RFK Jr. Faces Backlash After Questioning Safety of Dunkin', Starbucks Sugary Drinks

Massachusetts governor defends iconic New England beverage amid concerns over potential regulatory crackdown.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. ignited widespread backlash online after questioning whether high-sugar iced coffee drinks sold at Dunkin' and Starbucks are safe. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey was among those who pushed back, defending the iconic New England beverage on social media. The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the administration plans to restrict beverages at coffee chains.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the health impacts of sugary drinks and the potential for regulatory action targeting popular coffee chains. As Kennedy pushes to reform the 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) food ingredient approval program, it raises questions about the future of high-sugar beverages in the marketplace.

The details

During an 'Eat Real Food' rally in Austin, Texas, on Feb. 26, Kennedy said, '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.' The remarks quickly drew a response in Massachusetts, where Dunkin' was founded and is considered a cultural staple. Gov. Healey took to X to defend the iconic New England beverage, posting an image of a flag displaying the slogan, 'Come and take it.'

  • On Feb. 26, Kennedy made the remarks about Dunkin' and Starbucks sugary drinks at an 'Eat Real Food' rally in Austin, Texas.
  • On March 1, Gov. Healey responded to Kennedy's comments on X, defending the iconic New England beverage.

The players

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Health Secretary and a prominent figure in the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement who has pushed to reform the 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) food ingredient approval program.

Maura Healey

The governor of Massachusetts, where Dunkin' was founded and is considered a cultural staple.

Dunkin'

A popular coffee and donut chain that was founded in Massachusetts and is considered a cultural staple in the region.

Starbucks

A major coffee chain that was also called out by Kennedy for its high-sugar iced coffee 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.'”

— Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Health Secretary

“Maybe this regime needs to remember we take drinks VERY SERIOUSLY in New England.”

— X user (X)

What’s next

The Department of Health and Human Services did not immediately respond to requests for comment on whether the administration plans to carry out demands and restrict beverages at Dunkin' or other coffee chains.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the health impacts of sugary drinks and the potential for regulatory action targeting popular coffee chains. As Kennedy pushes to reform the 'Generally Recognized As Safe' (GRAS) food ingredient approval program, it raises questions about the future of high-sugar beverages in the marketplace.