Consumer News: Rooting for your favorite football team is getting expensive — and some fans are going into debt

Consumers challenge the beverage names, but Starbucks says its nutritional disclosures are clear

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• A proposed class-action lawsuit accuses Starbucks of misleading consumers by naming eight protein beverages sugar-free despite their sugar content.

• The complaint alleges the drinks contain 13 to 21 grams of sugar per venti serving, largely from naturally occurring sugar in milk.

• Starbucks disputes the allegations, saying it clearly discloses nutritional information and uses sugar-free syrups in the beverages.

Starbucks is facing a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging that eight of its protein beverages are misleadingly marketed as sugar-free even though they contain substantial amounts of naturally occurring sugar.

Filed Oct. 2 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, the lawsuit challenges the names of the companys vanilla and caramel protein lattes and protein matcha drinks, including their iced versions. The plaintiffs allege the beverages contain between 13 and 21 grams of sugar per venti serving.

The dispute centers on whether consumers would understand sugar-free to describe the entire beverage or simply the syrup used to flavor it. The drinks contain milk, which supplies lactose, a naturally occurring sugar, according to the complaint.

The three consumers bringing the case purchased the beverages in California, New York, and Washington. Their attorneys argue that the product names are deceptive even when nutritional information is available elsewhere.

What the lawsuit alleges

The plaintiffs contend Starbucks beverage names violate federal labeling standards and state consumer protection laws.

Federal regulations generally require products bearing a sugar-free claim to contain less than 0.5 gram of sugar per labeled serving and per reference amount customarily consumed. The regulations establish separate requirements for no added sugar claims, recognizing that a product can contain sugar naturally present in its ingredients.

The lawsuit also alleges Starbucks failed to include required calorie disclaimers. Under the federal rule, a sugar-free claim must be accompanied by an appropriate disclaimer when the product does not qualify for specified low-calorie or reduced-calorie labeling.

The consumers, represented by Hagens Berman and Sterlington PLLC, seek compensation for purchases and a court order requiring changes to the allegedly misleading marketing. Those requests remain allegations and demands for relief, rather than findings that Starbucks violated the law.

Starbucks rejects the claims

Starbucks says the sugar comes from its protein-boosted milk, that it does not add sugar to the beverages, and that the flavoring syrups are sugar-free.

We believe these claims have no merit, a Starbucks spokesperson said.

The company said it consistently provides information about ingredients, customization options, and nutritional content through its menus, marketing, website, and app, and intends to defend itself vigorously.

For consumers, the case highlights a distinction worth checking before ordering: sugar-free syrup does not necessarily produce a beverage without sugar. Milk and other ingredients can contribute to the finished drinks total.

Customers trying to limit sugar can review the nutritional information for the complete beverage and selected serving size, paying attention to total sugars as well as any claim about added sugar.

Remaining supplies will be sold as the food company shifts resources to other brands

By Mark Huffman of ConsumerAffairs

• Conagra Brands has stopped producing Celeste frozen pizza, ending a longtime grocery-store staple.

• Shoppers may still find the pizzas while existing inventory lasts, but the company says no more are being made.

• The decision is part of Conagras effort to simplify its product lineup and focus spending on businesses with stronger growth potential.

Celeste frozen pizza is heading out of supermarket freezers, bringing an end to a familiar option for consumers looking for a quick, inexpensive meal.

Conagra Brands disclosed its decision to exit the Celeste business during its latest earnings call. A company spokesperson subsequently confirmed to FOX Business that production has stopped, although remaining inventory will continue to be sold.

We will continue to sell inventory, but we stopped producing it, the spokesperson told FOX Business. Once those supplies are exhausted, the company said, Celeste products will no longer be available.

The explanation means the pizzas could disappear from different stores at different times, depending on how quickly remaining supplies sell.

A victim of a portfolio review

Conagra CEO John Brase identified Celeste as an early example of the companys review of its product portfolio. The goal is to reduce complexity in manufacturing and purchasing while directing investment toward businesses with greater scale and better prospects.

Dropping Celeste reduced first-quarter net sales by about 0.15 percentage point, according to Conagras prepared remarks. However, the company expects the decision to improve profit margins going forward. Conagra also said most benefits from its broader effort to simplify its assortment should emerge over the next 12 to 18 months.

The changes come as the company faces softer sales. Conagra reported revenue of approximately $2.6 billion for its fiscal first quarter, which ended Aug. 30, down 1.4% from a year earlier. It maintained its forecast for organic sales to decline between 1% and 3% during fiscal 2027.

For longtime customers, Celestes departure also closes a chapter in frozen-food history. The brand traces its origins to Celeste Mama Lizio and her husband, Anthony, who opened a Chicago restaurant in 1937. Quaker Oats acquired the business in 1969, and Mama Celeste became its recognizable face on packaging and in television commercials. Conagra acquired the brand through its purchase of Pinnacle Foods in 2018.

News of the discontinuation has prompted customers to share memories online of after-school snacks and pizzas kept in their grandparents freezers. For those hoping for one more serving, the opportunity now depends on what remains on store shelves.

Scammers may use fake Amazon alerts, delivery notices, and urgent requests to catch shoppers off guard

• Scammers may use fake Amazon alerts, delivery notices, and urgent offers to pressure shoppers into acting quickly.

• AI shopping tools can make it easier to shop, but consumers should think twice before sharing personal or financial information with them.

• Taking a moment to pause, question suspicious messages, and verify offers independently can help keep your information safe.

Prime Day may be a major shopping event, but consumers shouldnt wait to start watching for .

TrendLife found that 84.2% of the 3,887 Amazon-related it tracked in the U.S. in June occurred during the two weeks leading up to Prime Day. That means shoppers may already have gotten suspicious texts, emails, and other messages designed to look like they came from Amazon or a delivery company.

So what should shoppers watch for?

ConsumerAffairs spoke with Lynette Owens, vice president of consumer education and marketing at TrendLife, who shared some tips for spotting potential and protecting personal information before clicking on that next Prime Day deal.

Scammers exploit trust

Owens explained that scammers prey on one consumers trust of brands like Amazon, UPS, FedEx, etc.

are designed to trigger an emotional response and make people less likely to question the legitimacy of the source, she said. They tap into feelings of scarcity, fear, and excitement to pressure consumers into acting before they have time to think.

A message claiming a Prime membership payment has failed, a delivery is being held, or an exclusive offer is about to expire can create just enough pressure for someone to click a link or share personal information without verifying if the claim is reputable.

Owens said the key is recognizing that urgency is often a deliberate tactic. She encourages consumers to give pause when a message pressures you to act immediately and verify it independently rather than responding through the message itself.

Be careful of AI shopping tools

Many consumers utilize AI shopping tools for discounts, extra coupons, or extra assistance tracking down the best buys. However, Owens warns against sharing too much personal information with an AI chatbot.

From names and financial details to shopping habits and daily routines, these details can reveal a lot about a person, she said. When sharing sensitive details with AI tools, consumers may not fully understand where that information is being stored, how it is being utilized or who may have access to it.

This is risky because the more personal information that is exposed, the more consumers are at risk of identity theft, targeted phishing attacks or , or hijacked bank accounts.

Share as little as possible

As Prime Day leads into holiday shopping, Owens hopes that consumers stay vigilant when sharing any information with AI chatbots.

Here are some of Owens best tips for staying safe when shopping online this holiday season:

• Maintain critical thinking while using AI to shop. Before sharing any personal information, take care to consider whether or not it is necessary and if so, consider sharing as minimally as possible.

• Avoid entering sensitive details into an AI chatbot. This includes payment information or personal identifiers. Consumers should trust their instincts and be overly cautious about how revealing they are with an AI tool.

• The same principle applies to unexpected messages, deals, and recommendations generated or shared online. Scammers are increasingly good at making fraudulent offers and requests that appear legitimate, particularly during busy shopping periods. Taking a moment to pause and question the legitimacy of the offer and the source can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your family.

As AI becomes a bigger part of how families shop, search for information, and manage their digital lives, it's equally important to think about how we protect our personal information, Owens said. Technology can make everyday tasks easier, but consumers should understand the risks and take steps to protect themselves.

Holiday packages will cost a little more this season, but the increases are temporary

• USPS is temporarily increasing prices on several package shipping services for the 2026 holiday season.

• The increases vary based on the service, package weight, and shipping distance.

• The temporary rates are scheduled to remain in place through Jan. 17, 2027.

If you're planning to send holiday gifts through the U.S. Postal Service this year, you may notice that some packages cost a little more to ship.

USPS announced a temporary price adjustment for its peak 2026 holiday shipping season. The change applies to certain domestic package services, including Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, USPS Ground Advantage, and Parcel Select.

The Postal Service said the temporary adjustment is intended to help cover the additional handling costs that come with the holiday shipping season.

The temporary prices went into effect on Oct. 4 and remain in place until 12 a.m. Central time on Jan. 17, 2027. No other USPS products or services are affected by the change.

How much more will shipping cost?

The increase depends on what you're sending, how much it weighs, and how far it's traveling.

Heres a look at whats changing;

Retail:

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 1-4

• $0.50 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.

• $0.80 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.

• $1.25 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.

• $3.90 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs. and Oversized.

Priority Mail: Zones 5-9

• $1.00 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.

• $2.10 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.

• $4.30 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.

• $9.10 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Flat Rate:

• $2.10 increase for Large Flat Rate Boxes.

• $1.00 increase for all other Flat Rate Products.

USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 5-9

• $0.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.

• $1.40 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.

• $2.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.

• $7.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs. and Oversized.

Priority Mail Express: Zones 1-9

• $1.40 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.

• $2.35 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.

• $2.45 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.

• $6.30 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.

• $5.05 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.

• $11.70 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.

• $12.70 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.

• $20.80 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate:

• $2.35 increase for Flat Rate Envelopes.

Commercial:

Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 1-4

• $0.40 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 1-3.

• $0.65 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 4-5 (PM), 4-9 (GA).

• $1.05 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs. and Cubic Tier 10 (GA).

• $3.15 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs. and Oversized.

Priority Mail: Zones 5-9

• $0.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 1-3.

• $1.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 4-5.

• $3.85 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.

• $9.10 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Flat Rate:

• $1.75 increase for Large Flat Rate Boxes.

• $0.85 increase for all other Flat Rate Products.

USPS Ground Advantage: Zones 5-9

• $0.55 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 1-3.

• $1.05 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs. and Cubic Tiers 4-9.

• $1.75 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs. and Cubic Tier 10.

• $7.70 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs. and Oversized.

Priority Mail Express: Zones 1-9

• $1.40 increase for Zones 1-4, 0-3 lbs.

• $2.35 increase for Zones 5-9, 0-3 lbs.

• $2.10 increase for Zones 1-4, 4-10 lbs.

• $5.55 increase for Zones 5-9, 4-10 lbs.

• $4.90 increase for Zones 1-4, 11-25 lbs.

• $10.50 increase for Zones 5-9, 11-25 lbs.

• $12.55 increase for Zones 1-4, 26-70 lbs.

• $18.20 increase for Zones 5-9, 26-70 lbs.

Priority Mail Express Flat Rate:

• $2.35 increase for Flat Rate Envelopes.

Parcel Select: (all entries)

• $0.40 increase for 0-3 lbs.

• $0.50 increase for 4-10 lbs.

• $0.80 increase for 11-25 lbs.

• $2.35 increase for 26-70 lbs. and Oversized

What this means for consumers

For consumers, the biggest takeaway is that this isn't a permanent change to all USPS prices. It's a seasonal adjustment focused on certain package services during the holiday shipping period.

That means anyone planning to mail gifts or other packages between October and mid-January should account for the temporary increases when budgeting for shipping. The exact amount will depend on the service, package size and weight, and destination.

USPS says the changes are intended to help cover the extra handling costs of the peak season while keeping its shipping prices in line with competitive practices. The temporary rates are scheduled to end Jan. 17, 2027.

A new analysis puts basic first-year baby essentials at more than $5,000, before adding childcare, healthcare, or housing

• The basics add up fast: A new analysis estimates 14 common baby essentials could cost U.S. parents about $5,150 during the first year.

• Formula is potentially the biggest expense: A full year of formula feeding was estimated at $2,740, while diapers, wipes, and rash cream totaled another $1,228.

• Don't automatically buy the biggest box: Comparing unit prices, avoiding overstocking, and being selective about what you buy new can potentially save hundreds.

Babies are tiny. Their expenses aren't.

A new analysis from Remitly estimates that U.S. parents could spend about $5,150 on just 14 basic baby essentials during their child's first year.

And that doesn't include some of the really expensive stuff, like childcare, healthcare, or housing.

The biggest potential budget-buster? Formula.

Remitly estimates a full year of formula feeding could cost about $2,740 in the U.S., accounting for more than half of its first-year essentials budget. Diapers, wipes, and rash cream add another $1,228 to your annual total, while baby clothes were estimated at $548.

These numbers provide a good reminder that the seemingly small purchases you make over and over again can become some of the biggest baby expenses.

Here are six smart ways to fight back.

1. Compare formula by prepared ounce

When buying formula, don't automatically assume the biggest container, or most familiar brand, is the best deal.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends comparing formula based on the cost per prepared ounce. That matters because container sizes, powder concentrations, and preparation instructions can make two similarly priced formulas very different in terms of value.

Also, its worth asking your pediatrician whether a less expensive formula is appropriate before assuming you need a premium version.

2. Check whether you qualify for WIC

This could potentially dwarf every other savings trick on the list.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, better known as WIC, provides eligible families with specific foods and can include infant formula.

Eligibility is based on factors including income and nutritional risk, and families who assume they make too much shouldn't automatically rule themselves out. In other words, its worth applying just to see where you stand.

Check your state's WIC eligibility requirements before paying for a year's worth of formula entirely out of pocket.

3. Don't stockpile formula too early

Finding formula for 25% off doesn't save you money if your baby can't use it or you surpass the Use-By date.

Babies can have different nutritional needs, and parents sometimes need to change formulas. So resist the temptation to fill a closet with six months of formula before you know a particular type works for your child.

Once you've settled into a feeding routine, then start watching sales and comparing prices.

Pro tip: Make a dont open two rule. This works for formula, diapers, wipes, and even baby toiletries. Don't open the backup until the first one is nearly gone. An unopened product is much easier to return, donate, or pass along if your baby suddenly needs a different formula, diaper size, or skin-care product. Once you rip open the package you may be stuck with it.

4. Do the math before buying the giant diaper box

Warehouse-size packages from Costco and Sams Club feel like they should be cheaper. Sometimes they are. Sometimes they're not.

Calculate the price per diaper before buying, especially when comparing a giant box against a smaller package that's on sale or has a coupon.

How quickly babies grow is another reason not to go overboard when stocking-up. Buying 400 diapers in one size isn't much of a bargain if your baby outgrows them with 150 still sitting in the closet.

Pro tip: Create what I call a growth-size exchange bin. When you find a great diaper sale, keep the receipt and leave any boxes beyond your baby's current size unopened. Then, if/when your baby suddenly moves from size two to size three, you can return or exchange the unopened box, rather than getting stuck with a bunch of diapers you can't use.

5. Buy baby clothes used and don't buy too many

Remitly estimates parents often spend $548 on baby clothing during the first year. This is one of the easiest categories to attack.

Babies can outgrow clothing before they've had a chance to wear it more than a handful of times, which means thrift stores, consignment shops, and hand-me-downs can be loaded with barely used baby clothes.

Also, avoid buying an entire wardrobe in newborn sizes before the baby arrives.

6. Know what you shouldn't automatically buy used

Secondhand can be fantastic for clothing and plenty of other baby gear, but be very careful when buying used safety products.

Before buying things like a used crib, stroller, or other baby product, check for recalls and make sure it meets current safety standards and hasn't been damaged or had important pieces removed.

Be particularly cautious with used car seats. Their crash history can be difficult to verify, and seats also have expiration dates.

The biggest takeaway for new parents is that preparing for a baby doesn't require you to buy every little product marketed towards you.

A $10 purchase doesn't seem particularly important when you're making it. But make enough of those purchases and suddenly you're talking about thousands of dollars.

When it comes to your baby's first-year budget, sweating the small stuff can actually pay off dramatically.