Starbucks faces U.S. class action lawsuit over sugar-free protein drink labels

In the United States, a proposed class action lawsuit was filed on October 2, 2026, in Seattle federal court against Starbucks. The lawsuit alleges that eight protein beverages labeled "sugar-free" actually contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per serving due to lactose in milk. The plaintiffs claim false advertising and violations of consumer protection laws. Starbucks responded on October 5, stating that the sugar comes from milk and that it clearly provides nutritional information. The lawsuit seeks damages for U.S. consumers who purchased the drinks.