A recent lawsuit filed in a U.S. federal court accuses Starbucks of falsely promoting eight protein beverages as “sugar-free,” despite containing 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti serving due to natural sugar in milk. The lawsuit claims Starbucks exploited the protein trend and customers’ dietary preferences by misleadingly labeling the drinks. Starbucks refuted the allegations, emphasizing that they have always provided detailed information on their beverages. The lawsuit questions whether the drinks are truly sugar-free and if the labeling is misleading, impacting both the U.S. and Canadian markets.
The lawsuit highlights that the sugar content in these beverages originates from lactose in milk, despite Starbucks marketing them as sugar-free. Consumer protection laws in the U.S. and Canada define “sugar-free” based on specific sugar content criteria, which the lawsuit argues Starbucks violated. The complaint seeks damages for false advertising and a class-action status. The lawsuit underscores the significance of accurate labeling for consumers, especially those with health concerns such as diabetes.
