RFK Jr. says Starbucks set to 'further MAHA its menu'

When it comes to healthier eating, Starbucks says they're brewing up change, but not everyone's buying it

The coffee giant's CEO met with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week

who posted on X that they discussed Starbucks' efforts to maha its menu

That's his abbreviation for Make America Healthy Again. Kennedy added that he was pleased to hear the company avoids, quote, artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and other additives

But one user wasn't convinced, posting a list of 19 additives still found in just one Starbucks breakfast sandwich, from monoglycerides and seed oils to a bold warning that it contains bioengineered food ingredients

The FDA and World Health Organization consider monoglycerides safe, but Healthline reports they're commonly found in foods high in flour, fat and refined sugar, an ingredient Kennedy himself has called poison

Looking at the drink menu, a medium or grande caramel ribbon crunch trappuccino has 60 grams of sugar in just one cup

While the FDA sets a limit for added sugar there no official daily value for sugar overall Loyola medicine suggests adults on a 2000 calorie diet should limit total intake to around 50 grams a day That 470 frappuccino alone exceeds it And even Starbucks

strawberry acai refresher, marketed as a lighter option at just 140 calories

contains 32 grams of sugar. While most ingredients are fruit-based, it still includes additives like

citric acid and natural flavors, which are heavily processed. One ex-user replied to Kennedy saying

love the Maha movement, but let's crack down on sugar as well. And when it comes to seed oils

like the soybean and canola found in that breakfast sandwich, some studies suggest they

can be a heart healthy in moderation, but others warn they may contribute to inflammation when

over-consumed. 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. Kennedy didn't share any specific next steps for Starbucks

but CNN reports the company is testing a sugar-free vanilla latte and a new protein-packed

banana foam. The move comes as the brand looks to tap into the wellness market to boost sluggish

sales. For more health news, head to our app or san.com. I'm Kennedy Thelton for Straight Arrow