RFK says Starbucks is going to "further MAHA its menu"
HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Wednesday that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol has pledged to "further MAHA" the coffee chain's menu.
Why it matters: A spokesperson with the Seattle-based company told Axios that RFK and Niccol met Tuesday in D.C., saying it was a productive meeting.
The meeting comes a week after Starbucks unveiled it's testing a protein cold foam targeting health-conscious consumers looking to boost their intake.
Starbucks updated its matcha in January to allow customers to adjust the level of sweetness and ditched its nondairy milk fee in November.
Those actions, which were all previously announced, are part of the "Back to Starbucks" plan to revitalize the company by reestablishing cafes as community coffeehouses and simplifying its menu.
The big picture: The food industry has been under pressure from Kennedy to ditch artificial dyes and colors from U.S. products.
Kraft Heinz and General Mills announced plans Tuesday to eliminate artificial colors from their U.S. products.
What they're saying: Kennedy said in a post on X that he "was pleased to learn that Starbucks' food and beverages already avoid artificial dyes, artificial flavors, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and other additives," Kennedy said on X.
"At Starbucks, we believe choice should come with confidence," the company said in a statement to Axios. "Our diverse menu of high-quality foods and beverages empowers customers to make informed nutritional decisions, with transparency on ingredients, calories, and more."
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