Shark Tank's Anupam Mittal criticizes Starbucks, saying it is “more toxic than tobacco”

“Starbucks' continued decline in value is inevitable unless they return to their roots or reinvent their reason for being. Right now they're less of a coffee shop and more of a dessert shop with criminal amounts of hidden sugar that makes people sick. Probably even more toxic than tobacco companies.”

Mittal then added: “But good move to bring Brian in.”

Other users on the platform commented on Mittal's posts. One user mused: “I seriously wonder why there isn't an equivalent of a modern cafe – with protein shakes, high protein foods, etc. Maybe something @wholetruthfood could consider as a pilot project?” Mittal responded positively to the suggestion: “Great idea… if I find the time, I'll get into it.”

Another user commented on the general awareness of health issues in India, saying, “India is a low to middle income country and if you talk to a normal person about sugar in food, he/she will most likely laugh at you. People are not health conscious, they only care about taste.”

Mittal disagreed with this view and replied: “…that is not true… lower-income people are not idiots.”

Summing up his views on Starbucks' strategy, Mittal said, “Sounds like Starbucks is brewing a storm… but not the kind you want in your coffee. Maybe they need a little less sugar and a lot more espresso in their business strategy!”