RFK Jr. Targets Dunkin' and Starbucks Over High-Calorie Drinks

Health Secretary raises concerns about safety of sugary beverages, threatens regulatory crackdown.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently took aim at Dunkin' and Starbucks during a rally in Austin, Texas, criticizing the companies for selling high-calorie beverages like coffee and lattes. Kennedy threatened to tighten regulations on these sugary drinks, demanding that the companies 'show us the safety data' to prove they are safe, especially for teenage consumers.

Why it matters

Kennedy's comments raise questions about the federal government's role in regulating the food and beverage industry, particularly around products that may pose health risks. As Health Secretary, Kennedy has broad authority to implement new safety standards, which could significantly impact major chains like Dunkin' and Starbucks that rely on high-calorie drinks as a core part of their business models.

The details

During the rally, Kennedy singled out Dunkin' for recently testing a 48-ounce bucket of coffee, which the company says could contain over 1,000 calories and 180 grams of sugar depending on the order. Kennedy argued that the government needs to ensure the safety of these types of sugary beverages, especially for younger consumers. Dunkin' did not respond to a request for comment on Kennedy's remarks.

  • Kennedy made the comments at a rally in Austin, Texas on February 26, 2026.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Health Secretary, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2025. Kennedy has been a controversial figure, known for his anti-vaccine views and promotion of various health-related conspiracy theories.

Dunkin'

A Massachusetts-based coffee and donut chain that Kennedy criticized for selling high-calorie beverages, including a recent test of a 48-ounce coffee bucket.

Starbucks

A major coffee chain that Kennedy also singled out alongside Dunkin' for selling sugary, high-calorie 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 OK 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. Health Secretary (Boston Globe)

What’s next

Kennedy's comments suggest the federal government may soon move to tighten regulations on high-calorie beverages sold by major chains like Dunkin' and Starbucks. The industry will likely closely monitor any regulatory actions or safety reviews initiated by the Health Department in the coming months.

The takeaway

Kennedy's targeting of Dunkin' and Starbucks highlights the growing tension between public health concerns and the business interests of the food and beverage industry. As Health Secretary, Kennedy has significant power to shape regulations, raising the stakes for major chains that rely on high-calorie drinks as a core part of their operations.