Starbucks September 2025 press launch picture.
Starbucks is dealing with a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that eight of its protein lattes and matchas are falsely marketed as “Sugar-Free” regardless of containing 13 to 21 grams of sugar per giant (“venti”) serving.
The criticism takes intention at sizzling and iced variations of Starbucks’ Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha and Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha. In keeping with the criticism, the drinks include milk, which incorporates lactose, a naturally occurring sugar.
“No cheap client would perceive a beverage named ‘Sugar-Free’ to include 13 to 21 grams of sugar per serving,” the criticism states.
In a written assertion, a Starbucks spokesperson advised DCN that the corporate believes the lawsuit’s claims have “no benefit” and that the corporate intends to “vigorously defend” itself within the matter.
Taking Purpose at Milk Sugar
The lawsuit, filed Oct. 2 within the U.S. District Courtroom for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, was introduced by shoppers Michael Walsh of California, Anne Legnini of New York and Elna Potter of Washington. The criticism names Seattle-based Starbucks as the only defendant and seeks a jury trial.
The best-sugar drink cited within the criticism is a venti Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, at 21 grams of sugar. The criticism describes that quantity as roughly 5 teaspoons of sugar and “nearly as a lot whole sugar as is contained in a regular Package Kat bar.”
The criticism doesn’t allege that Starbucks added desk sugar or sweetened syrups to the drinks. As a substitute, it argues that “sugar-free” and “no added sugar” are legally and virtually totally different claims. Starbucks’ personal protein beverage web page at the moment describes the lineup as together with “no-added-sugar choices made with sugar-free syrups.”
The lawsuit says Starbucks’ use of the time period “Sugar-Free” violates federal food-labeling guidelines as a result of the drinks include greater than 0.5 grams of sugar. The criticism additional argues that lactose is expressly included in federal laws defining whole sugars. It additionally alleges that Starbucks failed to supply a required calorie-related disclaimer accompanying the “Sugar-Free” declare.
Of their reply to DCN, a Starbucks spokesperson mentioned, “Starbucks has constantly and clearly supplied details about its protein drinks, sugar-free choices, customization decisions, and dietary content material throughout product bulletins, menus, advertising supplies, Starbucks.com and the Starbucks app.”
2025 Protein Latte Launch
Starbucks launched its protein beverage lineup in September 2025, saying the protein lattes and protein chilly foam choices had been designed to satisfy rising client demand for protein. The corporate mentioned its new drinks delivered as much as 36 grams of protein per grande, whereas its protein chilly foam added roughly 15 grams.
The lawsuit follows different latest client and competitor challenges over espresso labeling and advertising claims, with blended outcomes.
A proposed class motion accusing Starbucks of deceptive shoppers by means of “100% moral” sourcing claims and alleged undisclosed risky natural compounds in decaffeinated espresso stays energetic in federal courtroom in Washington, the place Starbucks has moved to dismiss.
In the meantime, two latest lawsuits difficult Dealer Joe’s “low acid” espresso labeling have been dismissed, together with a California client class motion dismissed with prejudice in September and a separate Puroast false-advertising case dismissed with prejudice days later.
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Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Day by day Espresso Information by Roast Journal.
