Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s energy drink company, ZOA Energy, has settled a class action lawsuit for $3 million.
The lawsuit, filed on October 23, 2023, in the Northern District of California, alleged that the company used deceptive marketing. Specifically, the suit claimed that ZOA Energy drinks were falsely advertised as “preservative-free” when, in fact, they contained chemical preservatives.
“ZOA’s claim that its Products contain ‘0 Preservatives’ is false, as each contains a significant amount of the preservative citric acid,” read a federal complaint obtained by USA Today.
According to court records, ZOA Energy agreed to the settlement but did not admit to any wrongdoing.
“ZOA denies these allegations and maintains that its labeling and marketing are truthful, accurate, and compliant with applicable law,” the documents stated.
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The class-action lawsuit further claimed that the energy drinks included ascorbic acid as an additional chemical preservative. Following the announcement of the settlement, the plaintiffs’ lawyers initiated a sign-up period for eligible customers to claim their compensation.
Customers impacted by the settlement involving ZOA Energy drinks and “0 Preservatives” labeling should be aware of the details regarding the $3 million settlement fund.
To be eligible for a cash payment from the fund, consumers must have purchased a ZOA Energy drink with the “0 Preservatives” label between March 1, 2021, and November 21, 2025, and provide proof of purchase. Further information is available on the settlement’s official website.
Households that lack proof of purchase are eligible to receive a settlement of $1 per energy drink, up to a maximum of $10. For those who can provide proof of purchase, the payout is also $1 per energy drink, but with a significantly higher maximum of $150 per household.
Customers can submit their claims online for the settlement, which has an open sign-up period until February 20.
According to the settlement’s website, the final approval hearing for the $3 million settlement is slated for March 26 at 10:00 a.m. PT.
“The proposed relief offered to Class Members will be provided only if the Court gives final approval to the Settlement and, if there are any appeals, after the appeals are resolved in favor of the Settlement,” the website noted.
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Consumers who do not participate in the settlement, according to the website, “give up their rights to sue (ZOA Energy) for the claims released by the Settlement” and will not receive any funds.
To get a payment from the settlement, consumers must agree to participate in the proceedings and not opt out. The deadline to opt out is February 13, 2026. If they choose to opt out, they can still file their own lawsuit against ZOA Energy, LLC, concerning the class action claim, but they will not receive any money from this settlement.
ZOA Energy produces 12-ounce and 16-ounce cans of carbonated, zero-sugar energy drinks. As reported by Food Bible, the caffeine in these drinks is sourced from green coffee beans and green tea.
ZOA energy drink, as AfroTech reported, contains electrolytes, amino acids, vitamins B and C, and natural caffeine. The company achieved $100 million in sales in 2022, marking a 138% year-over-year growth, per Benzinga.
