Overview
- A proposed federal class action filed Monday in Seattle accuses Starbucks of falsely marketing eight protein beverages as “sugar-free” even though venti servings contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar.
- The complaint cites federal labeling rules that bar the term “sugar‑free” when a product exceeds 0.5 grams of sugar per 12‑ounce serving and argues Starbucks’ names and menu labels mislead reasonable consumers.
- Hagens Berman filed the suit on behalf of three customers from California, New York and Washington and seeks unspecified damages plus an injunction to bar the 'sugar‑free' label on the named drinks.
- Starbucks says the sugar is naturally occurring lactose from its protein‑boosted milk, that no sugar is added and that nutrition information and customization options are clearly provided, and it plans to vigorously defend the claims.
- The case fits a broader trend of lawsuits over sugar and labeling language in the food and drink industry and could prompt scrutiny of how companies use terms like 'sugar‑free' and 'no added sugar' on menus and marketing.