A lawsuit claims Starbucks sugar-free protein drinks arent what they seem so we asked an expert

There’s nothing sweet about this.Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit over protein drinks marketed as “sugar-free” that allegedly contain anywhere from 13 to 21 grams of sugar.The apparent contradiction has left consumers scratching their heads — and wondering what’s really in their cups.As of Wednesday, Oct.

7, Starbucks’ website lists eight protein lattes and matcha drinks as “sugar-free.”But take a closer look at the nutrition information, and things get a little less clear.A 16-ounce “sugar-free caramel protein matcha,” for instance, lists 16 grams of sugar.A 20-ounce “sugar-free vanilla protein latte,” meanwhile, reportedly contains 16 grams of sugar.That’s more sugar than you’ll find in a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, which has 11 grams, or a glazed Krispy Kreme donut, which has 10 grams.The numbers are at the heart of the lawsuit, which accuses Starbucks of using “false, deceptive and unlawful” naming and marketing for the drinks.The complaint further alleges that the chain violated federal labeling regulations, which prohibit using “sugar-free” on beverages containing more than 0.5 grams of sugar per 12-ounce serving.“Twenty-one grams is hardly ‘sugar-free,’” Steve Berman, co-founder and managing partner of Hagens Berman, said in a press release.The law firm brought the lawsuit last week in federal court in Seattle on behalf of three consumers who purchased the protein drinks in California, New York and Washington.“Consumers avoid sugar for various reasons whether that be general health, diabetes and blood glucose levels or other factors, and for many, a staunch mislabeling like this is significant,” Berman added.“Beverages with this much sugar are like drinking a candy bar.”Starbucks isn’t buying it.“We believe these claims have no merit,” a spokesperson for the company told The Post.

“Starbucks has consistently and clearly provided information about its protein beverages, sugar-fre...