Starbucks Sued Over 'Sugar-Free' Protein Drinks With Up to 21g of Sugar
Starbucks is facing a federal class action lawsuit accusing the coffee giant of mislabeling eight of its protein drinks as "sugar-free" when they actually contain as much as 21 grams of sugar.
The lawsuit was filed Friday, October 2, in U.S. District Court in Seattle by the law firm Hagens Berman on behalf of three customers from California, New York and Washington: Michael Walsh, Anne Legnini and Elna Potter.
What the Lawsuit Claims
According to the complaint, eight "Sugar-Free" drinks on the Starbucks protein menu contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar in a venti size. The drinks include hot and iced versions of the Sugar-Free Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Protein Matcha drinks.
A 16-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha contains 16 grams of sugar, more than the 11 grams in a single Reese's peanut butter cup, the lawsuit says. The 20-ounce version contains 21 grams, Global News reported. Even an Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte lists 9 grams of sugar.
Under Food and Drug Administration rules, a product labeled "sugar-free" must generally contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving.
The plaintiffs argue the labeling is "false, deceptive and unlawful." They say many customers specifically avoid sugar for health reasons, including managing diabetes, and rely on labels like "sugar-free" to make choices. The suit also claims Starbucks left out required FDA disclaimers about calorie content.
Where the Sugar Comes From
The sugar in the drinks comes from milk, which naturally contains a sugar called lactose. Milk is the main ingredient in most of the drinks named in the lawsuit, according to ClaimDepot.
Starbucks points to that as the explanation. The company says the sugar comes from the protein-boosted milk, not from added sugar in its syrups or flavorings.
"We believe these claims have no merit," a Starbucks spokesperson said. The company added that it clearly discloses nutrition information on its website, menu boards and app, and that it intends to "vigorously defend ourselves in this matter."
A Popular New Menu Under Fire
Starbucks launched its protein drinks in September 2025 as it tried to win back customers and compete with chains like Dutch Bros. Dutch Bros markets similar drinks as "Zero Sugar Added" rather than "sugar-free," ABC7 noted.
The drinks tapped into the growing interest in protein. Many Americans are trying to figure out how much protein they need each day, and coffee shops have rushed to add protein-packed options. Protein products have also drawn legal challenges, including a lawsuit against Costco over a protein powder that allegedly contains toxins.
The lawsuit adds to a tough stretch for the company, which recently announced it was closing 250 stores.
What the Plaintiffs Want
The case, Walsh v. Starbucks Corporation, brings claims under consumer protection laws in Washington, California and New York, along with breach of implied warranty and unjust enrichment.
The proposed class would include everyone in the U.S. who bought the drinks since they launched. The plaintiffs are seeking damages and a court order barring Starbucks from using the "sugar-free" label on drinks that contain sugar.
The case is in its early stages. No settlement has been reached, and there is no claims process for customers at this time. Hagens Berman, which is based in Seattle, is known for bringing large consumer class actions.
For people watching their daily sugar intake, the case is a reminder to check nutrition details rather than relying on a drink's name alone.
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