A&W has denied the claims, but now the court has sided with the claimants. It ruled that the corporation must pay a settlement of $15 million to customers who bought any A&W root beer or cream soda product that featured "Made With Aged Vanilla" on its label between 7 February 2016 and 2 June 2023.
Customers who can provide a receipt for their purchase are entitled to up to $25 in compensation, while customers who have no proof of purchase can receive a cash payment of $5.50. A&W has also been ordered to pay the original plaintiff LaShawn Sharpe, and her subsequent co-plaintiffs Jim Castoro and Steve Dailey, $5,000 each, in addition to covering their legal fees.
The lawyer representing the trio, Spencer Sheehan, is no stranger to these kinds of cases. Dubbed the "Vanilla Vigilante," Sheehan has filed around 100 lawsuits over the use of vanilla flavorings in products, according to Business Insider. But it's not just food and drinks companies that have come under fire in US courts.