Three women sue Starbucks over non-dairy milk alternatives

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (WKRC) — A lawsuit is being brought against coffee giant Starbucks related to its non dairy drink substitutions.

CBS News reports three women filed the suit in California in early March, claiming the chain charges extra for non-dairy alternatives in drinks with milk.

They are alleging discrimination against people with lactose allergies, like them, by adding an "excessively high" surcharge of 50-80 cents.

The amount depends on the location and the substitution chosen. Starbucks offers soy, almond, coconut, oat, and other plant-based milks.

According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs claim this violates the Americans with Disabilities Act and California Unruh Civil Rights Act, which does list lactose intolerance as a disability.

Starbucks says U.S. customers "can add up to four ounces of non-dairy milk to hot or iced brewed coffee or tea, cold brew and Americano beverages."

A spokesperson stated that members of the reward program can also redeem points to get nondairy milk added when it's not part of the original recipe.

"Additionally, customers can choose to customize any beverage with a non-dairy milk on the menu for an additional charge. This is similar to other beverage customizations, such as an additional espresso shot or syrup," the spokesperson said.

Lactose intolerance affects 30-50 million Americans, according to the Boston Children's Hospital. The plaintiffs are seeking monetary damages

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