Close
Photo:
Dotdash Meredith/Janet Maples
Some of our favorite brands have lately been more dedicated than ever to giving fans what they want. Whether it’s the marriage of an iconic Girl Scout cookie with a Frosty, Jersey Mike’s new Hot Honey sandwiches, or the introduction of Oreo-stuffed Cheesecake Pancakes at Cracker Barrel, nationally recognized restaurants seem to have our best interests at heart this winter.
Now, Dunkin’, the coffee and donut chain known for its smooth cups of joe and relative affordability, has just announced a change that won't only keep us happy but our wallets might feel a bit fuller too.
Dunkin' Will No Longer Upcharge Nondairy Milks
Beginning on March 5, Dunkin’ fans will no longer have to pay extra for dairy alternatives. Those include almond milk and oat milk, which previously rang up for as much as $2 a pop. A spokesperson for the brand told People, “This enhances Dunkin’s ability to offer guests a wide range of beverage customizations, allowing them to enjoy quality Dunkin’ beverages—their way—at a great value.”
Bloomberg/Getty
But it might not all be about goodwill. Starbucks made the same move in November. According to No Milk Tax, a group petitioning coffee chains to drop the upcharge on nondairy milk, other brands that have already shed the fee include Panera Bread, Blue Bottle Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Tim Hortons, to name a few. But there are stragglers, too. Brands such as Peet’s Coffee, The Human Bean, and Bluestone Lane are among No Milk Tax’s “Latte Losers” who still charge for cow-free options.
And it’s more than a good business move. Last year, Dunkin’ had to battle it out in court with 10 plaintiffs who claimed that charging for nondairy milk was discrimination against lactose-intolerant customers under the Americans with Disabilities Act. The $5 million suit was eventually dismissed last May, but when the Dunkin’ spokesperson says the brand was “guided by guest feedback,” there are few complaints louder than a lawsuit.
What Fans Are Saying
“I called this as soon as Starbucks made this move. It was inevitable for [Dunkin’] to follow suit,” said one Redditor. Someone else added, “About time. It’s the least they can do…”
“I never realized the price varied by location to begin with. At my Dunkin’ in TX, it was only 50 cents for almond/oat milk, and in CO it’s 99 cents. Glad it’s going away for realsies,” noted another.
Reddit fans were generally happy with the change, though some worried that there would be other upcharges in its place, including for flavored syrups. But until that proves to be true, we’re saving up that extra dollar we used to spend on oat milk for, well, another cup of coffee.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!
Other
Submit
