Milk Alternatives in UK Coffee Chains
Milk alternatives for your Coffee
Major UK coffee chains now offer a variety of plant-based milk alternatives – from oat and almond to soy and coconut – giving casual coffee drinkers plenty of choice beyond dairy. These milk alternatives differ in taste, nutritional profile, and often price. Below we explore which alternatives are available at popular UK coffee chains (Starbucks, Costa, Pret A Manger, Caffè Nero, Greggs, etc.), and compare each option’s taste in espresso drinks, health aspects, and cost. Finally, a comparison table summarizes availability and upcharges across the chains.
UK Coffee Chains: Milk Alternatives & Upcharges (Quick Comparison)
| Milk alternative | Starbucks UK | Costa | Pret A Manger | Caffè Nero | Greggs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oat milk | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, typically +£0.45 | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, typically +£0.45 | ❌ Not offered | Creamy, slightly sweet. Check gluten-free if you’re coeliac. |
| Soya (soy) milk | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, usually £0 extra | ❌ Not offered | Higher protein. Allergen: soy. |
| Almond milk | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ❌ Not offered (replaced) | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Often available, typically +£0.45 | ❌ Not offered | Light + nutty, but can split in hot coffee. Allergen: tree nuts. |
| Coconut milk | ✅ Yes, £0 extra | ✅ Yes, typically +£0.45 | ⚠️ Indirect (Rice-Coconut blend) | ✅ Yes, typically +£0.45 | ❌ Not offered | Distinct coconut flavour. Good if you like it, not subtle. |
| Rice milk | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | ✅ Yes (Rice-Coconut), £0 extra | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | Sweeter + thinner. Often chosen for allergy reasons. |
| Pea-based blend | ❌ Not offered (as named option) | ✅ Yes (Ultimate Blend), typically +£0.35 | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | Designed to be foamy + coffee-friendly. Usually nut-free. |
| Nut blend (hazelnut/cashew) | ✅ Yes (Original Nut Blend), £0 extra | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | ❌ Not offered | Starbucks-only. Allergen: tree nuts. |
Heads up: Upcharges can vary by location, drink type, and promotions/loyalty schemes.
Milk Alternatives at Popular UK Coffee Chains
Starbucks UK is one of the most plant-friendly chains on the high street. It offers five non-dairy milks: oat, soya, almond, coconut, and Starbucks’ own Original Nut Blend made with hazelnut and cashew. Since January 2022, Starbucks has removed surcharges on all plant-based milks, meaning you can swap without paying extra. If you want the full picture, our Starbucks menu and milk alternatives guide breaks down every option in detail.
Costa Coffee takes a slightly different approach. It offers soya milk at no extra cost, alongside oat, coconut, and its Ultimate Blend plant-based milk in many stores. Ultimate Blend, introduced in 2023, is an oat-and-pea-based milk designed specifically for coffee and replaced almond milk on the menu. While soya is usually free, oat and coconut typically come with a surcharge of around 45p, with Ultimate Blend often slightly cheaper. Our Costa menu and milk alternatives guide explains what to expect before you order.
Pret A Manger is one of the easiest places to go dairy-free. It offers organic soya, oat, almond, and a rice-coconut blend, and has not charged extra for plant milks since 2020. The rice-coconut option is particularly useful if you avoid both soy and nuts. You can see how Pret compares in our full Pret coffee menu and milk alternatives guide.
Caffè Nero offers a solid range of milk alternatives, including soya, oat, coconut, and almond, typically using barista-style milks. Soya is usually the free swap, while oat, almond, and coconut often come with a surcharge of around 40 to 45p. Our Caffè Nero menu and milk alternatives guide explains which options work best in their drinks.
Greggs is the outlier. As things stand, Greggs does not offer any milk alternatives for its hot drinks in the UK. While it has previously experimented with dairy-free options, coffee is currently made with dairy milk as standard. If you are dairy-free, our Greggs coffee guide explains what that means and what your alternatives are.
Comparing Milk Alternatives: Taste, Nutrition & Health
Each non-dairy milk brings its own flavor and nutritional profile to coffee. Here we compare the most common alternatives – oat, soy, almond, coconut, rice, and pea (and other nut blends) – focusing on how they taste in espresso drinks like lattes and flat whites, their basic nutrition, and any health considerations (allergens, added sugars, etc.).
Oat Milk
Oat milk being poured into an iced coffee. Oat milk’s creamy consistency and natural sweetness have made it a favorite in lattes.
Taste in Coffee: Oat milk has a mild, creamy flavor with a subtle natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with coffee. It tends to have an “oaty” undertone that complements the nutty notes of espresso rather than overpowering them. Many find that oat milk creates a smooth, velvety mouthfeel in lattes and flat whites, often coming closest to the creaminess of dairy. Barista-formulated oat milks (like Oatly Barista or similar) foam well for latte art, making oat a go-to choice for many coffee lovers.
Nutrition: Oat milk is higher in carbohydrates and calories than most other plant milks. An unsweetened oat milk has around 120–130 calories per 240ml cup, with about 16–19g carbohydrates (the sugars come from the oats’ natural starch conversion). It provides some fiber and typically ~3–4g of protein per cup. Oat milk usually has little saturated fat (it uses vegetable oils for creaminess). One downside is that oat milk is often not gluten-free – unless made from gluten-free certified oats, it can contain traces of gluten, so it’s unsuitable for coeliacs. Nutritionally, oat milk is often fortified: many brands add calcium, vitamin D, B12, and other vitamins to match dairy’s micronutrient content.
Health Considerations: Oat milk’s higher carb and natural sugar content means it has a sweeter taste, but also a higher glycemic load than almond or soy. For weight-watchers or those monitoring sugar, oat milk isn’t the lowest-calorie option. However, it’s free of common allergens (no soy, no nuts) – a plus for those with allergies. It also contains beta-glucans (soluble fiber from oats) which can be heart-healthy. Most coffee shop oat milks (the “barista” versions) have added oils or enzymes to improve foam and texture. Overall, oat milk is seen as an accessible, creamy alternative that’s very popular – in fact, its popularity has surged so much that it caused shortages a few years ago when it first hit cafes.
Soy Milk
Taste in Coffee: Soy milk has been the classic dairy alternative in coffee for decades. It has a fairly neutral, bean-like flavor on its own, but in coffee drinks it can taste quite creamy and rich. The texture of soy milk is similar to dairy, and it foams reasonably well for cappuccinos and flat whites. There is a distinctive flavor from soy (sometimes described as a subtle “nutty” or bean taste) which can influence the overall taste of the coffee. Some people detect a mild soy aftertaste in lattes, while many others find it pleasant or barely noticeable. Notably, soy milk was once the default non-dairy option and is still a reliable choice – though newer alternatives like oat have overtaken it in popularity.
Nutrition: Unsweetened soy milk is one of the most nutritious alternatives, often considered the closest to cow’s milk. A cup of unsweetened soy milk (~240ml) provides roughly 80–100 calories and a protein content (7–8g per cup) comparable to dairy. It’s relatively low in carbohydrates (3–5g if unsweetened) and has a moderate amount of fat (4g, mainly unsaturated). Soy naturally contains isoflavones and a balance of polyunsaturated fats. Most soy milks in UK cafes are fortified with calcium and vitamins (often matching dairy milk’s 120mg calcium/100ml, plus vitamin B12, D etc.). Importantly, soy milk’s amino acid profile makes it the highest-protein plant milk and a close equivalent to dairy in terms of protein quality.
Health Considerations: Allergen alert: Soy is a major allergen for some. All the big chains clearly label soya milk and typically handle it carefully to avoid cross-contamination. For those who can consume soy, it has the benefit of protein and a long track record. Some consumers have concerns about soy (due to phytoestrogens), but research generally shows soy is safe and may have health benefits, such as potential cholesterol-lowering effects. If choosing soy, one thing to note is that in some coffee shops the soy milk may be a sweetened variety (to improve taste) – for example, Starbucks’ default soy milk in the past contained vanilla and sugar (as a Reddit user noted, many of Starbucks’ non-dairy milks have added sugar). This means a soy latte could have more sugar than you expect if the milk is sweetened. For the healthiest option, look for unsweetened soy milk. In terms of taste, curdling can occasionally happen – very hot or acidic coffee may make soy milk split slightly, though barista soy milks are formulated to minimize this. Overall, soy is a solid all-round alternative: creamy, protein-rich, and widely available.
Almond Milk
Taste in Coffee: Almond milk in coffee tends to be polarizing. It has a light body (much thinner than oat or soy milk) and a gentle nutty flavor with a hint of sweetness. In theory, almond milk’s nut taste could enhance a coffee’s natural nutty notes, but in practice unsweetened almond milk can sometimes taste slightly bitter or “off” in espresso drinks. It also has a tendency to separate or curdle when mixed with hot, acidic coffee – producing an unappetizing grainy texture. Barista versions of almond milk (e.g. with stabilizers and a bit of sugar) handle heat better and foam moderately, but almond milk generally yields a weaker, less creamy latte. Many casual drinkers find almond lattes to be less satisfying unless a flavored syrup is added. That said, if you enjoy a delicate, nutty note and a lighter texture, almond milk can be a nice choice – for instance, it works well in iced coffees or mochas where its thinner texture is less noticeable.
Nutrition: Almond milk is typically the lowest in calories of all the major alt-milks. A cup of unsweetened almond milk is around 30–40 calories, because it’s largely water – almonds are only ~2-3% of the content in most brands. It’s very low in carbs (0–1g if unsweetened, hence near-zero sugar) and also low in protein (usually 1–2g per cup). It does contain some healthy fats from almonds (around 2–3g fat per cup, primarily unsaturated). Almond milk is usually fortified with calcium (often 120mg/100ml, more calcium than cow’s milk per cup in many brands) and vitamins D, B12, etc., to improve its nutrition. However, the natural nutrition in almond milk is minimal (you’d have to consume the almond pulp to get significant protein or fiber, which strained milk doesn’t include).
Health Considerations: Allergen alert: Almond is a tree nut, and almond milk is unsuitable for those with nut allergies. (Notably, Costa Coffee removed almond milk partly due to allergy handling complexities, switching to a nut-free “ultimate” blend). For non-allergic consumers, almond milk is a low-calorie choice good for those watching weight or sugar intake. It’s cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat. The main drawback is the lack of protein – unlike soy or dairy, almond milk won’t keep you full or provide much nutrition unless it’s fortified. Environmentally, almonds have a reputation for heavy water use in farming, but from a personal health view, almond milk is quite benign. One practical issue in coffee: heat stability. Almond milk can curdle in hot espresso due to its acidity; you might notice your almond flat white separating if the espresso is very hot or the milk wasn’t formulated for baristas. Barista almond milks add emulsifiers to reduce this. Taste-wise, some find almond milk lattes “oddly tangy or bitter” unless slightly sweetened. Thus, many coffee drinkers prefer almond milk in iced drinks or smoothies rather than in a pure espresso latte. Despite these quirks, almond milk remains a popular option at major chains (Starbucks and Pret include it) as a lighter alternative.
Coconut Milk
Taste in Coffee: Coconut milk brings a distinct, sweet tropical note to coffee. In its pure form, coconut milk (from coconut cream) is very rich and creamy; however, the coconut milk used in cafes is a lighter blend (often coconut cream diluted with water or mixed with rice/soy). It adds a pronounced coconut flavor to the drink – you’ll definitely taste hints of coconut alongside your espresso. Caffè Nero describes their coconut milk option as providing “a strong coconut flavour yet [remaining] creamy and dairy-like”, with a sweetness that is “sweet but subtle” so that the coffee’s nuances still come through. In a latte or cappuccino, coconut milk creates a good foam (it can be thicker than dairy milk foam because of the fats) and a luscious texture. The flavor can sometimes overpower delicate coffee notes, so it tends to pair well with bold or chocolatey coffee, or in flavored drinks (a coconut milk mocha or a latte with a dash of vanilla can be excellent). If you enjoy the taste of coconut, this milk can make a latte taste like a tropical treat. If you don’t like coconut, this one’s obviously not for you, as the taste is not subtle.
Nutrition: Coconut milk (the beverage version) is unique in that it’s higher in fat (especially saturated fat) and low in carbs/protein. An unsweetened coconut milk drink might be ~45–60 calories per 240ml, with most of that from about 4–5 grams of fat (the fat in coconuts is saturated fat in the form of MCTs – medium chain triglycerides). It usually has 0g protein per cup (coconut is not a protein source), and only 1–2g of carbohydrate, making it naturally low in sugar unless sweeteners are added. Many coconut milks for coffee are actually blends – for example, Alpro’s Barista Coconut milk is a blend of coconut and soy (to add protein and improve texture). Such blends might have a few grams of protein and some extra calories. Coconut milk beverages are often fortified with calcium and vitamin D/B12 like other plant milks. Compared to other alt-milks, coconut is the highest in saturated fat – something to be mindful of if you are watching your saturated fat intake.
Health Considerations: From an allergy perspective, coconut is usually safe for those with nut allergies (coconut is technically a fruit, and in the UK it’s not classified as a tree nut allergen). It’s a good option if you need to avoid dairy, soy, and nuts. Health-wise, the high saturated fat content of coconut milk has been debated – the particular fats (MCTs) may be metabolized differently than animal fats, but consuming a lot of coconut-based products could impact cholesterol levels. In a single latte, the amount of coconut fat is fairly small (~3-4g saturates in a cup, much less than a can of coconut cream). Coconut milk doesn’t have the protein or fiber that some other alternatives offer, so nutritionally it’s not very filling. One notable point: coconut milk is naturally low in sugar and carbs, so it won’t spike blood sugar like oat milk might – but if it’s sweetened (some coffee chains might use sweetened coconut milk), the sugar content could be higher. Taste-wise, it’s an enjoyable indulgence for coconut lovers. It also mixes well with matcha or chai (the coconut flavor complements teas and chocolate). Most chains that offer coconut milk charge extra for it (e.g. Costa and Nero +45p), but it remains a popular secondary option. If you’re after a creamy texture and a bit of tropical flavor in your flat white, coconut milk is worth a try.
Rice Milk (and Rice-Coconut Blend)
Taste in Coffee: Rice milk on its own is very thin in consistency and quite sweet in taste. Pure rice milk in a hot coffee tends to make a very light-bodied drink with noticeable sweetness but almost no creaminess – it can taste watery and can sometimes separate in hot drinks. Because of this, pure rice milk is seldom used in coffee shops. Pret A Manger’s “Rice-Coconut” blend was developed to overcome rice milk’s shortcomings by adding some coconut cream for body. The result is a dairy-free milk that is sweeter than soy or oat (thanks to rice’s natural sugars) and has a bit more creaminess from the coconut. Pret’s rice-coconut milk gives a sweet, delicate flavor to coffees, and tends to let the coffee’s own flavor shine through with just a hint of coconut. It’s a popular choice for those who can’t have soy or nuts – the taste is generally pleasant, albeit thinner than oat or dairy. In a latte or flat white, you might notice it feels less creamy and has a more translucent look. The sweetness can actually complement espresso: baristas note that rice-based milks can make a latte taste like it has a touch of sugar or vanilla, even without any syrup.
Nutrition: Rice milk is one of the higher-carb milk alternatives. A typical cup (240ml) of rice milk contains about 110–120 calories, most of it from ~22–25g carbohydrates. Rice milk is usually naturally sweet (enzymes break down the rice starch into sugars during production), yielding around 10–13g of sugar per cup even with no sugar added. It is very low in protein (0–1g) and low in fat (around 2g or less). Essentially, rice milk is a high-GI (glycemic index) drink – it can raise blood sugar more than other alternatives due to those simple carbs. Pret’s rice-coconut blend will have slightly more fat (from coconut) and possibly a bit less carbohydrate than pure rice milk, but it is still on the higher-calorie side among plant milks. Like others, rice milks are often fortified with calcium and vitamins. They do not naturally contain much in terms of micronutrients.
Health Considerations: Allergen notes: Rice milk is free from dairy, soy, and nuts, making it one of the most hypoallergenic options available. This is a major reason it’s offered – it caters to those who can’t have soy (or oat if gluten is a concern) and who want to avoid nuts. People with multiple allergies often rely on rice milk. The trade-off is nutrition: because of the low protein and higher sugar, rice milk is considered the least nutrient-dense alternative. It may not be suitable for diabetics or anyone watching their carbohydrate intake, as it can cause a blood sugar spike. Also, rice milk has been noted to sometimes contain trace amounts of arsenic (a heavy metal found in rice) – though occasional consumption in coffee is far below any risky level, it’s generally advised not to use rice milk as a primary milk for infants or daily large quantities. In moderation (like a splash in your daily coffee), this isn’t a significant concern. In coffee preparation, rice milk doesn’t foam well due to the lack of protein, and it can separate if the espresso is very acidic. Pret’s solution of blending with coconut helps, but you still won’t get a thick foam. Overall, rice-coconut milk provides a nice sweet and light alternative that’s friendly for allergy sufferers. It’s a niche option (Pret is one of the few large chains with it), but it fulfills a need.
Pea Protein Milk (and Other Blends)
Taste in Coffee: Although none of the big UK high-street chains offer a pure “pea milk” as a named option, pea protein is emerging in some coffee milks. Pea-based milks (like the brand “MIGHTY Pea” or the US brand Ripple) are formulated from yellow pea protein and can be surprisingly neutral in taste. A well-made pea milk has a creamy, neutral flavor that in coffee comes across closer to dairy than many other alts – it doesn’t have a strong bean taste like soy or a nutty taste like almond. Some describe a very slight earthy note when drinking it plain, but in an espresso drink it’s hardly noticeable. Importantly, pea milk foams excellently (thanks to a protein content similar to soy) and tends to mix smoothly without curdling. Costa’s Ultimate Blend milk is a good example: it uses pea protein in an oat-base to create a foamy, creamy milk that was “perfectly crafted to pair with your favourite coffee”. The flavor of Costa’s Ultimate Blend is designed to be neutral and dairy-like – early reports say it doesn’t taste of pea or oat distinctly, just creamy and slightly sweet. In general, pea protein milks are made to mimic milk’s texture and are often called “next-generation” plant milks for baristas. Smaller independent cafés in the UK sometimes carry brands like Sproud (pea protein milk) which have a good reputation in lattes. So while you might not see “pea milk” on the menu board, the influence of pea protein is quietly making your alternative latte taste more like the real thing.
Nutrition: Pea milks tend to be high in protein (typically 6–8g protein per 240ml, rivaling soy and dairy) because they concentrate protein from peas. They often have moderate fat (usually from added sunflower or rapeseed oil) and low sugar/carb if unsweetened (pea itself has very low carbs). For example, a plain unsweetened pea milk might have ~70–80 calories per cup, with 4g fat, 8g protein, and only 2g carbs. Costa’s Ultimate Blend ingredients include oat (which adds some carbs), maltodextrin (a carbohydrate for sweetness/texture), sunflower oil, and pea protein. So its nutrition would be a hybrid: likely a bit lower in sugar than pure oat milk and higher in protein. These blends are often fortified as well. Overall, pea-based milks aim to provide the protein of soy with a more neutral taste.
Health Considerations: The great thing about pea protein alternatives is they are allergen-friendly – pea is a legume, but it’s not one of the common 14 allergens (unlike soy or peanut). Only those with a specific pea allergy or severe legume sensitivities would need caution. This means a pea/oat blend like Costa’s Ultimate has no dairy, no soy, no nut, and even gluten-free (since it uses gluten-free oats in formulation). That covers a lot of dietary needs. The high protein content makes pea milk a more filling choice and good for those looking to boost protein intake without dairy. Environmentally, peas have a lower water footprint than almonds, and are often grown in Europe, making them sustainable. One consideration is that pure pea milk can have added ingredients for taste – e.g. some have added sugar or flavoring to mask any “vegetal” notes. However, many are unsweetened or only lightly sweetened. If you find oat milk a bit high in sugar and almond milk too thin, a pea-oat blend could be a healthy middle ground. As this category grows, we may see more of it in big chains. (Notably, Starbucks’ cashew-hazelnut blend actually uses rice for sweetness rather than pea, but the industry in general is exploring pea protein in alt-milks).
Starbucks Original Nut Blend (Hazelnut & Cashew)
Taste in Coffee: This is a Starbucks-specific alternative worth mentioning. Starbucks developed the Original Nut Blend in 2021 as a proprietary plant milk for their espresso drinks. It’s made from hazelnuts and cashews (with a bit of rice), and was crafted to have a “delicate flavour and deliciously silky texture,” with notes of light sweetness and subtle chocolatey hazelnut tones. In practice, customers and baristas have noted that the Nut Blend is creamy and pairs well with espresso – the hazelnut gives a slight praline-esque aroma but it’s not as strong as a flavored syrup, just a gentle nuttiness. It foams very nicely (Starbucks spent 15 months developing it to ensure it steams to a velvety foam for lattes). Because it’s naturally sweet (from added rice) yet has no added sugar, the Nut Blend can make a latte taste a touch sweet without extra syrup. Essentially, it’s designed to be a barista-friendly nut milk that complements coffee rather than masking it. If you enjoy hazelnut flavor, you might find this blend delicious even on its own – it’s been described as tasting a bit like cereal milk or horchata due to the rice and hazelnut combo.
Nutrition: Starbucks Nut Blend is fortified with vitamins B12, B2, D2, and E, similar to other alt-milks. It contains hazelnuts and cashews, so it has some healthy fats and likely a moderate calorie count (we don’t have the exact nutrition per cup, but given the ingredients it’s probably on par with almond/oat blends ~50–70 calories per 240ml). Importantly, Starbucks claims no added sugar in it – the sweetness comes from the rice base. The presence of nuts means it has some protein (cashews especially can lend a bit of protein, though probably only ~2-3g per cup). Being nut-based, it will have some fiber and fat that help create the creamy texture.
Health Considerations: Allergen: This blend contains tree nuts (cashew, hazelnut), so it’s off-limits for nut-allergic individuals. Starbucks does offer soy, etc., for those folks. For everyone else, the Nut Blend is an interesting option because it’s an example of a thoughtfully engineered alt-milk – aiming for lower sugar, enriched vitamins, and a unique taste. It’s vegan and presumably GMO-free (as most Starbucks ingredients in Europe are). Given it uses hazelnuts and cashews, one might wonder about sustainability (nuts have their environmental costs), but it’s used in a smaller proportion of drinks. If you’re at Starbucks and want to try something other than the usual soy/oat, the Nut Blend is worth a shot – especially now that it doesn’t cost extra. Starbucks promotes it as “specially crafted to pair with our espresso” with a “rich, creamy flavour”, so it’s very much tailored for coffee aficionados.
Pricing: Are Plant Milks an Extra Cost?
One important practical factor is price. Historically, many coffee shops charged an “alternative milk” surcharge (typically around 30p–50p) to swap dairy for a non-dairy milk. This was controversial, seen by activists as a “vegan tax.” The landscape has started to change in recent years:
Starbucks UK: No extra charge for any plant-based milk as of Jan 2022. (Previously, soy was free but others were +40p; now all are free in Starbucks-owned UK stores.)
Pret A Manger: No extra charge for plant milks since 2020 – they were among the first to nix the surcharge. Whether you choose oat, almond, soy or rice-coconut, it’s included in the base price.
Costa Coffee: Soya milk is free, but other alternatives (oat, coconut, Ultimate Blend) still come with a small upcharge (about £0.45, or £0.35 for the Ultimate Blend). Notably, Costa did announce in early 2022 that Costa Club loyalty members could get dairy-free alternatives at no extra cost via the app. So if you use the Costa app or loyalty scheme, you may be able to avoid the surcharge. As of 2025, at the counter the surcharge still applies for most customers.
Caffè Nero: Soya milk is free, but oat, coconut (and presumably almond) are typically ~£0.45 extra. There is some indication that policies can vary or be updated (e.g. some Nero locations or promotions might waive fees). However, generally expect to pay a bit more for oat or coconut at Nero.
Greggs: Currently moot, since Greggs has no alt milks on offer. When they did (they briefly had oat milk on the menu in the past), it was provided without extra charge. If Greggs reintroduces plant milks in future, it remains to be seen if they’ll be free or not.
It’s worth mentioning some smaller chains: Pret, Starbucks, Leon, and others now include plant milks for free as standard. Chains like Caffè Nero and Costa still charge for certain milks (charging extra for the ones that are most popular – e.g. oat). Activists like PETA and Veganuary continue to pressure all coffee chains to drop surcharges, pointing out that dairy milk has a higher environmental footprint and that those avoiding dairy for ethical or health reasons shouldn’t be penalized. On the other hand, cafes have argued that some alt milks cost more to procure. The trend, though, is moving toward parity. For example, several chains in the U.S. dropped their fees, and UK chains have followed for at least one option if not all.
For the consumer, the difference of 30–50p might seem small, but over many coffees it adds up – so it’s good news that at Starbucks and Pret you won’t pay a premium for your oat or almond latte. Costa’s approach of making soya free (the oldest alternative) but charging for “premium” alternatives like oat or Ultimate Blend means those who want the trendier oat milk still pay a bit more. If price is a concern, you can always opt for the free option (e.g. at Costa, choose soya milk) or take advantage of loyalty perks. And if you’re at a Greggs… well, you might have to take your coffee black or stick with a tea until they hopefully offer a plant milk again!
