Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called on major coffee chains Dunkin’ and Starbucks to provide safety data for their high-sugar iced coffees, particularly concerning teenage consumption. Speaking at a food-focused event in Austin, Texas, Kennedy demanded: “Show us the safety data that show that it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.”
According to reports, flavored iced coffees at Dunkin’ contain between 18 and 67 grams of sugar, while their frozen beverages can range from 100 to 180 grams. At Starbucks, adding a flavored syrup to an iced coffee adds approximately 20 grams of sugar, and their frappuccino range contains between 40 and 80 grams. The sugar content in some drinks far exceeds recommended daily limits.
Kennedy’s remarks drew a sharp reaction from Dunkin’ fans, particularly in Massachusetts. Social media users mocked his past controversies, with one referencing his “cocaine and tanning bed” and another recalling his swim in a bacteria-filled river. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey posted an edited “Come and Take It” flag featuring a Dunkin’ iced coffee, and others shared “Donut Tread on Me” memes.
The HHS secretary has pushed to reform the “Generally Recognized As Safe” (GRAS) food ingredient approval system, which has expanded to include thousands of additives in ultra-processed foods. A proposed tightening of the system is under review by the White House. Kennedy has also urged states like Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Texas to enact their own regulations on processed foods.
It remains unclear whether the Trump administration plans to restrict sugary beverages at these chains. The Independent has contacted Dunkin’, Starbucks, and the HHS for comment. Kennedy continues his “Take Back Your Health” tour, promoting “real” food and warning that ultra-processed, nutrient-poor foods contribute to chronic disease.
