HHS Secretary Kennedy Calls for Review of High-Sugar Drinks at Dunkin' and Starbucks

Critics say Kennedy's move could face backlash from loyal customers of the popular coffee chains.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has called for a review of the safety of high-sugar drinks sold at major coffee chains Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks. Kennedy said he will ask the companies to "show us the safety data" on beverages containing over 100 grams of sugar. The move is part of Kennedy's "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) campaign to reduce Americans' intake of highly processed foods and sugary drinks.

Why it matters

Kennedy's push to scrutinize the sugar content of popular coffee drinks could face significant backlash from loyal customers of Dunkin' and Starbucks, who make up a large portion of the U.S. coffee shop market. Experts agree that many of the chains' beverages contain excessive amounts of sugar, which can contribute to obesity, diabetes, and other health issues, but some say Kennedy's approach of directly challenging the companies may not be the most effective way to drive change.

The details

Kennedy cited data showing that some Dunkin' frozen coffee drinks contain over 165 grams of sugar, while Starbucks Frappuccinos can have 60 grams or more. The American Heart Association recommends no more than 36 grams of added sugar per day for men and 25 grams for women. Experts say diets high in sugary beverages can lead to chronic health problems over time.

  • Last week, Kennedy made the comments about Dunkin' and Starbucks at a rally in Austin, Texas.
  • In 2022, Kennedy successfully pushed for the removal of eight synthetic food dyes, a move widely supported by health advocates.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The current U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, who is leading the "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) campaign to improve Americans' diets and reduce intake of highly processed foods and sugary drinks.

Dunkin' Donuts

A major U.S. coffee and donut chain that Kennedy has targeted for selling high-sugar beverages.

Starbucks

The largest coffee shop chain in the U.S., also targeted by Kennedy for its high-sugar drink offerings.

Zen Honeycutt

The founder of Moms Across America (MAHA Moms), a group that supports Kennedy's efforts to hold food companies accountable.

Maura Healey

The Democratic Governor of Massachusetts, who has criticized Kennedy's comments about Dunkin' and Starbucks.

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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 going to be able to do it.”

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

“We are very glad that Secretary Kennedy continues to hold food companies accountable for the safety of their ingredients.”

— Zen Honeycutt, Founder, Moms Across America (MAHA Moms) (Newsweek)

“The backlash and jokes show how in the dark many in our nation remain about our national nutrition and diet-related disease crisis. Poor diet is killing 10,000 people a week, and causing 16,000 new cases of diabetes a week. One in three teens have diabetes or prediabetes. It's a true crisis, and our food is the driving force.”

— Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, Director, Food is Medicine Institute, Tufts University (Newsweek)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

Kennedy's push to scrutinize the sugar content of popular coffee drinks highlights the broader public health crisis of diet-related diseases in the U.S. While his approach may face backlash, experts agree that addressing excessive sugar consumption, particularly in beverages, is crucial to improving Americans' long-term health.