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Dunkin' Lawsuit: Zero Sugar Drinks Contain Sugar?
8 Oct
Summary
- Woman sues Dunkin' over energy drinks marketed as zero sugar.
- Lawsuit claims allulose sweetener used in drinks is a form of sugar.
- Consumers may have been misled about sugar content in beverages.
A proposed class-action lawsuit was filed against Dunkin' on September 30th, 2026, in US District Court in Massachusetts. The suit alleges that the company's zero-sugar energy drinks contain sugar in the form of allulose, a sweetener approved by the FDA. Plaintiff Phyllis Wells claims she and other consumers were misled by marketing that advertised the beverages as containing "zero sugar."
Allulose is described as a naturally occurring sugar that doesn't affect blood-sugar levels like traditional sugar. However, due to its molecular structure as a sugar, the FDA requires it to be listed under "Total Carbohydrates." Dunkin' lists total carbohydrates from 6 to 12 grams in these drinks while claiming 0 grams of sugar.
The lawsuit notes that Dunkin' Zero energy drinks have been sold at approximately 10,000 locations nationwide since March 4th, 2026. Wells states she purchased these drinks regularly, relying on their "zero sugar" labeling, and would not have bought them if she knew they contained sugar. The suit seeks damages and a jury trial.
