A woman is suing Starbucks for “false and deceptive practices” over claims that the coffee company’s iced, fruit-filled refresher beverage actually contains no fruit. Joan Kominis from Queens, New York, filed a complaint in August 2022 after learning that Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Lemonade Refresher contained no actual acai. Court documents filed in the southern district of New York claim that “unbeknownst to consumers, the Mango Dragon Fruit and Mango Dragon Fruit Lemonade Refreshers contain no mango, the Pineapple Passionfruit and Pineapple Passion Fruit Lemonade Refreshers contain no passionfruit, and the Strawberry Açaí and Strawberry Açaí Lemonade Refreshers contain no açaí.” Kominis and her co-plaintiff, Jason McAllister of California, are seeking damages in excess of $5m. Starbucks has since called the allegations “inaccurate” and “without merit”. On Tuesday 19 September, US District Judge John Cronan rejected Starbucks’ request to dismiss nine of the 11 claims in the class-action complaint because “a significant portion of reasonable consumers” would assume that the beverages in question would contain the fruit in their names. The plaintiffs have said the main ingredients in these beverages were water, grape juice concentrate, and sugar. They claim the refreshers “differ from other Starbucks products” in that the product doesn’t contain items in their name. “Starbucks’ hot chocolate contains cocoa, its matcha lattes contain matcha, and its honey mint tea contains honey and mint,” reads the complaint. While they noted that the refresher drinks do in fact contain freeze-dried pieces of strawberries, pineapple and dragon fruit, they claimed that Starbucks “does not affirmatively indicate anywhere which ingredients are and are not in the products.” Starbucks had said that the fruits mentioned in the refreshers titles are meant to “describe the flavours as opposed to the ingredients.” Judge Cronan disagreed, writing in his ruling: “Nothing before the Court indicates that ‘mango,’ ‘passionfruit,’ and ‘açaí’ are terms that typically are understood to represent a flavour without also representing that ingredient.” In Kominis’ original filing, she claimed that she was going to buy a Strawberry Açaí refresher specifically for the açaí benefits. The suit stated that açaí berries and juice “are known to provide benefits to heart health, cognitive function, and contain anti-cancerous properties.” “Had she known that the product did not contain açaí, she would not have purchased it, or would have paid significantly less for it,” the document read. Kominis said that she and other consumers bought these menu items and “paid a premium price” based on Starbucks’ naming of the refreshers, and would either not have purchased them or “paid significantly less for them” had they been aware they were missing one of the named fruits. “The allegations in the complaint are inaccurate and without merit,” a Starbucks spokesperson told Today. “We look forward to defending ourselves against these claims.” One claim of fraud and another for unjust enrichment were dismissed from the suit, but Starbucks will have to face the rest of the allegations. The Independent has contacted a spokesperson for Starbucks for comment. This is the second lawsuit an American food chain has faced in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Burger King was sued over claims that the company misled customers by making its Whopper burger appear larger on the menu than how it appears in reality. Read More Citing sustainability, Starbucks wants to overhaul its iconic cup. Will customers go along? Starbucks cheers ‘good progress’ in plan for 100 new UK shops Ed Sheeran serves up Pumpkin Spice Lattes to surprised Starbucks customers Courgette season is nearly over – here’s three ways to make the most of them Top international cuisines Brits are keen to try Subway enthusiasts stew over launch of first ever 3-inch sandwich

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Holidays and hot weather are brilliant for raising your spirits during summer, but they can wreak havoc on your hair – especially if it’s wavy, coiled, kinked or curly. Sun, sea and swimming pools – or all of the above – can leave your crowning glory looking frizzy and lacklustre by the time September rolls around. “Curly hair can be more fragile than straight hair because the cuticle layer remains more raised than it is on straight hair, which leaves it more vulnerable to breakage,” says Kevin Hughes, global artistic director at Moroccanoil. Plus, if your strands aren’t healthy and hydrated it’s harder to get that gorgeously glossy, defined look, because curly hair naturally tends to be less shiny. “When there are twists and turns in the hair shaft, it absorbs parts of that reflection, reducing some of the shine that we see,” Hughes explains. “This dullness is increased if the hair is damaged or distressed by UV rays, sea and environmental aggressors.” But it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are six expert-approved ways to rejuvenate curly hair… 1. Soothe your scalp “Curly hair has less moisture than straight hair because the oil from the scalp cannot move down the strands of hair as easily,” says Hughes. This problem can be exacerbated in summer if you’ve been sunbathing without a hat. “Occasionally I see dry or damaged scalp on clients who have braids and textured styles, as it is more exposed to the sun and subject to sunburn,” he says. Just as you would apply aftersun to parched skin and keep it covered, treat your scalp to a moisturising serum or mask and leave it on overnight. “I would be sure to use some aloe vera, apply to your scalp and wash less often to allow the natural oils to replenish and balance the scalp,” says Hughes. 2. Detangle knots “Healthy curls and coils are well-defined, springy and bouncy – lack of definition and tangles could indicate damage,” says Jennie Roberts, afro hair Expert at SheaMoisture UK. She recommends regularly detangling to “prevent knots and tangles from forming, which can lead to breakage. Use a brush or comb designed for curly and/or coily hair to avoid damaging the curls, kinks and coils”. Hughes suggests applying conditioner to wet hair before you wash it as an extra detangling step: “The conditioner will break down what is in the hair and rinse away with the conditioner, so the shampoo won’t make it worse than it already is.” 3. Bring back the bounce “Gently stretching a strand of hair should result in some level of elasticity without immediate snapping,” says Roberts. “If your hair breaks easily without any flexibility, it might be damaged.” From shampoo to styling, hydrating products are key for repairing your locks, says Hughes: “Look for ingredients that moisturise the hair, like panthenol and jojoba, as well as strengthening ingredients, like vegetable proteins.” Roberts adds: “Consider using a deep conditioning treatment at least once a week to maintain moisture levels.” 4. Avoid heat and chemicals “Minimise the use of heat-styling tools like blow dryers and straighteners, as they can cause further damage, especially in humid conditions,” says Roberts. Always use a heat protection spray, and if you’re planning a summer escape, try to resist the urge to book salon appointments for anything other than a trim. “Wait until you get home from holidays before you have any chemical treatments such as colouring, perming, or relaxing,” Roberts says. “As you’ll be able to assess the condition of your hair better – the heat and weather will just add to the damage.” 5. Revive your curls While it may be tempting to reach for a heat styling wand when you want to zhoozh up your curls, if you want to protect your locks, it’s better to use a gentle hair routine during the summer months. Starting with freshly washed hair, Hughes says: “Make sure to blot it dry with a towel, meaning don’t be rough with it, then spritz through a heat protection spray – this will be the last time you comb through your hair.” Next, he says: “Scrunch the hair from the ends up to the scalp with the palm of your hand, then use a diffuser to dry the hair – essential to keep from blowing the curls around and getting frizzy.” If you do have any frizzy areas, use a heat styler sparingly: “Use a curling iron the same size as your curl; pick up random pieces of hair and redefine the curl with the iron.” 6. Lightweight styling products “Choose lightweight products to prevent buildup and to avoid weighing down your curls in the humid weather,” says Roberts. “Hair butters and creams will melt, so water-based products are always advised.” This is particularly important for the final step in your styling routine. “Use a curl-enhancing styling product,” says Hughes, such as a mousse or cream, to scrunch and set your locks. “Don’t brush or comb through your curls after hair is dry.” Charles Worthington Moisture Seal Leave-In Conditioner, £8.99, Superdrug SheaMoisture Strengthen & Restore Hair Treatment Masque, £12.99, Boots Osmo Curl Revival Replenishing Cream, £10.99, Sally Beauty Briogeo Curl Charisma Rice Amino and Quinoa Frizz Control Gel, £21, Cult Beauty Moroccanoil Curl Defining Cream, £26.85

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A fan has been banned from Formula 1 races for life after attacking two Ferrari supporters during the Mexico City Grand Prix on Sunday. The scrap in the stands followed Sergio Perez having to retire from his home race in front of a gutted Mexican crowd. The Red Bull driver collided with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc on lap one of the race, spinning off track and sustaining irreparable damage to the floor of his car. Later, footage emerged online of fighting in the Foro Sol Stadium grandstand, with one spectator throwing punches at two fans dressed in red, the colours of Ferrari. The spectator was then put into a chokehold by another fan, before being ejected from the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez circuit by security. F1 later stated that the fan has been given a ban for life. Leclerc, who finished third in a race won by Max Verstappen, was jeered by the Mexican crowd after the grand prix. “A lot of booing!” said a surprised Leclerc, after his tough reception. “Guys, honestly I had nowhere to go! Unfortunately, I touched Checo, I had nowhere to go. “It ended the race of Checo. It’s life, I’m disappointed to end the race of Checo, I honestly had nowhere to go!” Perez did not blame the Monegasque driver for the incident. “I had a tremendous start, the gap was there,” said Perez. “I had the chance to take the lead, I went for it - I wasn’t expecting Charles to be in the middle and to brake that late. There was simply no room for three cars, it was a racing incident. “Especially [being] at your home grand prix and two times on the podium, I wanted to give it all – and totally went for it. It’s really sad but I’m extremely proud of myself and the team. We had the best start of the year, we just went for it. “Our pace is there, we knew what was wrong. The results will come, I’m not concerned about it - I’m more sad with the end result.” Read More Sergio Perez lasts just 14 seconds in home race as Max Verstappen wins in Mexico ‘A lot of booing!’ Charles Leclerc reacts after jeers from Mexican fans Kevin Magnussen’s car catches fire after high-speed crash in Mexico F1 Mexican Grand Prix LIVE: Race results and reaction in Mexico City Charles Leclerc leads shock Ferrari front row at Mexican Grand Prix Who is Ollie Bearman? Essex boy with Italian twang making F1 history