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Starbucks Protein Drinks Face "Sugar-Free" Label Lawsuit
8 Oct
Summary
- Lawsuit alleges Starbucks protein drinks misleadingly labeled "Sugar-Free".
- Drinks contain 13-21 grams of naturally occurring sugar from milk.
- Plaintiffs cite FDA regulations on "sugar-free" labeling requirements.
Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that eight of its protein beverages are misleadingly marketed as "Sugar-Free." Filed recently in the US District Court for the Western District of Washington, the lawsuit contends these drinks contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti serving, primarily from the milk used in their preparation.
The plaintiffs argue that Starbucks' use of "Sugar-Free" in product names violates federal regulations. They point to FDA guidelines stating a "sugar-free" claim is permissible only if a product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The complaint highlights that Starbucks also claims these products have "no added sugar," a distinction the plaintiffs deem insufficient for the "sugar-free" label.
Beyond the sugar content, the lawsuit also alleges Starbucks fails to provide a required calorie disclaimer for these beverages, which reportedly contain 270 to 340 calories per venti. Starbucks denies all allegations, asserting that they provide comprehensive nutritional information across various platforms and intend to defend their marketing practices vigorously. The lawsuit seeks damages and an injunction against Starbucks' current marketing of these protein drinks.
