Starbucks Sugar-Free Lawsuit
Starbucks faces a proposed class-action lawsuit over marketing sugar-free protein drinks with lactose sugar.
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Key Points
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The complaint cites federal rules that prohibit labeling a drink “sugar-free” if it contains more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.
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One California plaintiff said she bought a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte believing it had no sugar and did not see its sugar content before completing the purchase.
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The lawsuit names four drinks—the Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Vanilla and Caramel Protein Matchas—along with hot and iced versions of each.
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Starbucks’ protein drinks contain 270 to 340 calories per venti serving, according to the complaint.
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A 20-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha listed 21 grams of sugar on Starbucks’ website—nearly twice the 11 grams in a Reese’s peanut butter cup, according to the article.
Three consumers are suing Starbucks over eight protein drinks labeled
Starbucks says the lawsuit has no merit. The company argues it does not add sugar to these drinks and uses sugar-free flavor syrups. Starbucks also says it provides full nutrition information to customers. The company plans to defend itself against the claims. Newsday reported that Starbucks disclosed the sugar content on its website.
The 'Sugar-Free' Label Violates Federal Rules
Federal law says a drink cannot be labeled
The lawsuit targets four drinks sold in hot and iced versions: the Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Vanilla and Caramel Protein Matchas. One California plaintiff said she bought a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte thinking it had zero sugar. She did not see the sugar content before paying for it.
Sugar Content Nearly Doubles a Candy Bar
A 20-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha from Starbucks lists 21 grams of sugar on the company's website. That is almost twice the 11 grams found in a Reese's peanut butter cup. The venti servings of these drinks contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar total.
The sugar comes from lactose in the protein milk used in the drinks. Starbucks uses sugar-free flavor syrups, but the milk itself contains natural sugars. The complaint says Starbucks also left out required calorie-related disclaimers on its labels and in advertising.
What the Plaintiffs Are Asking For
The class-action lawsuit seeks money damages and restitution for all buyers of these eight drinks. The plaintiffs also want Starbucks to change how it labels and advertises these protein beverages going forward. They argue the current labeling misleads shoppers about the true sugar content.
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