This Dunkin' Lawsuit Could Change the Cost of Your Latte Everywhere

Uh oh. Looks like Dunkin' is facing a lawsuit, and this could make waves for coffee prices from every business, including other brands like Starbucks and McDonald's. Let's take a look at how Dunkin' is in trouble and how this can affect your latte experience everywhere.

Why Dunkin' is being sued

Lactose intolerant customers and those with dairy allergies are suing Dunkin' for charging extra on non-dairy milk products. This class action lawsuit is based on the position that it's discriminatory under the Americans with Disabilities Act to charge more, especially since those with dairy allergies or intolerances have no choice but to choose non-dairy milk in their coffee. And Dunkin' charges anywhere from $0.50 to $2 more for these milk alternatives.

Dunkin isn't alone in charging extra

Many popular coffee chains charge for non-dairy milk in their drinks. Starbucks, for example, charges between $0.70 to $0.80 for oat, soy, almond, coconut, or almond milk. Caribou Coffee charges $0.80 more for dairy-free alternatives unless you're a part of their rewards program. Peet's Coffee and Tea also charges $0.80 for non-dairy milk, with the exception of their Earth Month promotion.

How could this affect your morning brew?

If Dunkin' loses this lawsuit and has to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk, it's likely other chains will have to follow suit. In good news, this could drop the price of your latte and make dairy-free alternatives more accessible. Even if you aren't lactose intolerant or have dairy allergies, plant-based drinks are known to be more environmentally friendly, animal-friendly, and even healthier for our bodies.

Bottom line

Dunkin' has until March 4 to respond, so stay tuned to see how this could affect your coffee-going experience no matter where you go. Though this could affect customers with dairy allergies and intolerances, it has the potential to create change for every single customer.

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Ariel Taranski

Ariel Taranski is a writer for FinanceBuzz. She has worked as a content marketer for CPAs and financial advisors, and she enjoys being frugal and money-savvy in her day-to-day life. Ariel has also worked with clients such as The Knot, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Alpha Prime, and many more in her time as a freelance writer.