Kennedy Targets Dunkin' Over High-Sugar Drinks, Sparking Backlash

Health Secretary's push for safety data on sugary coffee beverages riles up New England loyalists

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has set his sights on the nation's largest coffee chains, demanding they prove their high-sugar beverages are safe for consumption. The move, part of Kennedy's 'Make America Healthy Again' (MAHA) initiative, has ignited a fierce defensive reaction from Dunkin' loyalists in New England, where the coffee chain is a cultural cornerstone.

Why it matters

Kennedy's focus is not just on the calories, but on the regulatory status of the ingredients themselves. He is signaling a desire to close the 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) loophole that allows companies to add ingredients to food without explicit, pre-market government approval. This has the potential to reshape the food industry, as studies estimate nearly 75% of the American food supply is 'ultra-processed'.

The details

Last week at the 'Austin Eat Real Food Rally,' Kennedy told the audience he would '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.'' He suggested the FDA is reviewing petitions to remove the GRAS safety status for certain carbohydrates and sweeteners if companies cannot provide empirical evidence of their long-term safety.

  • Last week at the 'Austin Eat Real Food Rally', Kennedy made his comments about Dunkin' and Starbucks.
  • In December, the White House budget office began reviewing proposed rules that could reshape the food industry.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

The U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, known for his skepticism of industrial food processing and chemical additives.

Maura Healey

The Democratic Governor of Massachusetts, who posted an altered 'Come and Take It' flag featuring a Dunkin' iced coffee cup in response to Kennedy's comments.

David Kessler

A former FDA commissioner who proposed a citizen petition arguing that the burden of proof should rest on manufacturers to establish the safety of processed refined carbohydrates.

Dunkin'

The Massachusetts-based coffee chain that is less a brand and more a way of life in New England.

Starbucks

The nation's largest coffee chain, also targeted by Kennedy's push for safety data on sugary beverages.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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.'”

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

“To revoke GRAS status, FDA does not have to prove that the processed refined carbohydrates… are unsafe, but that their safety has not been established.”

— David Kessler, Former FDA Commissioner (The Washington Post)

“I'm not saying that we're going to regulate ultra-processed food, I'm emphasizing voluntary cooperation and the disclosure of safety data.”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (60 Minutes)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.