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Starbucks sued over ‘sugar-free’ protein drink labeling
Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit in a Seattle federal court over the labeling of eight protein beverages. The lawsuit, filed by the law firm Hagens Berman on behalf of consumers in California, New York, and Washington, alleges that the company mislabeled products as ‘sugar-free’ when they actually contain significant amounts of sugar.
The plaintiffs claim that the drinks—which include various vanilla and caramel protein lattes and matcha beverages—contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-sized serving. The suit argues this violates federal regulations, which prohibit a ‘sugar-free’ label for beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving. The lawsuit contends that the sugar content stems from lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in the milk used for the protein-boosted drinks.
Starbucks has denied the allegations, stating that the claims ‘have no merit.’ A company spokesperson noted that Starbucks provides nutritional information, customization choices, and ingredient details across its website, app, and menus. The company maintains that it does not add sugar to these specific drinks and uses sugar-free syrups for flavoring.
Entities
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Eight protein beverages marketed as ‘sugar-free’ by Starbucks contain sugar levels ranging from 13 to 21 grams per serving. mymotherlode.com · vinnews.com · www.epochtimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The lawsuit alleges Starbucks violated federal labeling regulations and state consumer protection laws. mymotherlode.com · vinnews.com · www.epochtimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] A Starbucks spokesperson stated that the company believes the claims in the lawsuit have no merit. mymotherlode.com · vinnews.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Plaintiffs are seeking a permanent injunction to prevent Starbucks from using ‘sugar-free’ terminology unless the drinks contain no sugar. www.epochtimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] A federal lawsuit was filed in Seattle on behalf of three consumers from California, New York, and Washington. mymotherlode.com · vinnews.com · www.epochtimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Starbucks stated that the sugar content in the drinks originates from the protein-boosted milk used, rather than added sugar. mymotherlode.com · vinnews.com