A proposed class-action lawsuit has been filed against Starbucks, alleging that the coffee giant misled customers by labeling eight of its protein drinks as "sugar-free." The plaintiffs argue that despite the marketing, these venti-sized beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar due to the presence of lactose, a naturally occurring sugar found in dairy. The lawsuit contends that these products violate federal regulations, which strictly limit the use of "sugar-free" labels to items containing less than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.

The consumers behind the suit claim Starbucks intentionally leveraged the growing trend of health-conscious shoppers looking to cut sugar from their diets while failing to include mandatory disclaimers regarding calorie and weight-control implications. In response, a Starbucks spokesperson dismissed the allegations as meritless, asserting that the company has always been transparent about its nutritional data and customization options across its website and apps. As the legal battle unfolds in Seattle federal court, Starbucks has vowed to defend its marketing practices, which the company insists have remained consistent since the drinks launched in late 2025.