Starbucks Faces Lawsuit Over 'Sugar-Free' Protein Drinks
A consumer lawsuit filed in Seattle alleges that eight Starbucks protein beverages contain sugar despite being labeled as sugar-free.
Starbucks is facing a consumer lawsuit alleging that eight of its protein beverages sold in the U.S. are mislabeled as “sugar-free” and may contain more sugar than a Reese’s peanut butter cup. The lawsuit, filed late Friday in Seattle, contends that the drinks violate federal labeling regulations and are deceptive.
On Monday, the menu on Starbucks' U.S. website listed a 16-ounce (0.5-liter) Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha with 16 grams of sugar and a 20-ounce (0.6-liter) version of the same drink with 21 grams of sugar. A single Reese’s cup contains 11 grams of sugar.
The suit was filed on behalf of three individuals in California, New York, and Washington by the law firm Hagens Berman, which specializes in class action cases. The plaintiffs argue that Starbucks’ naming and marketing of these products are false and unlawful, as consumers avoid sugar for various health reasons, including diabetes management.
Starbucks stated that the sugar in its protein drinks originates from the protein-boosted milk used, not from added sugar or flavored syrups. A spokesperson for the company asserted that Starbucks has been transparent about the nutritional content of its protein beverages through various channels, including its website and app. "We believe these claims have no merit," the spokesperson said Monday. "Starbucks has consistently and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, sugar-free options, customization choices and nutritional content across product announcements, menus, marketing materials, Starbucks.com and the Starbucks app, and we intend to vigorously defend ourselves in this matter."
Starbucks introduced its protein drinks in September 2025 to cater to consumer demand for functional beverages and compete with rivals like Dutch Bros, which launched similar drinks in 2024. Dutch Bros advertises its lower-sugar protein latte as the Hopscotch Zero Sugar Added Protein Latte, with a 16-ounce iced version containing 7 grams of sugar and 11 grams of protein. In comparison, a 16-ounce iced Starbucks Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte contains 9 grams of sugar and 29 grams of protein.
The lawsuit seeks damages for U.S. consumers who purchased the drinks and requests that Starbucks be ordered to cease using the “sugar-free” label on products containing sugar.