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.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

5.0

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

Apply Now

Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash

Drawbacks

• Foreign transaction fee of 3%
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.