Starbucks faces a lawsuit alleging that their protein beverages labeled as “sugar-free” are misleading customers. The class-action lawsuit claims that eight of Starbucks’ protein drinks contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti-size serving due to the natural sugar in milk. The lawsuit accuses Starbucks of taking advantage of the protein trend and customer preferences.
The lawsuit, filed in a Seattle federal court, argues that by labeling these beverages as “Sugar-Free,” Starbucks is making false claims leading consumers to believe the drinks contain no sugar. However, the reality is that these drinks have significant sugar content, with some containing as much sugar as a standard Kit Kat bar.
While Starbucks refutes the lawsuit’s claims, stating that they have been transparent about the nutritional content of their beverages, the issue raises questions about the accuracy of labeling and consumer protection laws. In the United States, federal law prohibits using the term “sugar-free” for beverages with more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, even if the sugar is from milk. Similarly, in Canada, products labeled as sugar-free must contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
The lawsuit seeks damages for false advertising and violations of consumer protection laws, aiming to have the case certified as a class action lawsuit. It highlights the importance of accurate labeling, especially for consumers who avoid sugar for health reasons.