RFK Jr. Calls on Dunkin' and Starbucks to Prove Drink Safety

Kennedy says some beverages contain dangerously high sugar levels, challenging chains to provide data

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary, has criticized Dunkin' and Starbucks for the high sugar content in some of their drinks, challenging the coffee chains to provide safety data showing it's acceptable for teenagers to consume beverages with over 100 grams of sugar. Kennedy made the comments at a recent "Eat Real Food" rally in Austin, Texas, as part of his "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda.

Why it matters

Kennedy's comments highlight growing concerns over excessive sugar consumption, especially among young people, and come as the U.S. government has issued new dietary guidelines that prioritize protein and less sugar. Experts advise consumers to closely check food labels, as added sugars often exceed recommended daily limits without people realizing it.

The details

At the Austin rally, Kennedy told the crowd, "We're going to ask Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, 'Show us the safety data that show that it's okay for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.' I don't think they're gonna be able to do it." The new U.S. dietary guidelines recommend limiting added sugars to less than 10% of daily caloric intake, while the American Heart Association advises consuming only 25 grams (6 teaspoons) per day for women and children over 2, and 36 grams (9 teaspoons) a day for men.

  • Kennedy made the comments at an "Eat Real Food" rally in Austin, Texas on February 26, 2026.
  • The U.S. government released its new dietary guidelines in January 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services who is leading the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) agenda.

Dunkin'

A popular coffee and donut chain that Kennedy criticized for the high sugar content in some of its beverages.

Starbucks

A major coffee chain that Kennedy also called out for the sugar levels in certain drinks.

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What they’re saying

“We're going to ask Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks, 'Show us the safety data that show that it's okay for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar in it.' I don't think they're gonna be able to do it.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services (PEOPLE)

The takeaway

Kennedy's challenge to Dunkin' and Starbucks highlights the growing public health concerns over excessive sugar consumption, especially among young people. As the U.S. government prioritizes less sugar in its new dietary guidelines, consumers are being urged to closely examine food and drink labels to better understand the sugar content of what they're consuming.