Starbucks Sued for Misleading Sugar-Free Claims in Protein Drinks

Starbucks is currently dealing with a class-action lawsuit concerning its ‘sugar-free’ protein drinks, with customers claiming these beverages can have sugar levels comparable to candy bars. Filed on October 2 in federal court in Washington state, the lawsuit points to eight different Starbucks protein drinks, including Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte, stating they contain between 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti serving.

The plaintiffs, three consumers from California, New York, and Washington, argue that most consumers wouldn’t expect a product labeled as ‘sugar-free’ to have any sugar or that amount. Starbucks contests these claims, maintaining that the sugar derives naturally from protein-enriched milk rather than added sugars, and emphasizes that they provide transparent nutritional information through various platforms.