Introduction:Three lactose-intolerant consumers in California, USA, have sued Starbucks for charging extra when substituting milk with plant-based milk in their beverages. They argue that this practice constitutes discrimination and violates civil rights laws, seeking damages of up to $5 million. This article delves into the reasons behind the lawsuit, the arguments from both sides, examines the cost of plant-based milk and the current market situation, while also providing practical purchasing advice to help coffee enthusiasts make more suitable choices.
Starbucks has recently been involved in a class-action lawsuit in California, USA, where three self-reported lactose-intolerant consumers have filed charges, alleging that the coffee chain charges an additional 50 to 80 cents per drink when replacing milk with plant-based milk in popular beverages such as lattes and Frappuccinos. They claim this constitutes unfair treatment toward the lactose-intolerant community, violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and relevant California civil rights regulations, with the group seeking a total of $5 million in compensation.
The lawsuit was initiated by three California residents from Los Angeles and Madera, including Maria Bollinger, Dawn Miller, and Shunda Smith. All have been regular Starbucks customers since 2018 and have had to pay extra fees each time they requested plant-based milk instead of dairy milk. The plaintiffs argue that for customers who cannot consume milk, plant-based milk is not a choice but a necessity, and that Starbucks profits significantly from this, which is unfair.
According to the lawsuit documents, the cost of whole milk is approximately 3 to 5 cents per ounce, while common plant-based milks such as oat milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and almond milk range from 4 to 7 cents per ounce. Despite the similar costs, the average price of a Starbucks drink in 2023 was $3.25, yet the additional charge for plant-based milk in some drinks could be as high as 40% of the total drink price, raising questions about the fairness of the pricing.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer further stated that under the Americans with Disabilities Act, lactose intolerance is considered a type of physical impairment, affecting approximately 30 to 50 million people across the United States. This group often experiences symptoms such as stomach pain, bloating, indigestion, or even vomiting after consuming milk or dairy products, making plant-based milk not an “option” but a “necessity” for them. The plaintiffs accuse Starbucks of “deliberately and knowingly ignoring” the rights of this group and accumulating over $1 billion in additional revenue from it.
In response to the lawsuit, Starbucks officials stated that because the case is still in legal proceedings, they will not comment on the specific allegations for now. However, Starbucks clarified in a statement that customers at U.S. stores can add up to 4 ounces (approximately 118.28 milliliters) of plant-based milk for free when ordering coffee, tea, or other blended beverages. In addition, Starbucks Rewards members can redeem a certain amount of plant-based milk with 25 stars for any beverage that does not already include it. If customers need more plant-based milk than the free allowance or points allow, they can also choose to pay an additional fee, following the same process as customizing espresso shots or syrups.
It is worth noting that Starbucks is not the first coffee brand to face legal challenges over the issue of charging extra for plant-based milk. In January of this year, the well-known American fast-food coffee chain Dunkin' Donuts also faced a class-action lawsuit from consumers for a similar situation. In fact, in recent years, many coffee shops across the United States have sparked consumer dissatisfaction and legal disputes over charging extra fees for plant-based milk.
For consumers who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to milk, when choosing a suitable plant-based milk alternative, in addition to paying attention to whether there is an extra charge, it is also recommended to consider how different plant-based milks pair with the flavor of coffee. For example, oat milk has a creamy texture and harmonizes well with the flavor of lattes, making it suitable for users who enjoy a rich foam; soy milk has a more pronounced flavor, making it suitable for beverages that favor an Eastern-style bean aroma; coconut milk and almond milk, due to their unique tastes, are recommended to be chosen based on personal preference. Additionally, some plant-based milks may affect the stability of the foam due to differences in protein content and lactose structure, so it’s advisable to ask for staff recommendations before ordering.
This lawsuit not only highlights the pricing strategies and social responsibilities of beverage providers when offering alternative options, but also reminds consumers to fully understand their own needs and product details when choosing coffee beverages, in order to make the most suitable choices for themselves.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
