Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently ignited a discussion surrounding the high sugar content in popular coffee drinks from Starbucks and Dunkin', specifically questioning their safety for young consumers.

His concerns stem from the Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) rule, a regulation that permits food companies to independently verify the safety of ingredients without direct oversight from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), often referred to as the “GRAS loophole.”

During an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, challenged Dunkin’ and Starbucks to provide safety data for an iced coffee containing 115 grams of sugar, particularly for a teenage girl.

He expressed skepticism that such data could be produced. The HHS has already initiated efforts to close the GRAS loophole by banning ingredients previously categorized as GRAS, such as artificial food dyes.

Kennedy also suggested in an interview with 60 Minutes that refined carbohydrates, including high-fructose corn syrup, could be the next focus of regulatory scrutiny.

An examination of Starbucks and Dunkin’ menus reveals a wide range of sugar content in their specialty coffee drinks.

For example, Starbucks’ most sugary option, a venti White Mocha with skim milk, contains about 56 grams of sugar.

Dunkin’ drinks can contain even higher levels, with its large Caramel Creme Frozen Coffee reaching approximately 172 grams. For comparison, the American Heart Association recommends that children and women consume no more than 25 grams of added sugar daily, while men should limit intake to 36 grams.

Meanwhile, the 2025–2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advises minimizing added sugars, suggesting that a single meal should ideally contain no more than about 10 grams.

Debate Over Sugar Safety and Consumer Awareness

An HHS spokesperson clarified that the government’s intention is not to ban popular beverages but to address whether drinks containing more than 100 grams of sugar are safe for children, emphasizing that consumers deserve transparency on safety data.

While Dunkin’ and Starbucks did not immediately respond, the broader debate—highlighted in a citizens’ petition by former FDA commissioner David A. Kessler—focuses more on the safety of ingredients rather than the sheer quantity of sugar in a single drink.

Dunkin’ products often contain processed sweeteners such as high-fructose corn syrup and dextrose, which could face future HHS scrutiny, while Starbucks removed high-fructose corn syrup from its products in 2016 and now primarily lists sugar as its main sweetener.

Nutrition experts broadly agree that excessive added sugar intake is linked to health risks including Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, though they emphasize moderation rather than alarm.

Registered dietitian Lisa Moskovitz, founder of NY Nutrition Group, described labeling sugary coffee drinks as a “safety” threat as somewhat extreme, noting that risk depends on overall diet, activity level, and medical history.

She explained that while heavily sweetened beverages offer limited nutritional value, moderate amounts of caffeine and sugar can fit into a balanced lifestyle.

For consumers seeking to cut back on sugar without abandoning their daily coffee routine, experts recommend customization.

Moskovitz suggests asking for fewer syrup pumps or opting for sugar-free flavorings when ordering. She also recommends gradually reducing sweetness rather than eliminating it all at once.

“If you're used to going heavy with sugary caffeinated drinks, consider slowly weaning down by asking for half the sugar and then take it from there,” she advised, noting that taste sensitivity to sweetness often increases as sugar consumption decreases.