Starbucks sued over 'sugar-free' claims for protein beverages

A proposed class action lawsuit has been filed against Starbucks, with consumers alleging the company falsely advertised eight of its protein beverages as sugar-free. The lawsuit claims that reasonable consumers would not expect these beverages to contain between 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20 or 24-ounce venti serving. Federal law prohibits Starbucks from using the "sugar-free" label on beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, according to the complaint.

The plaintiffs argue that Starbucks is exploiting the desire of 75 percent of Americans to reduce or eliminate sugar in their diets. They also assert that Starbucks failed to provide the required federal disclaimers stating that the protein beverages are not low-calorie food or intended for weight control. A Starbucks spokesperson dismissed the allegations, stating that the company's claims have no merit and that they have consistently and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, including sugar-free options, customization choices, and nutritional content on product announcements, menus, and marketing materials.