Dunkin' Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Surcharge for Non-Dairy Milk Substitutes
Source: The DairyNews
Dunkin' is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by customers who claim that the coffee chain charges extra for non-dairy milk substitutes, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and state anti-discrimination laws.
The surcharges for soy, oat, coconut, or almond milk can range from 50 cents to $2.15, making up to 40% of the average $3.25 drink price.
The lawsuit alleges that Dunkin' discriminates against individuals with lactose intolerance and milk allergies, both recognized as disabilities. The plaintiffs argue that Dunkin' unjustly enriches itself by imposing additional charges for non-dairy alternatives, earning over $250 million through these surcharges.
With an estimated 30 million to 50 million lactose intolerant Americans, the lawsuit claims that Dunkin' forces individuals with lactose intolerance to pay a premium for non-dairy beverages, essential to avoiding adverse health impacts.
The class-action complaint represents consumers in California, New York, Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, seeking to address the alleged discriminatory surcharges imposed on coffee- and tea-based drinks containing non-dairy milk substitutes. Dunkin' has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit alleges that Dunkin' discriminates against individuals with lactose intolerance and milk allergies, both recognized as disabilities. The plaintiffs argue that Dunkin' unjustly enriches itself by imposing additional charges for non-dairy alternatives, earning over $250 million through these surcharges.
With an estimated 30 million to 50 million lactose intolerant Americans, the lawsuit claims that Dunkin' forces individuals with lactose intolerance to pay a premium for non-dairy beverages, essential to avoiding adverse health impacts.
The class-action complaint represents consumers in California, New York, Texas, Colorado, Massachusetts, and Hawaii, seeking to address the alleged discriminatory surcharges imposed on coffee- and tea-based drinks containing non-dairy milk substitutes. Dunkin' has not yet responded to the lawsuit.
