Starbucks faces a class-action lawsuit alleging that its "sugar-free" protein beverages contain significant amounts of naturally occurring sugar. The suit, filed in federal court in Washington state on Oct. 2, targets eight hot and iced protein drinks, including the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte. Plaintiffs claim these venti-sized servings contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar, arguing that no reasonable consumer would expect a drink labeled "sugar-free" to contain that amount.
Three consumers from California, New York, and Washington brought the suit, seeking a court order to stop Starbucks from using the "sugar-free" descriptor for products that contain sugar. The plaintiffs argue they paid a premium for these drinks based on the labeling. Danny Karon, an Ohio-based class-action attorney not involved in the case, told Fox News Digital that the legal challenge will be convincing a court and jury that consumers relied on the alleged misrepresentations when purchasing the beverages.
Starbucks disputes the allegations. A spokesperson told Fox News Digital that the company believes the claims have no merit and intends to defend itself vigorously. The company maintains that the sugar present in the beverages is derived from the protein-enriched milk base rather than added sweeteners, while flavoring comes from syrups designated as sugar-free. Starbucks states it has consistently provided nutritional content information through its menus, website, and app.
Dietitians note that while lactose in milk is a naturally occurring sugar and not considered "added sugar," the terms "sugar-free" and "no added sugar" carry distinct regulatory meanings. Under FDA regulations, a product labeled "sugar-free" generally must contain less than 0.5 gram of sugar per serving. In contrast, "no added sugar" means no sugars were added during processing, though the product may still contain naturally occurring sugars. Nicolette Pace, a New York-based registered dietitian, explained that these distinctions matter because naturally occurring sugars can still affect blood glucose levels.
Beyond the specific drinks cited in the lawsuit, experts warned that other Starbucks specialty beverages can contain high amounts of sugar. Dr. Michael Aziz, an internist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, noted that a venti Java Chip Frappuccino can contain nearly 80 grams of sugar, which is roughly 20 teaspoons. He compared this to standard 20-ounce bottles of regular soda, which typically contain 63 grams of sugar. Aziz and Pace also pointed to the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and seasonal items like the Peppermint Mocha and Pumpkin Spice Latte as drinks that can pack significant sugar depending on size and customization.
Pace emphasized that American Heart Association recommendations for limiting added sugar to about 25 grams per day for women and 36 grams for men do not apply to naturally occurring lactose. However, she suggested consumers keep orders simple and choose smaller sizes to manage intake. Aziz recommended opting for simple lattes or cappuccinos for those looking to reduce sugar consumption.