Starbucks is facing a class-action lawsuit from consumers claiming that protein drinks sold as Starbucks sugar free lawsuit actually contain sugar, according to reports.
According to a Wall Street Journal (WSJ) report, three consumers recently filed a class-action lawsuit against Starbucks in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. They argued that Starbucks misled consumers by labeling eight protein drinks as “sugar-free” when they contain lactose, a sugar naturally found in milk.
The products subject to the lawsuit include the “Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte,” “Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte,” “Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha,” and “Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha,” along with their iced counterparts.
According to the plaintiffs, the drinks contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar due to milk components based on a venti size. They argue that this significantly exceeds the limits permitted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for products labeled as “sugar-free.”
The complaint stated, “A reasonable consumer would not think that a beverage named ‘sugar-free’ contains 13 to 21 grams of sugar per serving.”
The plaintiffs also claimed that Starbucks failed to properly disclose calorie-related information required by the FDA for the beverages.
On the other hand, a Starbucks spokesperson stated, “The company has consistently and clearly provided information regarding protein drinks, sugar-free options, custom ordering methods, and nutritional information through product launches, menus, marketing materials, websites, and apps,” adding, “We will actively defend against this lawsuit.”
