Starbucks markets eight protein beverages as “sugar‑free,” but a venti serving can hold 13 to 21 grams of sugar, the amount found in a typical candy bar.

A class‑action lawsuit was filed on Friday in a Seattle federal court, accusing the coffee chain of false advertising. The complaint seeks damages, certification as a class action, and a jury trial on all issues.

Under U.S. federal law and Canada’s Food and Drug Regulations, a product labeled “sugar‑free” must contain less than 0.5 grams of sugar per serving. Both regulations count lactose – the natural sugar in milk – as sugar.

Starbucks’ spokesperson told CBC News the lawsuit has “no merit,” adding that the company “consistently and clearly provides information about its protein beverages, sugar‑free options, customization choices and nutritional content.”

The lawsuit points out that the drinks contain milk, and milk contains lactose. For example, a venti Sugar‑Free Caramel Protein Matcha lists 21 grams of sugar, which equals roughly five teaspoons – about the same sugar as a standard Kit Kat bar.

The case highlights how labeling rules can affect consumer choices and trigger legal action when a product’s name does not match the required definition of “sugar‑free.”