Starbucks to Remove Non-Dairy Milk Surcharge Following $5 Million Lawsuit
Source: DairyNews.today
Starbucks will eliminate additional charges for non-dairy milk substitutes starting November 7, responding to a recent $5 million lawsuit over its surcharge on alternative milk products.
Beginning Thursday, Starbucks customers can choose almond, soy, or oat milk at no extra cost when customizing their drinks, coinciding with the launch of the company’s holiday menu. The company noted that non-dairy milk substitutions rank as its second most popular drink customization, following only requests for added espresso shots. “With this change, nearly half of our current U.S. customers who pay to modify their beverages at company-operated stores will see a price reduction of over 10%,” the company said in a statement.
This move comes months after a trio of California residents sued Starbucks, alleging that the additional fee for non-dairy options discriminates against lactose-intolerant individuals. According to a federal court filing in Fresno, California, the plaintiffs — all of whom are lactose intolerant — paid an extra $0.50 to $0.80 per beverage, a practice they argue contravenes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Lactose intolerance, affecting between 30 and 50 million Americans, is recognized as a disability under the ADA.
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan emphasized that providing flexible drink options aligns with the company’s mission. “Removing the surcharge for non-dairy milk is a way for us to embrace the variety of ways customers enjoy their Starbucks experience,” Narasimhan said.
This move comes months after a trio of California residents sued Starbucks, alleging that the additional fee for non-dairy options discriminates against lactose-intolerant individuals. According to a federal court filing in Fresno, California, the plaintiffs — all of whom are lactose intolerant — paid an extra $0.50 to $0.80 per beverage, a practice they argue contravenes the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Lactose intolerance, affecting between 30 and 50 million Americans, is recognized as a disability under the ADA.
Starbucks CEO Laxman Narasimhan emphasized that providing flexible drink options aligns with the company’s mission. “Removing the surcharge for non-dairy milk is a way for us to embrace the variety of ways customers enjoy their Starbucks experience,” Narasimhan said.
