Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has sparked national conversation by directly challenging two of the nation’s most popular coffee chains.
Speaking at an “Eat Real Food” rally in Austin, Texas, Kennedy singled out Dunkin’ and Starbucks, demanding, “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.’”
Kennedy emphasized the health risks of ultra-sweetened beverages, pointing out that Dunkin’ flavored iced coffees contain between 18 and 67 grams of sugar, with frozen beverages sometimes exceeding 100 grams.
Starbucks iced coffees and frappuccinos carry similar sugar levels, prompting concerns over adolescent consumption and potential long-term health consequences such as obesity, diabetes, and dental problems.
He framed his comments as part of a broader push to improve food safety standards, ingredient transparency, and accountability in the food and beverage industry.
The remarks immediately drew attention online, particularly in Massachusetts.
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey posted an image of a Dunkin’ cup over a reimagined “Come and Take It” flag, referencing the 1835 Texas Revolution.
Social media reactions were mixed: some mocked Kennedy, while others praised him for spotlighting the health risks of sugary drinks.
One user commented, “Liberals standing up for obesity isn’t something I had on my 2026 bingo card.”
Kennedy’s challenge tapped into a wider national debate over teen sugar consumption, with nutrition experts noting that sugary drinks remain a leading contributor to poor dietary habits in youth.
The secretary’s remarks are consistent with his campaign to reform the U.S. food ingredient approval system, known as the “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) policy.
Kennedy criticized the policy for allowing companies to self-certify ingredients without FDA oversight, calling it a loophole “hijacked by the industry…used to add thousands upon thousands of new ingredients into our food supply.”
According to The Hill, he contrasted U.S. practices with European regulations, noting that Europe allows roughly 400 legal food ingredients compared to the thousands in American products.
Kennedy’s nonprofit, MAHA Action, described the reforms as a move to “ensure American foods follow the highest safety and nutritional standards globally,” NewsNation noted.
Kennedy has also targeted ultra-processed foods broadly, warning they contribute to chronic disease.
During his confirmation hearing, he stated that food manufacturers have been allowed to “mass poison American children,” The Independent highlighted.
Industry groups responded quickly.
The National Association of Manufacturers defended the safety of the U.S. food supply, describing it as “safe, abundant, accessible and nutritious,” while cautioning that sweeping regulatory changes could raise costs for consumers and companies.
While Kennedy did not announce direct regulatory action against Dunkin’ or Starbucks, his statements signal a potential tightening of oversight on sugary beverages.
Closing the GRAS loophole remains central to the initiative, aimed at improving ingredient transparency, accountability, and public health.
By spotlighting America’s most widely consumed sugary drinks, Kennedy has elevated discussion of teen nutrition, food safety, and the role of public policy in shaping dietary habits.
His challenge reflects a broader effort to align U.S. food standards with global benchmarks while encouraging public debate over health risks.
