Dunkin' has decided to waive its surcharge for non-dairy milks starting March 5, presumably after realizing that coffee isn’t meant to cost more just because you prefer to keep the cows happy.

In a move likely influenced by customer outcry and a pesky $5 million class action lawsuit, Dunkin' is eliminating the non-dairy milk surcharge, making plant-based options as affordable as their moo-juice counterparts. This shift not only echoes Starbucks' earlier decision but also reflects a larger trend across major coffee chains to promote inclusivity and equity for all milk types, proving once and for all that happiness in a cup shouldn’t come with a price tag.

Effective March 5, customers at Dunkin' will be able to swap traditional dairy milk for almond, oat, or other non-dairy alternatives without paying a dime more. This move is undoubtedly a win for those whose dietary preferences lean toward the plant-based side of life, or for anyone simply wishing to avoid the existential crisis that comes with deciding which cow to support. All options will now be standard fare, meaning coffee aficionados can save their pennies for more pressing matters, like deciding whether to purchase a small, medium, or ‘I-Have-A-Profit-Sharing-Plan-At-Work’ huge cup.

The decision follows a rather intense $5 million class action lawsuit filed against Dunkin', which revealed that charging extra for non-dairy milk might just be a tad discriminatory. The lawsuit boldly argued that this surcharge could potentially violate the Americans with Disabilities Act, considering that some customers might require non-dairy alternatives for health reasons. In the age of customers fighting for equality in every sip, Dunkin’ has wisely chosen to avoid further legal entanglements and simply give the people what they want—coffee without the complicating layers of financial judgment.

This strategic pivot isn’t just about customer feedback or sidestepping lawsuits. It mirrors a broader shift in the coffee industry, where giants like Starbucks have already relaxed their grip on plant-based pricing. Dunkin’ seems quite keen on riding the wave of plant-powered enthusiasm, joining its counterparts in promoting accessibility across the board. Perhaps the message is clear: whether you’re pouring a creamy oat milk latte or swigging plain black coffee brewed from beans that didn’t have to interact with milk in any form, we're all just trying to get through the day one beverage at a time.

In a statement, a Dunkin’ representative noted that the decision was driven by guest feedback, which these days translates to, 'If we don’t change our ways, we’ll likely find ourselves in more hot water than coffee.' It’s refreshing to see a corporation willing to adapt to its customer base, who evidently prefer their dairy alternatives without the financial guilt. Mercy For Animals, an organization advocating for animal welfare, expressed their support for Dunkin's transformation, claiming this shift fosters greater equity in access to non-dairy choices. Equity in coffee—now there’s a phrase you don’t hear often enough during your morning rush.

Through these efforts, Dunkin’ is quite literally leveling the playing field, allowing everyone to enjoy their preferred drink without the shackles of added expenses. Customers can now dive headfirst into their morning routines without feeling that distinctive pang of remorse that accompanies each latte. Because after all, everyone deserves a quality drink at a fair price, whether you're sipping on a regular dairy latte or one that could pass as a trendy plant-based concoction.

As we brace ourselves for the official implementation of these changes, it feels as though we might be witnessing the dawn of a new era in coffee culture, one where our choices—and our wallets—no longer pitted us against the cows of our world. No longer will your preference for plant-powered nutrition come with a side of financial penalization. So raise your fortified iced lattes high and join the celebration; the days of discriminatory milk pricing are over, at least until the next coffee shop thinks of a new way to wring money out of us as we indulge in our caffeine-fueled dreams.