Starbucks Upsets Lactose-Intolerant Rewards Members

Starbucks rewards members, brace yourselves. Starting this fall, that soy in your latte will cost you.

Starbucks riled its lactose intolerant rewards members with a recent announcement of some big changes coming Oct. 16.

Starbucks' popular program rewards people with certain perks such as free soymilk, shots of flavor syrup and drinks, among others. The recent announcement was sent to registered rewards cardholders on Sept. 18. It said soymilk and flavored syrups would no longer be offered for free.

That change prompted some reward members to start a Change.org petition to convince Starbucks against it, stating:

There is no reason why any coffee shop should still be charging extra for soy; It's more sustainable, and much more environmentally friendly than cow's milk, and isn't that what Starbucks is trying to do? Create a more eco-friendly image?

The petition is asking for 5,000 signatures. So far, it has 858 supporters from all over the United States and Canada.

Starbucks also is no longer giving a complimentary tall drink with the purchase of a pound of coffee.

New member perks will include:

• Members will also get to use their "free drink" for food
• Members can earn a freebie for every 12 stars earned instead of 15

In addition, the popular coffee chain is going completely digital. Instead of sending a postcard when someone earns enough points for a freebie, the member's card automatically loads and an alert is sent via email.  

The Land O'Lakes Starbucks is located at 22721 State Road 54.

Do you disagree with Starbucks' changes? Tell us in the comments.