A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Starbucks, alleging that some of the company's "sugar-free" protein drinks contain nearly as much sugar as a candy bar. The lawsuit, which was filed on October 2 in federal court in Washington state, targets eight hot and iced protein beverages, including the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte and the Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte.
According to the lawsuit, these beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar in a venti-sized serving, which the plaintiffs argue is not consistent with the "sugar-free" label. The lawsuit was brought by three consumers who purchased the drinks in California, New York, and Washington, and it asks the court to stop Starbucks from using "sugar-free" to describe products that contain sugar.
Starbucks is disputing the allegations, stating that the sugar in the drinks comes naturally from protein-boosted milk rather than added sugar. The company uses sugar-free syrups for flavoring, and says it has consistently provided information about the nutritional content of its protein beverages.
Registered dietitians and experts have weighed in on the issue, noting that "sugar-free" does not necessarily mean a product contains zero sugar. Under FDA regulations, products labeled "sugar-free" generally must contain less than 0.5 gram of sugar per serving. Naturally occurring sugars, such as lactose in milk, can still affect blood glucose levels and are not the same as added sugar.
The lawsuit highlights the importance of considering nutrition information and serving size when making food and beverage choices. Experts recommend choosing smaller sizes and keeping orders simple to reduce sugar intake.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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