Starbucks faces class-action lawsuit over "sugar-free" protein drinks

Starbucks is facing a consumer lawsuit alleging that its protein drinks, labeled "sugar-free" on cafe menus, may contain more sugar than a Reese's peanut butter cup. The federal lawsuit, filed Friday in Seattle, claims eight protein beverages sold by Starbucks in the U.S. contain varying amounts of sugar despite the company listing them as sugarless.

On Monday, Starbucks' U.S. website listed a 16-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha with 16 grams of sugar and a 20-ounce version of the same drink with 21 grams. For comparison, a single Reese's cup contains 11 grams of sugar.

The lawsuit was filed by Hagens Berman, a law firm specializing in class actions, on behalf of three individual consumers who purchased the drinks in California, New York, and Washington. Plaintiffs contend that Starbucks' naming and marketing of these products as "sugar-free" is "false, deceptive and unlawful," violating federal labeling regulations.

Starbucks stated that the sugar content in its protein drinks comes from the protein-boosted milk used, not from added sugar. The company uses sugar-free syrup for flavoring. While marketing the drinks as "sugar-free" on its website, Starbucks also clearly stated the amount of sugar in each beverage and that they were made without added sugar.

The lawsuit seeks damages on behalf of U.S. consumers who bought the drinks and asks the court to order Starbucks to cease using the "sugar-free" label on products that contain sugar.