Starbucks Sued Over 'Sugar-Free' Drinks Containing Sugar
Hagens Berman filed a federal lawsuit Friday alleging Starbucks' 'sugar-free' matcha drinks contain up to 21 grams of sugar; Starbucks denies the claims.
Starbucks is facing a federal lawsuit alleging it misleads customers by marketing drinks as "sugar-free" when they contain significant amounts of sugar, according to gizmodo.com. The complaint was filed Friday by the law firm Hagens Berman on behalf of plaintiffs in California, Washington, and New York.
The suit points to Starbucks' own website, which lists a 20-ounce "sugar-free caramel protein matcha" as containing 21 grams of sugar. A 24-ounce "iced sugar-free vanilla protein matcha" is listed at 17 grams.
Starbucks denies the allegations, saying the claims have no merit. A company spokesperson said the sugar comes from the protein boost of milk and that no sugar is added to the drinks.
In September 2025, Starbucks announced Protein-boosted Milk with no added sugar, per the company's old product announcement.
The lawsuit follows scrutiny of labeling on other "zero sugar" products. Ocean Spray Zero Sugar cranberry juice, for instance, carries a nutrition label stating no added sugar and no sugar at all.
Quick answers
Why is Starbucks being sued over its 'sugar-free' drinks?
A federal lawsuit filed by Hagens Berman alleges Starbucks misleads consumers by marketing drinks as 'sugar-free' when they contain significant sugar. The complaint cites Starbucks' website, which lists a 20-ounce 'sugar-free caramel protein matcha' at 21 grams of sugar and a 24-ounce 'iced sugar-free vanilla protein matcha' at 17 grams.
What does Starbucks say about the sugar content in these drinks?
Starbucks denies the allegations, saying the claims have no merit. A company spokesperson said the sugar comes from the protein boost of milk and that no sugar is added to the drinks.
Who filed the lawsuit against Starbucks and where?
The law firm Hagens Berman filed the federal lawsuit on behalf of plaintiffs in California, Washington, and New York.