If you bought one of Starbucks’ protein beverages labeled “sugar-free,” you could soon be eligible for money from a proposed class-action lawsuit accusing the coffee chain of misleading consumers.
The lawsuit, filed on Oct. 2 in federal court in Seattle, says Starbucks falsely advertised eight drinks as "sugar-free" even though they allegedly contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar —more than a Reese’s peanut butter cup, the lawsuit states.
Starbucks said the sugar comes from the protein-boosted milk it uses, but it doesn’t add sugar to the drinks, the Associated Press reported. However, the plaintiffs argue consumers would not reasonably expect beverages with "sugar-free" in their names to contain that much sugar.
Federal regulations prohibit using a "sugar-free"
label on beverages that contain more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving, according to the lawsuit. The plaintiffs also said Starbucks failed to provide required disclaimers stating the drinks are not low-calorie foods or intended for weight control.
Starbucks denied any wrongdoing and said it intends to defend itself. "We believe these claims have no merit," the company told Reuters. Starbucks said it has consistently provided information about the beverages, including their nutritional content, through its menus, marketing materials, website and app.
The proposed settlement seeks refunds for those who purchased the beverages and could also require Starbucks to stop using the “sugar-free” label on products that contain sugar.
Although the settlement is still awaiting approval in court, here’s what we know so far about the proposed Starbucks settlement.
Which Starbucks drinks are named in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit names eight beverages in Starbucks' protein line:
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte
- Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte
- Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha
- Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha
- Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Latte
- Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Latte
- Iced Sugar-Free Vanilla Protein Matcha
- Iced Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha
Starbucks introduced the protein beverages in September 2025 as part of its "Back to Starbucks" updated menu.
How much sugar is in the drinks?
The lawsuit alleges the beverages contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per 20- or 24-ounce venti serving.
For example, Starbucks' website lists 16 grams of sugar in a 16-ounce Sugar-Free Caramel Protein Matcha and 21 grams in a 20-ounce version. The product is described as having "No Added Sugar."
The lawsuit compares the sugar contained in the beverages with a standard package of Reese’s peanut butter cups, which has 22 grams of total sugar.
"Beverages with this much sugar are like drinking a candy bar,” said Steve Berman, co-founder of the law firm that filed the suit.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Bought a Starbucks protein drink? You could soon get a refund
