Starbucks September 2025 press release image.
Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that eight of its protein lattes and matchas are falsely marketed as “Sugar-Free” despite containing 13 to 21 grams of sugar per large (“venti”) serving.
The complaint takes aim at hot and iced versions of Starbucks’ Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte, Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha and Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha. According to the complaint, the drinks contain milk, which contains lactose, a naturally occurring sugar.
“No reasonable consumer would understand a beverage named ‘Sugar-Free’ to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per serving,” the complaint states.
In a written statement, a Starbucks spokesperson told DCN that the company believes the lawsuit’s claims have “no merit” and that the company intends to “vigorously defend” itself in the matter.
Taking Aim at Milk Sugar
The lawsuit, filed Oct. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington at Seattle, was brought by consumers Michael Walsh of California, Anne Legnini of New York and Elna Potter of Washington. The complaint names Seattle-based Starbucks as the sole defendant and seeks a jury trial.
The highest-sugar drink cited in the complaint is a venti Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha, at 21 grams of sugar. The complaint describes that amount as roughly five teaspoons of sugar and “almost as much total sugar as is contained in a standard Kit Kat bar.”
The complaint does not allege that Starbucks added table sugar or sweetened syrups to the drinks. Instead, it argues that “sugar-free” and “no added sugar” are legally and practically different claims. Starbucks’ own protein beverage page currently describes the lineup as including “no-added-sugar options made with sugar-free syrups.”
The lawsuit says Starbucks’ use of the term “Sugar-Free” violates federal food-labeling rules because the drinks contain more than 0.5 grams of sugar. The complaint further argues that lactose is expressly included in federal regulations defining total sugars. It also alleges that Starbucks failed to provide a required calorie-related disclaimer accompanying the “Sugar-Free” claim.
In their reply to DCN, a Starbucks spokesperson said, “Starbucks has consistently and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, sugar-free options, customization choices, and nutritional content across product announcements, menus, marketing materials, Starbucks.com and the Starbucks app.”
2025 Protein Latte Launch
Starbucks launched its protein beverage lineup in September 2025, saying the protein lattes and protein cold foam offerings were designed to meet growing consumer demand for protein. The company said its new beverages delivered up to 36 grams of protein per grande, while its protein cold foam added approximately 15 grams.
The lawsuit follows other recent consumer and competitor challenges over coffee labeling and marketing claims, with mixed results.
A proposed class action accusing Starbucks of misleading consumers through “100% ethical” sourcing claims and alleged undisclosed volatile organic compounds in decaffeinated coffee remains active in federal court in Washington, where Starbucks has moved to dismiss.
Meanwhile, two recent lawsuits challenging Trader Joe’s “low acid” coffee labeling have been dismissed, including a California consumer class action dismissed with prejudice in September and a separate Puroast false-advertising case dismissed with prejudice days later.
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Nick Brown
Nick Brown is the editor of Daily Coffee News by Roast Magazine.
