Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that the company misleadingly markets eight protein beverages as "Sugar-Free" despite containing naturally occurring sugar from milk. The lawsuit was filed on Friday in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington and claims that the drinks contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti serving.
The plaintiffs argue that the product names violate federal regulations regarding "sugar-free" labeling claims. A Starbucks spokesperson stated, "We believe these claims have no merit," and emphasized that the company has consistently provided clear information about its protein beverages, sugar-free options, and nutritional content across various platforms.
The lawsuit highlights the distinction between total sugar and added sugar, with plaintiffs acknowledging that Starbucks provides nutritional information indicating the presence of sugar. However, they assert that using "Sugar-Free" in the product names is misleading. The sugar in question is lactose, which is naturally present in the milk used in the beverages.
According to the complaint, a venti Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha contains 21 grams of sugar, while a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha contains 20 grams. The lawsuit includes screenshots of Starbucks' ordering pages showing these sugar amounts alongside the "Sugar-Free" labels.
Starbucks has differentiated between total sugar and added sugar in its product descriptions, stating that the beverages contain "no added sugar" while incorporating "Sugar-Free" into their names. The plaintiffs argue that this distinction does not meet federal requirements for a "sugar-free" claim.
The complaint cites Food and Drug Administration regulations that allow a "sugar-free" claim only when a food or beverage contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The plaintiffs contend that Starbucks' drinks exceed this threshold due to the lactose content.
Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that Starbucks fails to provide a calorie disclaimer required under FDA regulations when a "sugar-free" claim is made on a product that is not labeled as low or reduced calorie. The eight beverages in question contain approximately 270 to 340 calories per venti serving.
The allegations have not been resolved in court, and Starbucks denies any wrongdoing. The lawsuit was initiated by consumers Michael Walsh of California, Anne Legnini of New York, and Elna Potter of Washington, who seek to represent a nationwide class of customers or separate classes in California, New York, and Washington.
The eight beverages involved include hot and iced Sugar-Free Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Protein Matchas, which Starbucks launched in September 2025 to meet increasing consumer demand for protein-enhanced drinks. The plaintiffs are pursuing claims under consumer protection and false advertising laws in Washington, California, and New York, along with claims for breach of implied warranty and unjust enrichment. They are seeking damages, restitution, and an order preventing Starbucks from marketing beverages as "Sugar-Free" unless they comply with the applicable requirements.