Starbucks’ push for a healthier menu drew praise from RFK Jr., but critics are pointing to hidden additives and sugar in food and drinks.
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When it comes to healthier eating, Starbucks says they're brewing up change, but not everyone's buying it
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The coffee giant's CEO met with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. this week
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who posted on X that they discussed Starbucks' efforts to maha its menu
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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
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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
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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
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Looking at the drink menu, a medium or grande caramel ribbon crunch trappuccino has 60 grams of sugar in just one cup
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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
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strawberry acai refresher, marketed as a lighter option at just 140 calories
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contains 32 grams of sugar. While most ingredients are fruit-based, it still includes additives like
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citric acid and natural flavors, which are heavily processed. One ex-user replied to Kennedy saying
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love the Maha movement, but let's crack down on sugar as well. And when it comes to seed oils
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like the soybean and canola found in that breakfast sandwich, some studies suggest they
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can be a heart healthy in moderation, but others warn they may contribute to inflammation when
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over-consumed. In a statement to Fortune, Starbucks said, our diverse menu of high-quality foods and
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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
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but CNN reports the company is testing a sugar-free vanilla latte and a new protein-packed
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banana foam. The move comes as the brand looks to tap into the wellness market to boost sluggish
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sales. For more health news, head to our app or san.com. I'm Kennedy Thelton for Straight Arrow
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