Milk Alternatives at Caffè Nero (UK)
Caffè Nero sits somewhere between Starbucks and Costa when it comes to milk alternatives. You do get a decent range, but unlike Pret or Starbucks, some options usually cost extra, depending on what you choose.
If you want to know exactly which milk alternatives Caffè Nero offers in the UK, which ones are free, and what actually works best in a latte or flat white, this guide breaks it down without the fluff.
Milk alternatives available at Caffè Nero
Caffè Nero UK typically offers soya, oat, coconut, and almond milk in most stores.
| Milk alternative | Extra cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Soya milk | Usually no | The most cost-effective swap. Reliable in hot drinks. |
| Oat milk | Often yes (typically around +£0.45) | Creamy and popular, but usually comes with a surcharge. |
| Coconut milk | Often yes (typically around +£0.45) | Noticeable coconut flavour. Best in sweeter drinks. |
| Almond milk | Often yes (typically around +£0.45) | Light and nutty, can feel thin in hot coffee. |
Like Costa, Caffè Nero operates a mix of company-owned and franchise stores, so pricing and availability can vary slightly by location.
Before you order, it’s worth checking the full Caffè Nero menu and prices so you can factor in any extra cost for milk alternatives. For a wider comparison, our guide to milk alternatives in UK coffee shops looks at how Nero compares with Starbucks, Costa and Pret, including which chains still charge for dairy-free swaps.
Does Caffè Nero charge extra for milk alternatives?
Yes, often.
In most UK stores:
Soya milk is the free swap
Oat, almond and coconut milks usually come with an extra charge
The surcharge is typically around £0.40 to £0.45, although this can vary by store and location.
Best milk alternative at Caffè Nero
If you want to avoid disappointment, here’s what generally works best.
For lattes and flat whites: Oat milk is the most popular choice because it adds creaminess without overwhelming the espresso. Just expect to pay a bit extra.
If you want to keep costs down: Go with soya milk. It’s usually the free option and performs well in hot drinks.
If you like flavour over subtlety: Coconut milk adds a clear coconut taste, which can be great in mochas or sweeter coffees, but it is not a neutral swap.
If you want something lighter: Almond milk works, but it is thinner and can sometimes split slightly in very hot coffee.
Allergens and dietary notes
All milk alternatives at Caffè Nero are dairy-free and suitable for vegans
Soya milk contains soy
Almond milk contains tree nuts
Oat milk may not be suitable for coeliacs unless labelled gluten-free
As with all chains, shared equipment means cross-contact is possible, so flag allergies when ordering
