Consumers in California, New York and Washington have joined a federal lawsuit alleging that Starbucks mislabels several of its protein drinks as “sugar‑free” despite the beverages containing measurable amounts of sugar. The suit, filed late Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, was brought by the law firm Hagens Berman on behalf of three individual purchasers.
Details of the alleged mislabeling
According to the complaint, eight Starbucks protein beverages listed on the company’s U.S. website as sugar‑free actually contain between 9 and 21 grams of sugar per serving. For example, the 16‑ounce Sugar‑Free Caramel Protein Matcha is shown with 16 grams of sugar, while the 20‑ounce version lists 21 grams. By contrast, a single Reese’s peanut butter cup contains 11 grams of sugar, underscoring the discrepancy.
Starbucks says the sugar present in the drinks comes from the protein‑boosted milk used in the recipes, not from added sweeteners. The company also notes that it uses sugar‑free syrups for flavoring and that each product’s nutrition facts panel clearly discloses the total sugar content.
Company response
In a statement released Monday, a Starbucks spokesperson rejected the allegations, asserting that the chain has consistently provided clear information about its protein beverages, sugar‑free options, customization choices and nutritional content across menus, the website and the mobile app. “We intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter,” the spokesperson added.
Background on Starbucks’ protein line
Starbucks introduced its protein drink lineup in September 2025 to meet growing consumer demand for functional beverages. The move was intended to keep pace with competitors such as Dutch Bros, which launched its own protein‑enhanced coffee drinks in 2024. Dutch Bros offers a lower‑sugar version of its caramel‑flavored Hopscotch Protein Latte, advertised as the Hopscotch Zero Sugar Added Protein Latte, which contains 7 grams of sugar in a 16‑ounce serving.
By comparison, Starbucks’ 16‑ounce Sugar‑Free Caramel Protein Latte lists 9 grams of sugar and 29 grams of protein, while the same size at Dutch Bros provides 7 grams of sugar and 11 grams of protein.
Legal claims and requested relief
The plaintiffs argue that Starbucks’ labeling of the drinks as “sugar‑free” is false, deceptive and unlawful under federal labeling regulations. The complaint seeks monetary damages on behalf of U.S. consumers who purchased the beverages and asks the court to order Starbucks to cease using the “sugar‑free” label on products that contain sugar.
Implications for consumers and the industry
If the court rules in favor of the plaintiffs, Starbucks may be required to relabel its protein drinks or adjust its formulations to meet the sugar‑free claim. The case also highlights broader consumer concerns about transparency in food and beverage labeling, an issue that has drawn attention from nutrition advocates and regulatory agencies alike.
For now, Starbucks maintains that its labeling complies with applicable regulations and that the nutritional information provided to customers is accurate. The lawsuit is expected to proceed through the federal court system, with both sides preparing for discovery and potential settlement discussions.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
