You’ll want to milk this new Starbucks deal.
The java chain is making a major update to its menu that will save its plant-based customers some extra dough.
Starbucks will no longer charge a fee for substituting non-dairy milk in beverages, the company announced in a press release on Wednesday.
“Core to the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customize your beverage to make it yours,” Starbucks CEO and Chairman Brian Niccol said in a statement. “By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks we’re embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks.”
Nearly half of their customer base swaps cow’s milk for a plant-based substitute — whether it be soy, almond, coconut or oat — according to Starbucks, and removing the fee will reduce prices at cafés nationwide by more than 10%.
It is the second-most requested customization on the menu behind adding a shot of espresso, according to “Today.”
“I made a commitment that we’d get back to Starbucks, focusing on what has always set Starbucks apart – a welcoming coffeehouse where people gather and we serve the finest coffee handcrafted by our skilled baristas,” said Niccol. “This is just one of many changes we’ll make to ensure a visit to Starbucks is worth it every time.”
The change, which will go into effect on Nov. 7, comes after years of outcry from vegans and animal activists over the surcharges, a movement that garnered support from the likes of celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney.
In March, Starbucks also faced a lawsuit from customers who alleged that the “excessively high” fees for nondairy milk disproportionately affected those with allergies and dietary restrictions.
Also beginning Nov. 7, the chain will be removing its Oleato items, drinks crafted with olive oil that has stirred up controversy online since its launch last year.
Starbucks is also discontinuing the toffee nut syrup and paring back its discount and promotional offerings, which were partially to blame for long wait times.
After Niccol assumed his new role as CEO this year, he revealed his plan to overhaul stores for more efficient service to improve customer satisfaction, saying in a statement this month that he wants to make it “easier for our customers to get a cup of coffee.”
