To qualify, you must have purchased the product between October 13, 2018, and May 9, 2025. This nearly seven-year timeframe reflects the extended period during which these items bore the allegedly false "100% whole grain" labeling.

 

It's important to note that not all Wheat Thins products are included—only those specific varieties listed above that featured the "100% WHOLE GRAIN" claim on their packaging.

 

If you purchased other Wheat Thins varieties or products without the specific labeling, they don't qualify for compensation under this settlement.

 

Are You Eligible for the Mondelez Settlement Compensation?

Determining your eligibility for the Wheat Thins settlement is straightforward. The settlement casts a wide net to include as many affected consumers as possible.

 

You may qualify as an eligible class member if you meet these criteria:

 

  • You're 18 years or older.
  • You're a U.S. resident (including U.S. territories).
  • You purchased qualifying Wheat Thins products for personal use, not for resale or distribution.
  • Your purchase occurred between October 13, 2018, and May 9, 2025

 

Visit the class website at WheatThinsClassSettlement.com to view qualification rules and legal papers regarding the settlement and its terms. 

 

If you didn't receive a settlement notice in the mail, you can register online at the settlement administrator's website to obtain a class member ID to file a claim.

 

One important limitation: only one claim per household is permitted, regardless of how many family members purchased Wheat Thins products. 

 

This condition means you must coordinate with other household members to ensure only one claim form gets submitted.

 

How Much Money Can You Get from the Wheat Thins Class Action?

The compensation structure for this $10 million settlement offers two tiers based on whether you have proof of purchase.

 

Here's what you can expect:

 

Without Proof of Purchase: If you don't have receipts or other documentation, you can still file a claim and receive $4.50 per household. While this might seem modest, it recognizes that many consumers haven't kept their old grocery receipts.

 

With Proof of Purchase: If you saved your receipts or have other valid proof, your compensation increases significantly:

  • Minimum payment: $8 per household.
  • Additional compensation: $0.15 per unit for purchases exceeding $8.
  • Maximum payment: $20 per household.

 

What counts as valid proof of purchase?

  • Original store receipts showing Wheat Thins purchases.
  • Removed UPCs from product packaging.
  • Documentation from frequent shopper programs or apps.
  • Credit card statements showing qualifying purchases (when combined with other proof).

 

Important note: If the total approved claims exceed the settlement fund, all payments will be reduced proportionally (pro rata). This means your actual payment might be less than the amounts listed above if the claim volume is exceptionally high. Full details regarding the settlement, the legal effect of submitting a claim, and your other options are specified fully on the settlement website

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Filing Your Settlement Claim

Settlement administrations have designed a user-friendly claim filing approach with both online and mail options available. 

 

Option 1: File Online

  1. Visit WheatThinsClassSettlement.com
  2. Click on "File a Claim."
  3. Enter your Class Member ID if you have one, or register to receive one.
  4. Complete the claim form with your personal information.
  5. Indicate whether you have proof of purchase.
  6. Upload any documentation if claiming with proof.
  7. Select your payment preference (electronic payment, ACH, or check).
  8. Submit your claim and save your confirmation number.

 

Option 2: File by Mail

  1. Download the PDF claim form from the settlement website.
  2. Print and complete all required fields.
  3. Include copies of any proof of purchase documents.
  4. Mail your completed claim to:
    • Wallenstein v. Mondelez International, Inc.
    • c/o Kroll Settlement Administration LLC
    • P.O. Box 225391
    • New York, NY 10150-5391

 

Pro tip: Filing online offers the advantage of electronic payment options, which typically process checks faster than mailed ones. Plus, you'll receive immediate confirmation that your claim was received.

 

After submitting your claim, you'll receive confirmation from the settlement administrator. Keep this confirmation for your records—proof that you successfully filed before the deadline.

 

Your Rights in the Settlement Process

As a potential class member, you have several options other than filing a claim :

 

Opt-Out: If you want to preserve your right to sue Mondelez independently about these issues, you must exclude yourself by sending a written request to the settlement administrator, including your name, address, phone number, and a clear statement requesting exclusion.

 

Object: If you disagree with the settlement terms but want to remain in the class, you can submit a written objection to the court.

 

Do Nothing: If you take no action, you remain bound by the settlement terms but receive no compensation. You'll lose your right to sue Mondelez about these claims independently.

 

The settlement website provides comprehensive resources, including FAQs, claim forms, and case documents. Check it regularly for updates about payment timing and other important information. Please note that this page does not provide legal advice. If you have further questions about your options regarding this settlement, please review the settlement website or speak with an attorney. 

 

Help Impact Food Transparency in the Marketplace 

This settlement represents more than just compensation for misled consumers—it signals a shift in how food manufacturers must approach health claims on their packaging. 

 

The precedent set here may also ensure terms like “100% whole grain” carry legal weight and pressure manufacturers to make marketing claims that hold up to scientific and legal scrutiny.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, you don't need receipts to participate in the settlement. While having proof of purchase increases your compensation ($8-$20 per household), you can still file a claim without any documentation and receive $4.50 per household. Many consumers haven't saved grocery receipts for years, so the settlement accommodates both situations.

Eight specific varieties qualify: Original, Reduced Fat, Sundried Tomato & Basil, Big, Ranch, Hint of Salt, Cracked Pepper & Olive Oil, and Spicy Sweet Chili Wheat Thins. The products must have been labeled "100% WHOLE GRAIN" and purchased between October 13, 2018, and May 9, 2025. Other Wheat Thin varieties without this specific labeling don't qualify.

Payment timing depends on the final approval hearing scheduled for December 11, 2025. After court approval and resolution of any appeals, payments typically begin within 3-6 months. Electronic payments process faster than mailed checks. The actual timeline could be extended longer if there are appeals or complications with the settlement approval.

No, only one claim per household is permitted, regardless of how many family members purchased qualifying Wheat Thins products. Household members should coordinate to submit a single claim with the highest possible documentation. Attempting to file multiple claims from the same address may result in all claims being rejected.

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