US Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. renewed his criticism of sweetened coffee drinks this week, questioning whether the extremely sweetened beverages sold by chains like *Dunkin’ are safe for consumers.
In a post on social platform X on March 4, Kennedy questioned whether it was reasonable for the drink to contain up to 180 grams of sugar.
“Nobody’s taking away your Dunkin’,” Kennedy wrote. “But isn’t it reasonable to ask if a drink loaded with 180 grams of sugar is safe?”
His comment came in response to Maura Healey, who previously shared an image referencing the historic Texas Revolution. The image featured an 1835 “Come and Take It” flag — a symbol of resistance during the Revolution — with an added Dunkin’ cup.
Rally speech requires transparency of ingredients
Healey’s post followed Kennedy’s appearance at the Eat Real Food Rally in Austin on Feb. 26, where he said he intended to push major coffee chains to provide data proving the safety of highly-sweetened beverages.
Speaking at the rally, Kennedy specifically mentioned Starbucks and Dunkin’.
“Show us the safety data that shows it’s OK for a teenage girl to drink an iced coffee with 115 grams of sugar,” Kennedy said. “I don’t think they’ll make it.
The remarks reflect Kennedy’s broader push to control ultra-processed foods and beverages as part of his health policy agenda.
