Three women in California are suing Starbucks, claiming discrimination for being charged extra for nondairy milk substitutions due to their lactose intolerance. The lawsuit alleges that the additional cost for substitutes like soy, almond, and oat milk, which range from 50 cents to 80 cents, violates the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act. The plaintiffs seek restitution and monetary damages. Starbucks, which declined to comment on the ongoing legal matter, has stated that certain nondairy options are available at no extra cost in their U.S. stores, and members of their loyalty program can use points to avoid the surcharge. The suit follows a trend of legal challenges faced by coffee chains over additional charges for plant-based milk alternatives.
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