Starbucks is facing a class-action lawsuit in the U.S. alleging that the coffee chain falsely marketed eight protein drinks as “sugar-free” when they actually contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti serving due to the naturally occurring sugar in milk. The lawsuit claims Starbucks aimed to profit from the protein trend and customer preferences.
The lawsuit, filed in a Seattle federal court, accuses Starbucks of misleading consumers by labeling these beverages as “Sugar-Free,” despite the significant sugar content. For instance, a venti Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha contains about 21 grams of sugar, almost equivalent to a standard Kit Kat bar.
Starbucks refuted the claims, stating they have provided clear information on their beverages’ nutritional content and customization options. The company plans to defend itself vigorously against the allegations.
The controversy raises questions about the accuracy of the “sugar-free” labeling and whether it applies to drinks in Canada as well. The lawsuit lists eight beverages, including sugar-free vanilla and caramel protein lattes and matchas, marketed as sugar-free on both U.S. and Starbucks Canada websites.
Despite the drinks containing milk’s naturally occurring lactose, Starbucks continues to label them as “Sugar-Free,” leading to consumer confusion. U.S. federal law restricts the use of “sugar-free” for beverages with more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, while Canadian regulations mandate less than 0.5 grams of sugars for a product to be labeled as sugar-free.
The lawsuit seeks damages for false advertising and violations of consumer protection laws, aiming to represent consumers who purchased these drinks in California, New York, and Washington. This legal action underscores the importance of clear and accurate food labeling to meet consumer expectations and regulatory standards.