American Coffee Devin's 'Sugar-Free' Drinks Become Subject to Lawsuit

In the United States, consumers filed a class-action lawsuit against the company, citing the labels of Starbucks's eight-protein drinks sold under the name "Sugar-Free". In the lawsuit filed on October 2 in Seattle, it was alleged that despite the drinks being marketed as "sugar-free", the venti sizes contained between 13 and 21 grams of sugar.

Sugar Amount Is 21 Grams

According to information in the lawsuit file, the highest sugar content is found in the Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha drink. It is alleged that the venti size of this product contains 21 grams of sugar, while the Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha contains 20 grams. Plaintiffs argue that 21 grams of sugar is roughly equivalent to five teaspoons of sugar.

Sugar Comes From Lactose in Milk

Plaintiffs acknowledge that the sugar in the drinks does not come from added sugar. In the complaint, it is stated that the protein-fortified milk naturally contains lactose, and that the sugar content comes from there. In contrast, consumers claim that using the term "Sugar-Free" in the product names is misleading.

'Sugar-Free' Term Is Under Debate

At the heart of the lawsuit is the difference between 'total sugar' and 'added sugar'. Starbucks says that no sugar is added to the products and that the flavored syrups used in the drinks are sugar‑free. The plaintiffs argue that calling a product 'no added sugar' is not the same as calling it 'sugar‑free'.

FDA Rules on the Agenda

The complaint also cites U.S. federal regulations. The plaintiffs state that for a product to be labeled 'sugar‑free', it must contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. They therefore claim that the drinks containing between 13 and 21 grams of sugar do not meet that definition.

8 Products Covered by the Lawsuit

The products in the lawsuit include Sugar‑Free Vanilla Protein Latte, Sugar‑Free Caramel Protein Latte, Sugar‑Free Vanilla Protein Matcha, and Sugar‑Free Caramel Protein Matcha. The iced versions of the same products are also included in the lawsuit. Starbucks lists these items under the 'No Added Sugar Options' heading on its menu.

Calorie Information in the Filing

Plaintiffs argue that the calorie warnings, which are said to be necessary alongside the 'Sugar-Free' label, are also not being used. According to the complaint, the venti sizes of the eight drinks in question range from about 270 to 340 calories. The nutritional information for the products is available on Starbucks’s website and app.

Starbucks Denies the Allegations

Starbucks does not accept the accusations. A company spokesperson said the allegations have no basis, adding that clear information about protein drinks, sugar‑free options, customization possibilities, and nutritional values is provided to customers through various channels. The company said it will continue its legal fight against the lawsuit.

Consumers Seek Compensation

In a lawsuit filed by three consumers from California, New York, and Washington, the plaintiffs seek to include consumers nationwide who purchased Starbucks products in the case. They demand compensation and refunds, and also request that products failing to meet the required conditions be barred from being marketed under the 'Sugar-Free' name.

The Case Has Not Yet Been Resolved

It is said that Starbucks launched its protein drink line in September 2025 to take advantage of the rising demand for protein. The allegations in the lawsuit have not yet been decided by the court. Starbucks also denies having engaged in any wrongdoing.