Starbucks lineup of protein lattes and protein cold foam drinks, including matcha, cold brew, and iced and hot lattes.
Image credit: Starbucks
Starbucks is facing a proposed class action from customers who say eight protein drinks with "sugar-free" in their names contain as much as 21 grams of sugar, according to Reuters. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in Seattle.
Starbucks's U.S. menu lists a 20-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha at 21 grams of sugar. Across all eight drinks, the complaint puts the range at 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti, Starbucks's 20- or 24-ounce size.
The sugar in question is lactose, a natural sugar in milk, and the proposed class action argues that no reasonable customer would expect that much in a drink with "sugar-free" in its name. Three customers who bought the drinks in California, New York, and Washington are named in the suit.
Starbucks says the claims have no merit. The company says it doesn't add sugar to the drinks, flavors them with sugar-free syrup, and the sugar content is from the protein-boosted milk it uses. A spokesperson said Starbucks has clearly provided nutrition information across its menus, website, and app, and intends to vigorously defend itself. The Starbucks product page for a grande Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha shows 0 grams of added sugar and 16 grams of total sugar.
Under FDA guidance, a "sugar free" claim is allowed only on food with less than 0.5 grams of sugars per serving. Food that isn't low in calories must also carry a disclaimer such as "not a low calorie food." The complaint says the drinks exceed the sugar limit and lack that disclaimer.
The plaintiffs want unspecified damages and a court order barring Starbucks from using "sugar-free" on drinks that contain sugar.
If you're cutting sugar for a medical reason such as diabetes or weight loss, check the total sugar line for your exact drink and size in the Starbucks app or on its website.
