Ethical and sustainable choices must be accessible to everyone.
Two of the biggest coffee chains, Starbucks and Dunkin,’ recently eliminated the extra charge for non-dairy milk options, responding to growing demand for accessible, ethical, and sustainable options.
Now it’s time for the rest of the industry to wake up and smell the oat milk latte.
The Cost of a Coffee—and a Choice
Coffee prices are already rising due to inflation and supply chain challenges. Yet many coffee shops still charge extra for plant-based milk, making it harder for customers to choose an ethical option. Removing the surcharge ensures that those who want to avoid supporting the dairy industry can do so without the financial burden.
Shops that have eliminated the surcharge have seen success by changing how they offer plant-based milk—either by making it the default or simply asking customers if it’s okay rather than assuming dairy. These small adjustments drive demand for plant-based options, benefiting both businesses and animals.
Animals Are Paying the Price
Beyond the financial barrier, surcharges on non-dairy milk reinforce a system that exploits animals. Exploiting cows for milk relies on the repeated cycle of forced impregnation, separation of mother cows from their calves, and eventual slaughter when cows are no longer profitable. This industry is built on suffering, and every drink made with dairy continues that cycle.
Dairy farming is also a major contributor to environmental harm, requiring vast amounts of water, land, and feed while producing significant greenhouse gas emissions. Producing just one gallon of cow’s milk requires approximately 620 gallons of water, while oat, soy, and almond milk use significantly less, often ten times less water or more per gallon.
Plant-based milks offer a kinder alternative—one that doesn’t rely on animal suffering. Yet, when coffee shops make non-dairy options more expensive, they’re sending a message to customers that compassion comes at a cost. That’s not just bad for business—it’s bad for animals, too.
Grounds for Change
With Starbucks and Dunkin’ setting the example, other coffee chains are making the move and dropping their plant-based milk surcharges. Smaller chains, local coffee shops, and other major players need to take note and drop the surcharge to stop penalizing customers for making ethical and sustainable choices.
By making plant-based milk the standard—without the extra fee—coffee shops can show they care about their customers, the planet, and the animals who suffer in the dairy industry.
Interested in more plant-based alternatives? Join Plant-Powered Changemakers for recipes, tips, and more.
