In case you have been reluctant to order tea lattes with oat milk at Starbucks because of the extra cost usually included in pricing, here is some nice information. A few days ago, Starbucks confirmed, starting November 7, there will be no additional fees for non-dairy milk choices at Starbucks company owned locations in the USA and Canada. This change is introduced along with the festive menus offered by the chain enabling customers to request for soymilk, oat milk, almond milk or coconut milk at no additional cost. Starbucks Chief Executive Officer Brian Niccol informed that the initiative was taken in order to meet customers’ demand on drink customizations. “Being able to customize your drink and make it yours is core to the Starbucks Experience,” Niccol said in the recent interview.
How will the change affect Starbucks prices?
Non-dairy milk substitutes are the second most requested customization after adding espresso shots, and this shift will affect a significant portion of Starbucks’ customer base. According to Starbucks, almost half of its U.S. customers currently pay a surcharge to modify their drink with non-dairy milk. With this adjustment, millions of Americans could see savings of around 10% when ordering their favorite beverages with plant-based milks.
- No additional charge: The removal of the non-dairy milk surcharge applies to Starbucks locations owned and operated by the company in the U.S. and Canada.
- Savings on common modifications: This change is expected to benefit regular customers, especially those who modify their drinks with plant-based milks regularly.
Who is Brian Niccol, the new CEO of Starbucks coming from Chipotle and what are his achievements?
What non-dairy options are included in Starbucks’ offer?
With the surcharge removal, Starbucks is expanding access to its four primary non-dairy milk alternatives. Whether you prefer soymilk, oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk, all of these will be available for no extra cost on November 7.
For many, these options provide a customizable touch to coffee while accommodating dietary preferences and health considerations. The company has seen strong demand for these alternatives, especially as more people shift away from traditional dairy. Starbucks’ inclusion of non-dairy milk choices reflects a wider industry trend towards embracing plant-based alternatives.
What led to Starbucks removing the surcharge?
Starbucks has faced mounting customer requests and advocacy group pressures to remove this additional fee. Some customers have long argued that the surcharge was unfair, pointing out that these options support diverse dietary needs and align with environmental priorities. As Starbucks moves forward with the new policy, the company hopes to “welcome all our customers back and return to growth,” Niccol shared, citing the removal as just one of several changes on the horizon.
By eliminating this fee, Starbucks aims to make its menu more accessible to everyone. Niccol emphasized Starbucks’ commitment to returning to its roots of providing a “welcoming coffeehouse where people gather.” This gesture not only allows for cost savings but demonstrates Starbucks’ adaptability to its customers’ evolving tastes and values.
Will other chains follow Starbucks’ lead on non-dairy milk?
While Starbucks is one of the largest coffee chains to eliminate its non-dairy milk fee, other chains may feel pressure to follow suit. Major coffeehouses like Dunkin’ and Peet’s have similar charges for non-dairy milk, and Starbucks’ announcement could signal a larger industry shift toward inclusive, cost-effective customization. Customers who frequent multiple chains may begin to push for similar policies elsewhere, especially as plant-based products gain popularity.
How to make the most of Starbucks’ new policy
If you are a fan of Starbucks or simply enjoy non-dairy milk in your coffee, this new policy is great news for your wallet. To take advantage of this update:
- Visit Starbucks starting November 7 to enjoy no extra fee for plant-based milk.
- Customize your favorite seasonal holiday drinks with any of Starbucks’ non-dairy options at no additional cost.
- Explore each non-dairy choice to find the perfect fit for your favorite beverage, from almond milk lattes to coconut milk cold brews.
For millions of Americans, the end of the non-dairy milk surcharge will bring Starbucks one step closer to being a more inclusive and customer-centered coffee destination.
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