Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Second Cup accused of gouging alternative milk drinkers in Canada
National Post
A Quebec judge allowed a class-action lawsuit claiming Starbucks, Tim Hortons and Second Cup overcharge for plant‑based milk substitutes.Summary
The Quebec Superior Court authorized a class‑action lawsuit against Starbucks, Second Cup and Tim Hortons, alleging they charged customers a disproportionate surcharge for plant‑based milk substitutes. According to the ruling, Starbucks and Second Cup add $0.80 plus taxes, while Tim Hortons adds $0.50 plus taxes, despite internal costs of only $0.12, $0.43 and $0.28 respectively. Starbucks initially admitted its cost was $0.12 but later said the figure was a court error, and it ceased the surcharge in November 2024. The suit seeks an injunction, reimbursement and punitive damages under Quebec’s Consumer Protection Act, and the court found the surcharges could be considered unfair.
(Source：National Post)