A recent lawsuit alleges that Starbucks falsely marketed eight protein beverages as “sugar-free,” despite containing between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-size serving due to the natural sugar in milk. The lawsuit, filed in a Seattle federal court, accuses Starbucks of capitalizing on consumer nutritional preferences.
Starbucks refuted the claims, stating that they have provided clear information on their beverages’ nutritional content and customization options. The lawsuit questions whether the labeling of these drinks is misleading and applies to both U.S. and Canadian markets.
The disputed drinks include sugar-free vanilla and caramel protein lattes and matchas, available on Starbucks’ websites under the “protein beverages” section. While these beverages are labeled as “sugar-free,” each contains substantial amounts of sugar, as highlighted in the lawsuit.
The issue lies in Starbucks’ labeling of these products as “sugar-free” despite the naturally occurring sugar in milk. U.S. federal law restricts the use of “sugar-free” for beverages with over 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, similar to Canadian regulations.
The lawsuit seeks damages for false advertising and violations of consumer protection laws. It emphasizes the importance of accurate labeling for consumers, particularly those avoiding sugar for health reasons. The case aims to ensure transparency and accountability in product labeling practices.