Starbucks to ditch extra charge for milk substitutes

Starbucks has announced that it will no longer charge extra for customising beverages with a non-dairy milk as of Thursday 7 November, coinciding with the coffee chain’s holiday launch. 

The group believes that this change will make it easier for its customers to make their Starbucks beverage their own. 

Substituting non-dairy milk – whether it’s soy, oat, almond, or coconut milk – in a handcrafted beverage is the second most requested customisation from Starbucks customers, behind adding a shot of espresso. 

In the US, this change to Starbucks’ pricing structure will see customers pay about 10% less for drinks with a milk substitute. 

Brian Niccol, chairman and CEO of Starbucks, said: “Core to the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customise your beverage to make it yours. By removing the extra charge for non-dairy milks we’re embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks.

“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.” 

He added: “This is just one of many changes we’ll make to ensure a visit to Starbucks is worth it every time.”