AI Brief
- Starbucks faces a lawsuit alleging false advertising of eight protein beverages as "sugar-free" despite containing lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk.
- The complaint claims the beverages contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti serving, exceeding federal limits for "sugar-free" labeling.
- Consumers seek damages, alleging Starbucks failed to provide required disclaimers and aimed to attract those reducing sugar intake.
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STARBUCKS has been sued by consumers who said the coffee chain falsely advertised eight protein beverages as "sugar-free" because they contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk.
- According to a proposed class action filed on Friday, reasonable consumers would not expect the beverages to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce "venti" serving.
- Federal law prohibits Starbucks from using "sugar-free" to describe beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, the complaint said.
- Consumers accused Starbucks of trying to capitalize on the desire of 75% of Americans to reduce or eliminate sugar consumption. They also said Starbucks failed to provide federally required disclaimers that the protein beverages are not low-calorie food or meant for weight control.
- Starbucks, based in Seattle, had no immediate comment on Monday. A lawyer for the consumers did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The complaint in Seattle federal court seeks unspecified damages for false advertising and violations of various state consumer protection laws.
- Food producers are regularly sued for alleged false advertising, including in dozens of recent cases challenging "sugar-free" or "zero sugar" claims for products containing a sugar substitute known as allulose.
- The eight Starbucks beverages are Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, and equivalent versions containing ice.
- The Starbucks website says the beverages are "protein-packed" with "no added sugar," and venti servings contain between 270 and 340 calories. The company launched the beverages in September 2025 as part of its "Back to Starbucks" updated menu.
Quick Facts – Powered by AI
- Q: Why has Starbucks been sued over its protein beverages?
A: Starbucks has been sued by consumers who allege that the company falsely advertised eight protein beverages as "sugar-free" even though they contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk. - Q: What does the lawsuit claim about the sugar content in Starbucks' protein beverages?
A: The lawsuit claims that the beverages contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce "venti" serving, which consumers would not expect in products labeled as "sugar-free." - Q: What federal law is cited in the complaint regarding "sugar-free" labeling?
A: The complaint states that federal law prohibits using "sugar-free" to describe beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving. - Q: Which Starbucks beverages are mentioned in the lawsuit?
A: The beverages include Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, and their iced versions. - Q: What information does Starbucks provide about these beverages on its website?
A: Starbucks' website states that the beverages are "protein-packed" with "no added sugar," and that venti servings contain between 270 and 340 calories.
