In a major win for vegans, the lactose intolerant, and anybody who simply prefers oat milk in their coffee, Dunkin' will no longer be charging patrons extra for non-dairy milk.
As of March 5, plant-based milks will be a standard option for Dunkin' beverages, a spokesperson for the popular chain told USA Today in an email this week—a change that was made in response to customer feedback.
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In December 2023, a class-action lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court in Northern California seeking $5 million in damages from Dunkin' on behalf of 10 customers—all of whom are lactose intolerant or have milk allergies—who requested non-dairy substitutions.
According to the lawsuit, Dunkin' profited significantly after creating "a separate, higher-priced menu, aimed at customers who cannot ingest milk." The complaint noted that there is “no material difference between the price of lactose-containing milks and the price of Non-Dairy Alternatives" and argued the surcharge for plant-based substitutions is a form of discrimination violating the Americans with Disabilities Act.
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While the court dismissed the lawsuit on May 31, 2024, the plaintiffs went on to file an amended class action complaint on Dec. 11, 2024. Dunkin' filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit this week.
Keith Gibson and Bogdan Enica, attorneys for the plaintiffs, consider the surchage drop a "win for disabled consumers," as they told USA Today in a statement.
"We believe our pending lawsuit against Dunkin Donuts and its franchisees played a vital role in forcing the decision by Inspire Brands to eliminate the Illegal Non-Dairy Alternatives Surcharge and we look forward to raising this fact with the Court," the statement continued. "We will be continuing our court battle to make sure that the change is permanent and to ensure compensation for Dunkin’s clients that were charged the fee.”
Dunkin' isn't the first coffee chain to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk.
In November 2024, Starbucks also removed the extra fee for alternative milks from its menu. A couple of months later, in January, Starbucks announced the return of their self-serve condiment bar and handwritten names on cups in addition to instituting a policy entitling customers who drink their hot brewed or iced coffee or tea in-store to free refills.
Some stipulations apply, however, as beverages must be served "in a ceramic mug, glass, or clean personal cup" to be eligible for refill and some drink options are excluded from the offer, including Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew, Iced Tea Lemonade, flavored Iced Tea, and Starbucks Refreshers bases.
Next: Dunkin’ Fans Celebrate Long-Awaited New Spring Menu Addition: "It’s About Time"
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