Starbucks Drops Nondairy Surcharge Amid Lawsuit

Starbucks will eliminate the extra charge for non-dairy milk options, such as soy, oat, almond, and coconut milk, in its U.S. and Canadian stores starting November 7, coinciding with the launch of its holiday menu. This change addresses a $5 million lawsuit filed by lactose-intolerant customers and aims to make Starbucks more accessible, with CEO Brian Niccol emphasizing customization as a core part of the Starbucks experience. The removal of the surcharge is expected to result in a price reduction of over 10% for many customers, particularly as non-dairy milk is the second-most requested customization. Amidst declining sales, this move is part of a broader strategy to reintroduce a welcoming coffeehouse atmosphere and improve customer value. Starbucks also aims to enhance the in-store experience by focusing on handcrafted beverages and reintroducing handwritten cup names.