A question arises when ordering a drink labeled “sugar-free” at Starbucks, as a U.S. class-action lawsuit alleges that eight protein beverages falsely marketed as “sugar-free” actually contain significant amounts of sugar. The lawsuit, filed in a Seattle federal court, claims that these beverages, such as the Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-size serving due to the natural sugars in milk.
Starbucks is accused of misleading consumers by exploiting the protein trend and nutritional preferences. The lawsuit highlights that the sugar content in these beverages is comparable to that found in popular confectionery items like Kit Kat bars. Starbucks has refuted these claims, asserting that they have been transparent about the nutritional content and options available in their protein beverages.
The lawsuit lists eight drinks, including Sugar-free Vanilla Protein Latte and Iced Sugar-free Caramel Protein Matcha, all marketed as sugar-free on both U.S. and Starbucks Canada websites. Despite the presence of naturally occurring sugars in milk, Starbucks continues to promote these beverages as sugar-free, contrary to U.S. and Canadian regulations on sugar-free labeling criteria.
The legal action seeks damages for misleading advertising and violation of consumer protection laws, aiming to represent consumers who purchased these beverages in California, New York, and Washington. The lawsuit emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling, especially for individuals avoiding sugar for health reasons like diabetes.