In 2024, both Starbucks and Dunkin' faced class-action lawsuits alleging that up-charging non-dairy alternatives was a form of discrimination. By November, Starbucks made it official: The chain would no longer tack on an extra 70 to 90 cents just for oat milk or almond milk beverages, which had become the norm on menus.
Now, Dunkin' is finally following suit and it's making me question my coffee loyalty altogether. While the company is a little later to the policy, I can finally order my Brown Sugar Shakin' Espresso without price-gauging on the side.
Beginning March 5, customers can opt for any of Dunkin's dairy alternatives at no additional cost. "This will allow guests visiting any Dunkin’ location to enjoy traditional dairy or alternative dairy options in any beverage without an additional charge," a Dunkin' spokesperson told USA Today.
The decision reportedly came as a direct result of customer feedback. But, it's easy to see it as a decision to remain competitive: in addition to Starbucks, the chain is joining the ranks of Dutch Bros, Tim Hortons, and Scooters, which have all stopped charging the extra fee in the last three months alone, the Center for Responsible Food Business reports.
Customers appear to be thrilled about the update. "Actually huge, I have only been getting the sabrina $3 drink and not getting oat milk in any drinks since they made it $1.60," one person wrote on Reddit. "I never realized the price varied by location to begin with. At my Dunkin in TX it was only .50 for almond/oat milk and in CO it’s .99. Glad it’s going away for realsies," another chimed in.
"Thank goodness, almond milk is my favorite," a third person wrote.
There is, however, possibly a caveat. If you're an avid drink customizer, the new policy might still be hurting you. In what appears to be an effort to offset the costs of its now-free dairy alternatives, Dunkin' is reportedly charging for added flavor instead."Even the previously free standard # of pumps is now charged at our locations. Bye bye Dunkin'," a customer wrote in the thread. "Final nail in the coffin."
"They are now charging for adding any amount of sweetened flavors not just extra pumps above the standard! Saw that and cancelled my order," a second person agreed.
Your move, Dunkin'.
