Dunkin' Makes Plant-Based Milk Free Nationwide
For years, customers with dietary restrictions or preferences for plant-based milks at Dunkin' faced an additional surcharge, a practice often referred to by critics as the 'milk tax'. This extra fee applied to alternatives like oat, almond, and coconut milk, creating an accessibility barrier for many. However, a significant shift occurred in early 2025 when Dunkin' announced a nationwide policy change that delighted dairy-free drinkers everywhere. Starting March 5, 2025, oat milk became a standard, no-cost alternative for any beverage on the menu. This decision aligns Dunkin' with other industry leaders and responds directly to the growing demand for inclusive and equitable menu options.
The Reason Behind Dunkin's Policy Change
Several factors influenced Dunkin's decision to drop the plant-based milk surcharge. One major driver was substantial customer feedback. According to a company spokesperson, the policy change was "guided by guest feedback," showing a commitment to listening to consumer needs. In a world where customizable drinks are paramount, removing a fee for a popular customization is a smart business move. Market trends also played a crucial role. The demand for plant-based alternatives has skyrocketed in recent years for various reasons, including environmental concerns, lactose intolerance, and evolving health preferences. By making oat milk and other alternatives more accessible, Dunkin' positioned itself as a more modern and consumer-friendly brand.
How Dunkin's Shift Compares to Other Chains
Before Dunkin's announcement, competitor Starbucks had already made headlines by dropping its non-dairy milk fee in November 2024. This set a new industry precedent and put pressure on other major chains to follow suit. The movement to eliminate the non-dairy surcharge is not limited to just these two giants. Other chains, including Dutch Bros, Tim Hortons, and Scooter's Coffee, have also removed their upcharges. This comparison highlights a significant trend toward more equitable and consumer-centric pricing models in the coffee industry. The removal of the 'milk tax' marks a new era where dairy and non-dairy options are priced on equal footing, reflecting a broader cultural shift.
Here is a comparison of major coffee chains' non-dairy upcharge policies:
| Coffee Chain | Non-Dairy Surcharge Status | Policy Effective Date | Included Alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dunkin' | Eliminated | March 5, 2025 | Oat, Almond, Coconut |
| Starbucks | Eliminated | November 7, 2024 | Oat, Soy, Almond, Coconut |
| Dutch Bros | Eliminated | Early 2025 | Oat, Almond, Coconut |
| Tim Hortons | Eliminated | Early 2025 | Soy, Almond |
| Caribou Coffee | Varies (often eliminated via app) | April 2023 (app) | Oat, Almond |
Impact on Customers and the Environment
The elimination of the non-dairy surcharge has several positive impacts. For customers, it offers financial relief and greater flexibility in customizing their favorite beverages. Individuals with lactose intolerance or milk allergies no longer have to pay a penalty for a medically necessary substitution. This makes Dunkin' more inclusive and accessible. On a broader scale, the policy shift supports the growing demand for more sustainable food options. Plant-based milks generally have a lower environmental impact compared to traditional dairy, and by removing the upcharge, Dunkin' incentivizes more eco-conscious choices.
What About the Dunkin' App and Order Customization?
Following the policy change, some users reported temporary glitches or discrepancies within the Dunkin' mobile app, where the surcharge might still appear. This was quickly resolved. Today, customers using the app or ordering in-store should see dairy alternatives like oat milk as standard options with a $0 upcharge. This seamless integration ensures that the updated policy is reflected across all purchasing channels, providing a consistent and frustration-free experience for customers.
Conclusion
In summary, the answer to the question, "Did Dunkin' stop charging for oat milk?" is a resounding yes. The company officially ended its upcharge for plant-based milks on March 5, 2025, a decision driven by consumer demand, market trends, and a desire for greater equity. This change aligns Dunkin' with other major coffee chains, benefiting customers with dietary restrictions and preferences while also promoting more sustainable choices. So next time you order your favorite Dunkin' coffee, feel confident in customizing it with oat milk at no extra cost.
For additional information on Dunkin's official announcements, visit their newsroom page.
