Dunkin’ is making plant-based options more accessible by officially removing the upcharge for dairy alternatives at its 9,500+ U.S. locations. The move follows discussions with Mercy For Animals, a nonprofit advocating for sustainable and equitable food choices.
With this decision, Dunkin’ joins other major coffee chains, including Starbucks, Dutch Bros, and Scooter’s Coffee, in offering oat, almond, and other non-dairy milk alternatives at no additional cost.
“Mercy For Animals applauds Dunkin’ for this landmark decision,” said Jennifer Behr, corporate relations manager at Mercy For Animals. “Plant-based milk upcharges create barriers for those who cannot or choose not to consume dairy, making this a win for equity and sustainability.”
Advocates highlight that the change will have a meaningful impact, especially for communities disproportionately affected by lactose intolerance, including nearly 90% of people from East Asia, 80% of Native Americans, 65% of African Americans, and 50% of Latin Americans.
Beyond health and accessibility, the decision aligns with growing environmental concerns. Research shows that plant-based milk production is significantly less resource-intensive than dairy farming. Oat milk, for example, generates three times fewer greenhouse gas emissions, uses 11 times less land, and requires 13 times less water than traditional cow’s milk.
“This is a major milestone for plant-based accessibility,” Behr added. “We commend Dunkin’ for this step and urge other chains, including Bluestone Lane and Biggby Coffee, to follow their lead. Offering plant-based milk at no extra cost benefits both customers and the planet.”
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