46,000 Customers Demand Starbucks Drop Vegan Milk Upcharge

More than 46,000 people have sent a letter to Starbucks to demand the chain drop its policy of charging extra for non-dairy milk. While companies such as Tim Hortons, Noah’s New York Bagels, Philz Coffee, and Costa Coffee do not charge extra for vegan milk options, Starbucks continues to add up to 80 cents to orders that include soy, almond, coconut, or oat milk. Animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recently launched a letter-writing campaign to encourage Starbucks to reconsider its policy. The campaign urges customers to send a formal letter to Starbucks about the issue and more than 46,000 people have taken action to date. “By charging an additional fee for vegan milks, Starbucks is likely deterring some people from trying them in their drinks,” the letter reads, in part. “Everyone should be able to order non-dairy milk at no extra charge. A massive chain such as Starbucks can afford to offer vegan milk without tacking on a surcharge, and I hope you’ll consider making this move to ‘earn points’ and not only keep customers who already order dairy-free milk coming back but also encourage others to make healthier, more compassionate choices.”