Consumers Sue Starbucks Over Sugar-Free Protein Drinks

Three consumers filed a proposed class action against Starbucks on Oct. 2, 2026, in Seattle federal court over eight protein lattes and matchas labeled sugar-free. The complaint alleges venti servings contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar—above the 0.5-gram federal limit for a sugar-free claim—and that required calorie disclaimers were omitted. The named drinks are hot and iced Sugar-Free Vanilla and Caramel Protein Lattes and Matchas. Venti sizes allegedly hold 270 to 340 calories. Plaintiffs counsel Steve Berman said twenty-one grams is hardly sugar-free and that beverages with this much sugar are like drinking a candy bar, citing a Reese's Peanut Butter Cups pack with 22 grams of sugar and the American Heart Association's 25-gram daily limit for women. A complaint screenshot lists 20 grams of sugar on a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha ordering page. One California plaintiff said she bought a Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte believing it had no sugar. Starbucks said the claims have no merit and that it has consistently provided information on the drinks and their nutritional content across menus, marketing, Starbucks.com and its app, and will vigorously defend itself. The suit seeks damages and restitution; the court has not ruled.