Starbucks French Roast Is Not ‘100% Arabica Coffee’ As Advertised, Class Action Claims

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A proposed class action alleges Starbucks’ pre-packaged French roast ground coffee is not “100% Arabica” as advertised given that it contains added potassium, which is capable of adjusting the pH of coffee to eliminate or reduce bitterness.

The nine-page case out of New York says that unlike other methods of reducing or eliminating bitterness in coffee, adding potassium helps maintain the coffee beans’ flavor and aroma. The suit summarizes that consumers are misled by the “100% Arabica Coffee” claim on the product’s front label since the coffee contains added potassium. 

According to the complaint, “[r]eports based on laboratory analysis” indicated that the Starbucks ground French roast at issue has “significantly greater than expected levels of potassium.” As the case tells it, “those knowledgeable about coffee production” feel this level of potassium is “likely intentional.” 

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Per the case, many coffee drinkers experience indigestion and discomfort due to the drink’s acidity, with a pH generally between 4.8 and 5.7. To reduce discomfort, coffee drinkers may either consume less or dilute their coffee by adding dairy products such as cream or milk, the suit relays. 

According to the lawsuit, a “normal” cup of coffee contains roughly 116 milligrams of potassium. The addition of potassium to coffee has been recognized as able to adjust the pH to between 5.7 and 6.1 due to potassium’s ability to bind to and neutralize naturally occurring acids, the filing says. 

The suit contends that added potassium in coffee can create health risks for those with kidney issues, as excess potassium intake can cause hyperkalemia. 

The plaintiff, a Syracuse, New York consumer, claims to have paid more for Starbucks ground French roast than she would have had the company not falsely touted the coffee as “100% Arabica coffee” free from additives. 

The case looks to cover consumers in New York, Texas, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Alaska, Iowa, Virginia, South Carolina and Utah who bought Starbucks’ “100% Arabica” French roast ground coffee within the applicable statute of limitations period.

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