Despite their catchy names, Mango Dragonfruit, Pineapple Passionfruit, and Strawberry Açai Starbucks Refreshers do not actually contain mango, passion fruit, or açai. The fruit-less drinks, coveted for their thirst-quenching flavors and vibrant colors, are now the source of a class-action lawsuit against Starbucks.
The coffee company's Refreshers, popular among younger patrons, are under fire for their lack of a key ingredient: fruit.
Why is Starbucks being sued?
The drinks main ingredients are water, sugar, and grape juice concentrate. The people who initiated the lawsuit claim the coffee company uses misleading names to upcharge the Refreshers, which they say violates state consumer protection laws in their states.
The proposed class action lawsuit, filed in August 2022, has 11 claims against Starbucks. A federal judge dismissed two: one fraud claim and an unjust enrichment claim.
What is Starbucks' response?
Starbucks asserted the allegations in the lawsuit are inaccurate in a statement to Reuters. The coffee chain argued the product names describe the drinks’ flavors, rather than the actual ingredients, and that no reasonable consumers would be confused.
Why does this matter?
The lawsuit against Starbucks is one of many against food and beverage companies for misleading advertising. Red Bull does not, in fact, “give you wings.” Chobani Greek yogurt is not from Greece. A&W Root Beer contains a chemical mimicking vanilla, not “aged vanilla,” as the label advertises.
This lawsuit invokes the debate surrounding consumer rights. The judge ruling against Starbucks argued that a significant portion of reasonable consumers would expect their Starbucks Mango Dragonfruit refresher to have actual mango. Starbucks argued the opposite way.
This lawsuit could impact how Starbucks brands future drinks, especially if they’re looking to avoid another potential $5 million lawsuit.
Why does this matter?
The lawsuit alleges at least $5 million in damages, but it’s unclear how this might affect Starbucks’ drink policy. For now, enjoy your Starbucks Refreshers with full knowledge about their lack of fruit.
If you’re still craving the mango, passion fruit, or açai absent from your refresher, many grocery stores sell the tropical fruits.