Ancient Nutrition Lawsuit in 2026: The Protein Claim Case, Prop 65 Settlements, and What’s Left
Quick Answer
- The main Ancient Nutrition lawsuit alleges the company overstated protein content in its Bone Broth Protein powders.
- A separate California Prop 65 case settled for $50,000 in 2024 over lead exposure warnings; another settled for $21,000 in 2025.
- No class settlement fund exists yet, and no claims process is open for the protein case.
The Facts
| Lead Class Case | Dunn, et al. v. Ancient Brands, LLC |
|---|---|
| Court | U.S. District Court, Northern District of New York |
| Case Number | 5:21-cv-00390-LEK-ML |
| Status | Active; amended complaint survived dismissal May 2024 |
| Core Allegation | “20g Protein” front-label claim misleading because protein is largely indigestible collagen |
| Settlement Fund | Not yet confirmed |
| Est. Per Person | Not yet determined |
| Claim Deadline | TBD; no claims process open |
| Prop 65 Settlements | $50,000 (2024); $21,000 (2025) |
| Administrator | Not yet appointed |
Is the Ancient Nutrition Lawsuit Real?
Yes, the Ancient Nutrition lawsuit is real, and it’s a class action, not a random threat. The primary case is Dunn v. Ancient Brands, LLC, filed in the Northern District of New York in 2021 .
The plaintiffs are consumers who bought Ancient Nutrition’s Bone Broth Protein products. They allege the company misled them by advertising “20g Protein” on the front label when the protein is mostly collagen, which has a Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score (PDCAAS) of zero .
In plain terms: your body can’t use collagen the way it uses complete protein from eggs or meat. The “20 grams” on the label technically exists in the powder, but most of it passes through you undigested.
The case has been litigated hard. Ancient Brands won a judgment on the pleadings in September 2023. The plaintiffs amended their complaint and survived a second dismissal motion in May 2024 . That means the case is now in discovery or approaching it, but far from a settlement.
How Much Is the Ancient Nutrition Lawsuit Settlement?
Not yet determined. There is no settlement fund, no agreed payout amount, and no claims process for the Dunn case as of October 3, 2026.
The only verified money changing hands in Ancient Nutrition litigation comes from California Proposition 65 actions, which are unrelated to the protein claims. Those are warning-label cases, not consumer refund cases.
| Case | Year | Total Payment |
|---|---|---|
| Calsafe Research Center v. Ancient Brands | 2025 | $21,000 |
| EHA v. Ancient Brands (Prop 65) | 2024 | $50,000 |
Those settlements resolved claims that Ancient Nutrition products exposed consumers to lead without a Prop 65 warning. The company agreed to reformulate or add warnings. No money went to consumers as a class .
Any future settlement in the Dunn case would likely follow a typical supplement class action structure: a modest per-person payout, with higher amounts for people who have receipts. But that’s speculation until a deal is filed.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The only verified Ancient Nutrition settlements are small Prop 65 warning cases, not consumer refunds, and the main protein lawsuit has no fund or claims process yet.
Who May Qualify for a Future Ancient Nutrition Settlement?
You may qualify for a future settlement if you purchased Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein products during the class period, which the court will define if a settlement is reached. The proposed class in the original complaint covered consumers in New York and California, but a settlement class could be broader .
Based on the allegations, qualifying products would include Bone Broth Protein powders, likely in multiple flavors and sizes. The complaint specifically mentions products purchased at GNC, and the company sells through Amazon, Target, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Walmart .
To be ready if a settlement happens, preserve:
- Order confirmation emails from Ancient Nutrition’s website
- Amazon order history showing Bone Broth Protein purchases
- Receipts from GNC, Target, or other retailers
- Bank or credit card statements showing the purchase
Reality Check: No one calls you out of the blue and offers settlement money without paperwork. If someone promises a fast payout for an upfront fee, it’s a scam. Class action claims are always free to file.
What Is the “20g Protein” Claim About?
The “20g Protein” claim is the heart of the lawsuit. Ancient Nutrition advertised its Bone Broth Protein as containing 20 grams of protein per serving, but the plaintiffs say that number is misleading .
The science matters here. Protein quality is measured by PDCAAS, which accounts for how digestible the protein is. Collagen scores a zero on that scale because it lacks essential amino acids your body needs .
The plaintiffs don’t claim there’s zero protein in the powder. They claim the protein that’s there is largely indigestible, so the “20g” figure overstates the nutritional value a consumer actually gets .
Ancient Nutrition argued the claims were preempted by federal law and that the plaintiffs didn’t rely on the label. The court rejected both arguments in May 2024, finding the amended complaint sufficiently alleged reliance and avoided preemption . That’s a meaningful win for the plaintiffs, but it only means the case continues.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: The lawsuit hinges on whether “20g Protein” is misleading when most of that protein is indigestible collagen, and a federal judge has allowed that claim to proceed.
What Other Lawsuits Has Ancient Nutrition Faced?
Ancient Nutrition has faced a steady stream of litigation beyond the protein case. These cases show a pattern of consumer and regulatory challenges to the company’s marketing.
Brain Boost case. A consumer sued in 2023 alleging the company falsely claimed its Brain Boost supplement was “Clinically Studied” and “Clinically Proven” to improve cognitive function. The complaint cited NIH findings that key ingredients like ginkgo biloba and bacopa had no significant effect on memory .
Vital Proteins counterclaims. In a separate dispute, Ancient Nutrition filed counterclaims against Vital Proteins, alleging false advertising in the collagen market. The court stayed discovery on those counterclaims pending a motion to dismiss, calling the discovery requests “sweeping” and “burdensome” .
University patent case. The University of South Florida Board of Trustees and Axcess Global Sciences sued Ancient Brands for patent infringement in 2023 .
Prop 65 cases. The California Attorney General’s office records multiple 60-day notices against Ancient Brands for lead and cadmium in plant protein products, leading to the 2024 and 2025 settlements .
How Does the Prop 65 Settlement Affect Consumers?
The Prop 65 settlement does not pay consumers. It requires Ancient Nutrition to reformulate products or add cancer and reproductive harm warnings, and it pays civil penalties and attorneys’ fees .
If you bought a product that lacked a required Prop 65 warning, you don’t get a check from that settlement. Prop 65 is a warning statute, not a compensation statute. The penalties go to the state and to the noticing party.
That said, the Prop 65 cases are worth tracking because they’re evidence of the company’s pattern of regulatory issues. They also show that plaintiffs’ firms are actively scrutinizing Ancient Nutrition’s products.
How to Check the Status of the Ancient Nutrition Lawsuit
You can monitor the Dunn case through the PACER system, the federal courts’ online docket. Here are the steps:
- Go to PACER and create an account. You’ll need a credit card for the per-page fee.
- Search by case number: 5:21-cv-00390-LEK-ML in the Northern District of New York .
- Download the docket sheet. This shows every filing and scheduled hearing.
- Watch for a motion for preliminary approval. That’s the filing that would create a settlement class, a fund, and a claims process.
- Check the official settlement website once it exists. The administrator will post the claim form and deadline there.
- Do not pay anyone to monitor the case for you. The docket is public and the information is free.
For Prop 65 actions, check the California Attorney General’s Prop 65 database for new 60-day notices or settlements .
What Happens Next in the Ancient Nutrition Lawsuit?
Here is the expected sequence for the Dunn case:
2026: Discovery continues. The plaintiffs will seek documents about Ancient Nutrition’s protein testing, marketing claims, and consumer complaints.
Expected 2027: Class certification briefing. The plaintiffs will ask the court to certify a nationwide or multi-state class.
TBD: Summary judgment motions. Either side could seek to end the case before trial.
TBD: Trial or settlement. Most class actions settle before trial, but there’s no guarantee.
No date set: Preliminary approval of a settlement. This is the trigger event for a claims process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Ancient Nutrition lawsuit a class action?
Yes. Dunn v. Ancient Brands is a proposed class action filed in the Northern District of New York on behalf of consumers who bought Bone Broth Protein products .
How much will I get from the Ancient Nutrition settlement?
Not yet determined. No settlement has been reached, so there is no fund, no payout amount, and no claim deadline.
What products are covered by the lawsuit?
The lawsuit focuses on Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein powders, which were advertised as containing “20g Protein” per serving .
Did Ancient Nutrition settle the Prop 65 case?
Yes. Ancient Nutrition paid $21,000 in a 2025 Prop 65 settlement and $50,000 in a 2024 settlement. Those are warning-label cases, not consumer refunds .
Is the “20g Protein” claim false?
That’s what the lawsuit alleges. The plaintiffs say the protein is largely indigestible collagen, so the “20g” figure is misleading. The court has allowed that claim to proceed .
Can I still file a claim in the Ancient Nutrition lawsuit?
No. There is no claims process open. A claims process only starts after a court grants preliminary approval of a settlement.
How do I know if I qualify for a future settlement?
You may qualify if you purchased Bone Broth Protein products during the class period, which has not been defined yet. Save your receipts and order confirmations.
Who is the settlement administrator for Ancient Nutrition?
Not yet appointed. No settlement has been reached, so no administrator has been named.
Your Next Step
If you bought Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein, dig up your receipts now. Order confirmations, bank statements, and Amazon order history are the documents that matter if a settlement ever happens.
Then watch the docket. The trigger you’re waiting for is a motion for preliminary approval of a settlement. Until that’s filed, there’s nothing to claim and no money to collect. The case is active, but it’s still a fight, not a payout.
