Starbucks is embroiled in a legal battle over its extra charges for non-dairy milk, alleged to discriminate against lactose intolerant customers, while Dunkin’ Donuts captures hearts with its playful ‘Short King’ spring beverage.
A class-action lawsuit seeking $5 million in damages has been filed against Starbucks by three lactose intolerant customers in California, who claim that the coffee giant’s practice of charging extra for non-dairy milk options constitutes discrimination. The lawsuit alleges that these additional charges breach the Americans with Disabilities Act and California’s civil rights statutes, emphasizing that for these customers, choosing non-dairy milk is not a preference but a health necessity due to their lactose intolerance. Starbucks, which has abstained from commenting on the ongoing litigation, maintains that its pricing policy is justified, stating that it only charges extra for customized drinks which include non-dairy milk options. This legal challenge reflects a broader discussion on the costs associated with dietary accommodations in the food industry.
In a lighter vein, Dunkin’ Donuts has captured the public’s imagination with the launch of a new seasonal beverage named ‘The Short King,’ a small iced regular coffee available until 26 March through the Dunkin’ app. This initiative, designed to celebrate the start of spring, draws on the cultural meme of the ‘Short King’ to honor men of shorter stature who carry themselves with confidence. Dunkin’ promoted this special offer with engaging social media content, including a humorous skit that quickly gained traction among fans. The promotion has been met with enthusiasm from Dunkin’s customer base, contrasting with previous criticisms over product quality, and highlights the company’s innovative approach to marketing and customer engagement.