Starbucks says it’s brewing up change with a healthier menu, but some health-conscious consumers aren’t convinced. This week, Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol met with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who praised the company’s efforts to “Make America Healthy Again,” or “MAHA,” as Kennedy coined it.
RFK Jr. praises Starbucks
Kennedy said on X he was pleased to learn that Starbucks food and drinks “already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and other additives.”
But critics quickly pointed out that many Starbucks items still contain highly processed ingredients and chemical additives. One item includes 19 additives in their sausage, cheddar and egg sandwich.
These included monoglycerides, maltodextrin, citric acid and bioengineered food ingredients, which are often derived from GMO sources.
Another ingredient, ammonium sulfate, is commonly used as a plant fertilizer — though it is considered safe in small quantities by the FDA.
The same breakfast sandwich also contains soybean oil and canola oil, which fall under the category of seed oils. These oils have recently become controversial because some research suggests they’re heart-healthy in moderation, while other researchers link them to chronic inflammation when over-consumed.
Monoglycerides and sugar draw concern
While the FDA and WHO label monoglycerides as safe, health outlets like Healthline note that foods containing them are typically high in fat, flour and refined sugar — an ingredient Kennedy has previously called “poison.”
This adds to concerns about Starbucks’ drinks, many of which contain more sugar than a day’s recommended limit.
For example, a grande Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino contains 60 grams of sugar — more than the 50-gram daily max recommended by Loyola Medicine for a 2,000-calorie diet.
Even “lighter” drinks like the Strawberry Açaí Refresher pack a sugary punch, with 32 grams of sugar in a 16 oz. cup. It also contains citric acid and natural flavors, both of which are considered processed additives.
One X user replied, “Love the MAHA movement, but let’s crack down on sugar as well.”
Starbucks responds
In a statement to Fortune, Starbucks said:
“Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empowers customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories and more.”
While Kennedy did not share any next steps from the company, CNN said Starbucks is cutting 30% of its current menu. They’re also testing new items like a sugar-free vanilla latte and a protein-packed banana-flavored cold foam.
According to Beverage Digest, the protein shake industry Starbucks is tapping into has become a $6 billion market.
Reuters reports Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol said the brand is facing challenges like weak global sales and inflation pressure. He’s hopeful that their new “Back to Starbucks” plan, including a pivot toward wellness products, will drive momentum.