Three Starbucks customers have filed a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the coffee giant of misleading consumers by labeling eight protein drinks as “sugar-free” when in reality these drinks contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per large cup.
The lawsuit was filed last Friday (October 2) in the Western District Federal Court in Seattle, Washington. Three female consumers have submitted the lawsuit as a proposed class action to the court, awaiting formal approval to represent consumers nationwide in this lawsuit.
The lawsuit targets eight hot and cold beverages from Starbucks, including Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes, and Protein Matcha Drinks, all of which have names starting with “sugar-free”.
It is alleged in the complaint that Starbucks uses these names on their menu, website, and mobile ordering apps, as well as through delivery services like DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub.
The plaintiffs point out that these drinks are made with milk, which naturally contains a type of sugar – lactose.
The complaint states that consumers would not typically expect these drinks to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar in a 20 or 24-ounce “venti” cup.
According to the complaint, federal law prohibits the use of “sugar-free” to describe drinks containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12 ounces.
The plaintiffs allege that Starbucks is trying to profit off a common desire among 75% of Americans to reduce or eliminate sugar intake. These consumers also claim that Starbucks failed to provide the necessary disclaimer required by federal law, explaining that these protein drinks are not low-calorie foods and are not intended for weight control.
The plaintiffs are seeking damages for false advertising and violation of consumer protection laws in various states, including Washington, California, and New York. This lawsuit filed in Seattle is a federal lawsuit, with the plaintiffs hoping to cover consumers nationwide.
The plaintiffs have not specified a specific amount for damages.
The plaintiffs also hope the judge will issue a permanent injunction prohibiting Starbucks from using “sugar-free” or similar terminology in drinks unless the drinks are truly sugar-free.
The Epoch Times has contacted Starbucks for comment.