Non-dairy milk fees: Quebec judge approves class-action lawsuit targeting major coffee chains
A Quebec judge approved a class-action lawsuit accusing Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Second Cup of overcharging for non-dairy milk substitutes.Summary
A Quebec judge has authorized a class-action lawsuit filed by Montreal resident Liel Ohayon, alleging that Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and Second Cup unfairly charged customers extra for non‑dairy milk substitutes. According to the ruling, Starbucks admitted it incurs only $0.12 to replace cow’s milk with plant‑based or lactose‑free milk but charges customers $0.80, a markup of more than six times its cost, which the judge described as not frivolous and potentially disproportionate under Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act. The lawsuit covers purchases made between December 30, 2021 and dates ranging from November 2024 to February 2025 for each chain, and notes that the companies have since eliminated the surcharge, with Starbucks ending it in fall 2024, Tim Hortons in January 2025, and Second Cup in February 2025. Plaintiff’s lawyer Joey Zukran argued that the practice constitutes price gouging and could result in millions of dollars in damages, setting a precedent for other retailers.
(Source：CP24 Toronto)