Starbucks sued over ‘sugar-free’ claims for protein beverages

Starbucks has been sued by consumers who said the coffee chain falsely advertised eight protein beverages as “sugar-free” because they contain lactose, a naturally occurring sugar in milk. According to a proposed class action filed on Friday, reasonable consumers would not expect the beverages to contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce “venti” serving. Federal law prohibits Starbucks from using “sugar-free” to describe beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, the complaint said. Consumers accused Starbucks of trying to capitalize on the desire of 75 percent of Americans to reduce or eliminate sugar consumption. They also said Starbucks failed to provide federally required disclaimers that the protein beverages are not low-calorie food or meant for weight control. A Starbucks spokesperson said in an email that the claims have no merit. “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,

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