Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit from consumers who accuse the coffee chain of falsely advertising eight protein beverages as “sugar-free” even though they allegedly contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar.
Filed Oct. 2 in federal court in Seattle, the lawsuit alleges the drinks contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk. The plaintiffs argue consumers would not reasonably expect beverages with “sugar-free” in their names to contain that much sugar.
Federal regulations cited in the complaint prohibit using “sugar-free” on beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs also allege Starbucks failed to provide required disclaimers stating the drinks are not low-calorie foods or intended for weight control.
Starbucks disputes the allegations and said it intends to defend itself. “We believe these claims have no merit,” the company told Reuters. Starbucks said it has consistently provided information about the beverages, including their nutritional content, through its menus, marketing materials, website and app.
USA TODAY contacted Starbucks and the plaintiffs’ attorneys on Oct. 6 for additional comment but did not receive an immediate response.
Which Drinks Are Named in the Lawsuit?
The lawsuit names eight beverages in Starbucks’ protein line:
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte
- Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha
- Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha
- Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte
- Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte
- Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha
- Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha
Starbucks introduced the protein beverages in September 2025 as part of its “Back to Starbucks” updated menu.
How Much Sugar Do the Drinks Contain?
The lawsuit alleges the beverages contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce venti serving. Starbucks’ website lists 16 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha and 21 grams in a 20-ounce version. The product is described as having “No Added Sugar.”
Starbucks said the sugar comes from the protein-boosted milk used in the drinks. The company said it does not add sugar to the beverages and uses sugar-free syrup for flavoring.
What Is the Lawsuit Seeking?
The lawsuit alleges Starbucks’ use of “sugar-free” could mislead consumers trying to reduce their sugar intake. It seeks monetary damages for consumers who bought the beverages and alleges Starbucks violated state laws protecting customers from false or misleading advertising. The plaintiffs also want Starbucks to stop calling the drinks “sugar-free” if they contain sugar.
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