Starbucks sued over sugar in protein drinks
Starbucks is facing a proposed class action lawsuit alleging the coffee chain falsely marketed eight protein beverages as sugar-free when they actually contain significant amounts of natural sugar from milk. The company disputes the claims and defends its labeling.
Insights:
Consumers sued Starbucks in the United States on October 2 over eight protein drinks falsely labeled as sugar-free containing 13 to 21 grams of sugar. The beverages, introduced in September 2025, contain lactose from protein-boosted milk despite using sugar-free syrup. Plaintiffs seek monetary damages for deceptive marketing, citing federal limits of 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
