Starbucks Sued Over "Sugar-Free" Protein Drink Labeling
A proposed class-action lawsuit alleges Starbucks misled consumers by marketing eight protein beverages as "sugar-free" while they contain natural sugars from milk.
Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit that claims the company misleadingly labels eight of its protein beverages as “Sugar-Free.” The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, asserts that these drinks contain naturally occurring sugar from milk, with amounts ranging from 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti serving.
The plaintiffs contend that the product names violate federal regulations governing “sugar-free” labeling. While Starbucks acknowledges the presence of sugar in its nutritional information, the lawsuit argues that using “Sugar-Free” in the product names is deceptive. The complaint states, "This case is about false and misleading product names. It is not about missing nutritional information."
According to the lawsuit, the sugar in question is lactose, a natural component of the milk used in the beverages. The complaint cites Starbucks’ own nutrition data, which indicates that a venti Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha contains 21 grams of sugar, and a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha contains 20 grams.
Starbucks disputes the allegations, with a spokesperson stating, “We believe these claims have no merit.” The company added, “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.”
The plaintiffs argue that Starbucks’ distinction between total sugar and “no added sugar” does not meet federal standards for a “sugar-free” claim. They cite Food and Drug Administration regulations, which they interpret as permitting a “sugar-free” claim only if a product contains less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. The lawsuit also alleges that Starbucks fails to provide a required calorie disclaimer for these beverages, which contain approximately 270 to 340 calories per venti serving.
The lawsuit was brought by consumers Michael Walsh of California, Anne Legnini of New York, and Elna Potter of Washington. They seek to represent a nationwide class of customers who purchased these drinks, or alternatively, separate classes of consumers in California, New York, and Washington. The eight beverages at the center of the suit are hot and iced Sugar-Free Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Protein Matchas, launched by Starbucks in September 2025.