Starbucks Adds Sugar To “Sugar-Free” Lattes? Why The Brand Is Facing A Lawsuit

One of the most popular coffee chains, Starbucks, is facing a class-action lawsuit over a drink! The brand was allegedly selling “sugar-free” protein lattes that actually contain high amounts of sugar. The lawsuit was filed by three customers who bought these drinks. Here’s what we know about this so far.

Starbucks In Trouble Over ‘Sugar-Free’ Protein Drinks

When you buy a sugar-free drink, you obviously won’t expect that beverage to contain high amounts of sugar, right? But this is what happened with three customers. According to ABC News, Starbucks is facing a consumer lawsuit over claims that the protein drinks labelled “sugar-free” on its menu may contain more sugar than a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup.

Hagens Berman, a law firm, filed the lawsuit on behalf of three customers who bought sugar-free protein drinks from Starbucks in California, New York and Washington. The lawsuit also alleges that eight protein drinks by Starbucks in the USA contain varying amounts of sugar, even though the brand lists them as sugarless.

Also Read: India’s Most Beautiful Starbucks Looks Like A Palace In Jaipur, And Even Peacocks Visit It!

Brand’s ‘Sugar-Free’ Drink Contains 16g Of Sugar

According to ABC News, the menu on Starbucks’ US website listed a 0.5-litre Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha with 16 grams of sugar. A 0.6-litre version of the same drink was listed with 21 grams of sugar. In comparison, one Reese’s cup contains just 11 grams of sugar. According to the plaintiffs, Starbucks’ naming and marketing of these drinks is false and misleading. Plus, the deceptive labels also violate labelling regulations.

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of consumers who bought the “sugar-free” drinks. It also wants the brand to use a sugar-free label only on products that clearly have no sugar. Reportedly, Starbucks introduced its protein drinks in September 2025 to cater to the growing demand for functional beverages and to compete with its rivals.

Also Read: Starbucks Now Serves Ranveer Singh’s Signature Protein Coffees With Its New Menu

Have you ever bought a sugar-free drink from Starbucks?

Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/Matthias Cooper (Representative Image)