Starbucks sued over sugar-free protein drinks containing up to 21g sugar

Key Points:

• Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that some of its "sugar-free" protein drinks contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti serving, which plaintiffs argue is misleading to consumers.
• The lawsuit targets eight Starbucks protein beverages and claims that "no reasonable consumer" would expect drinks labeled "sugar-free" to contain such amounts of sugar, seeking to stop Starbucks from using the term "sugar-free" for these products.
• Starbucks disputes the allegations, stating the sugar comes naturally from protein-boosted milk and that sugar-free syrups are used for flavoring, emphasizing transparency in nutritional information across its platforms.
• Experts note that "sugar-free" under FDA rules generally means less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving, and naturally occurring sugars like lactose in milk are not counted as added sugar, but consumers should be aware of total carbohydrate content.
• Nutritionists warn that many Starbucks specialty drinks can contain high sugar levels, sometimes exceeding daily recommended limits, and advise consumers to consider serving sizes and simpler options to reduce sugar intake.