Three consumers who bought Starbucks protein drinks in California, New York, and Washington are suing the company in federal court, alleging that eight beverages sold under a "Sugar-Free" name contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar. The proposed class action, Walsh v. Starbucks Corporation, was filed on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle, where Starbucks is headquartered, according to the Hagens Berman case page.
The claims are allegations and have not been tested in court. Starbucks says the claims have no merit and that the sugar in the drinks comes from protein-enhanced milk, not added sugar. For people who order "sugar-free" items because they manage diabetes, count carbohydrates or are trying to cut back, the case raises a practical question: does a "sugar-free" menu name tell you what is actually in the cup?
