Starbucks barista holds out a coffee cup in the background as several coffee cups with non-dairy milk options are displayed on a counter. (Starbucks) Starbucks will stop charging extra for non-dairy milk substitutions beginning Nov. 7.
The coffeehouse chain said that substituting dairy milk with non-dairy alternatives is its second-most requested customization. Starbucks announced on Wednesday that it will stop charging customers for non-dairy milk beginning on Nov. 7, according to a news release.
This new policy will take place in conjunction with the launch of their holiday menu, Starbucks said. Core to the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customize your beverage to make it yours. By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks we’re embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks," said Brian Niccol, Starbucks chairman and chief executive officer.
Starbucks said substitutions for non-dairy milk in beverage orders is the second-most requested customization among their customers. The most requested customization is an extra shot of espresso. Customers who typically get dairy milk alternatives will see a reduction of more than 10% in their drink price, Starbucks said.
Back in March, a group of California residents filed a lawsuit against Starbucks claiming the coffeehouse discriminated against lactose-intolerant customers. The lawsuit claimed Starbucks violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by charging customers who opt for a non-dairy milk sub.