Dunkin' and Inspire Brands Sued Over Zero Sugar Energy Drinks

An Illinois woman filed a proposed class-action lawsuit against Dunkin' and its parent company, Inspire Brands, alleging drinks advertised as zero sugar contain allulose, a sweetener she argues is technically a sugar. Yahoo reported the complaint on October 17, 2026.

The Allulose Claim Against Dunkin'

Phyllis Wells is suing Dunkin' and Inspire Brands over the use of allulose in certain beverages marketed as zero sugar, according to Yahoo. Wells alleges the company's advertising misrepresents what is in the drinks, potentially misleading customers who believe they are avoiding sugar altogether.

Allulose is a monosaccharide, meaning it is chemically classified as a simple sugar. Unlike traditional table sugar, it has significantly fewer calories and affects blood glucose levels differently. The Food and Drug Administration allows companies to exclude allulose from the total and added sugar amounts listed on nutrition labels.

That regulatory distinction is central to Wells' complaint. The lawsuit challenges whether Dunkin' can advertise beverages as zero sugar when they contain an ingredient that is chemically a sugar, even if federal labeling guidance treats it differently.

Dunkin' is not the only major coffee chain defending its beverage descriptions. A separate complaint against Starbucks, filed on behalf of three consumers in California, New York and Washington, targets protein lattes and matcha beverages sold in vanilla and caramel flavors. "This case is about false and misleading product names. It is not about missing nutritional information," the Starbucks lawsuit states. Starbucks denied misleading customers, maintaining that it has "consistently and clearly provided information" about its beverages, including their nutritional content and customization options, and said it intends to "vigorously defend ourselves in this matter."

Inspire Brands, which owns Dunkin', appointed Jenna Bromberg as Arby's chief marketing officer effective November 2, Qsrmagazine reported. Walmart is expanding its restaurant delivery business through a collaboration with Inspire Brands, with Dunkin' launching first at 150 in-store locations and plans to expand to most of its 10,000 locations outside Walmart stores, Qsrmagazine reported.

Dunkin's Recent Legal and Menu History

In 2024, Dunkin' faced a $5 million proposed class-action lawsuit alleging discrimination against customers with lactose intolerance and milk allergies because of additional charges for non-dairy milk alternatives, according to Yahoo. Other lawsuits have challenged whether its fruit-flavored Refreshers contain the ingredients suggested by their names and accused the chain of imposing undisclosed fees on certain purchases.

Dunkin' introduced 11 new drinks in 2026, including high-protein options, relationship-themed lattes and zero-sugar energy drinks, Yahoo reported. The chain has grown to 33 locations in the Columbus area, with at least nine more planned, according to American City Business Journals.

What Comes Next for the Case

A Watkins Glen Walmart will reopen on October 27 after a complete remodel and the addition of a Dunkin' location, with the new Dunkin' expected to open November 6, Yahoo reported. The Briad Group will open a multi-brand Circle K travel center in Binghamton, New York, this fall, with a second in Watertown in January, CSP Daily News reported.