starbucks-lawsuit-underfilling-lattes

A new lawsuit filed in Northern California accuses the Seattle-based Starbucks of underfilling lattes as much as 25 percent.

(NJ.com file photo)

If you've noticed that there isn't as much latte in your Starbucks cup, you're not alone.



The Seattle Times reports that a new lawsuit filed in Northern California accuses Starbucks of underfilling their lattes.



The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks instituted the standard latte recipe in 2009 to save on the cost of milk. In terms of ounces, the Seattle based coffee chain breaks down how many ounces are in the Starbucks drinks on their web site: 12 ounces of fluid in its tall size, 16 ounces in its grande size and 20 ounces for its venti.

The suit was filed on behalf of Siera Strumlauf and Benjamin Robles, two Bay area residents who would often visit Starbucks to purchase grande plain or vanilla-flavored lattes and a grande-sized latte for $3.95.

The lawsuit goes on to state that those amounts are not accurate and java lovers are given less ounces than what Starbucks claims. "In fact, Starbucks lattes are approximately 25 percent underfilled," the lawsuit says.



A spokesperson for the chain said in a statement to the Times, "We are aware of the plaintiffs' claims, which we fully believe to be without merit.



The spokesperson did, however, state that there are some factors at hand that may alter the volume of fluid in latte cups. "Hand-prepared beverages increase the likelihood of variations, as disclosed in the nutritional section of our website. Customers often tell us how they want their beverage prepared (e.g. with room, extra foam), therefore beverage volumes are largely collaborative. Also, if a customer is unhappy with their beverage preparation then we are happy to remake it to their satisfaction."



Starbucks was founded in 1971 in Seattle, Washington. Currently it operates over 23,000 locations worldwide. To visit a New Jersey Starbucks near you, visit their official web site.

Anthony Venutolo may be reached at avenutolo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyVenutolo and Google+. Find NJ.com on Facebook.