Starbucks has made a big difference for coffee drinkers – here’s how it will save you money

You’ll want to milk this new Starbucks deal.

The java chain is making a big update to its menu that will save its plant-based customers some extra dough.

Starbucks will no longer charge a fee for substituting non-dairy milk in drinks, the company announced in a press release Wednesday.

“The essence of the Starbucks Experience is the ability to customize your drink to make it your own,” Starbucks CEO and Chairman Brian Niccol said in a statement. “By removing the surcharge for non-dairy milk, we are embracing all the ways our customers enjoy their Starbucks.”

Nearly half of their customer base swaps cow’s milk for a plant-based substitute — whether it’s soy, almond, coconut or oat — according to Starbucks, and removing the fee will lower prices at cafes nationwide by more than 10%. .

It’s the second most requested menu customization after adding an espresso, according to Today.

“I made a commitment that we would return to Starbucks, focusing on what has always set Starbucks apart – a welcoming coffee shop where people gather and we serve the best coffee handcrafted by our skilled baristas,” said Niccol. “This is just one of many changes we’ll be making to ensure that a visit to Starbucks is worth it every time.”

The change, which will come into effect on November 7, comes after several years of protests by vegans and animal activists over the extra fees, a move which received support from celebrities including Sir Paul McCartney.

In March, Starbucks also faced a lawsuit from customers who claimed “exorbitantly high” charges for non-dairy milk disproportionately affected those with allergies and dietary restrictions.

Also starting Nov. 7, the chain will drop its Oleato items, the drinks made with olive oil that have sparked controversy online since its launch last year.

Starbucks is also discontinuing coffee nut syrup and reducing its discounts and promotional offers, which were partly to blame for the long waits.

After Niccol took on his new role as CEO this year, he unveiled his plan to overhaul stores for more efficient service to improve customer satisfaction, saying in a statement this month that he wants to make it “easier for our customers to get a cup of coffee.