The company behind a popular artificial sweetener sues Dunkin’ Donuts

November 14, 2016 12:35 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

For many the start to a good day begins with a cup of joe. For those who like to sweeten their cup, alternatives to sugar are available.
However, Dunkin’ Donuts is under scrutiny by heartland consumer products who say the chain restaurant is telling customers they are getting Splenda, when they’re actually getting a Chinese-made, off-brand sucralose.

"I was just thinking like, why would they do that?” says Leticia McFarland.

Customers like McFarland are not happy about the discovery.

"I want to know what is going into my body. Everyone is very aware of what they are drinking, especially their coffee. They are very particular about their coffee."

The two companies ended their business relationship in april, that’s when Dunkin’ turned to the off brand version of sucralose. Heartland requested an injunction to stop Dunkin’ from representing it as one of their products. The ingredients listed on the backs of both are almost identical, including sucralose, dextrose, and maltodextrin. Some customers we spoke with who did not want to go on camera, saying the brand name didn’t matter to them. Others felt quite the opposite.

"It makes me wonder now. I’m definitely getting regular sugar every time,” says customer David Moreno.

We did reach out to Dunkin’ brands group for comment. They said they are unable to comment due to pending litigation.