The shared sentiment amongst the greater coffee community is that non-dairy milk is a customization, and it is priced as such. No matter the order—be it a four-ounce cortado or a 16-ounce iced latte—customers are expected to pay between 50 cents to a dollar to swap cow’s milk for a non-dairy alternative. While we could argue several points against this arbitrary charge (trust us, we’re really close to a full-on rant), we’ll side-step the soap box for now. When navigating the world of chain coffee shops, here’s what you need to know when in search of your next oat milk cappuccino.
Starbucks
Starbucks
On the bright side, Starbucks carries a plethora of solid non-dairy milks, and its Oatly supply seems to have finally stabilized. Unfortunately, this array of plant milk is going to cost you. Most Starbucks locations charge 70 cents for soy, oat, almond, coconut, or almond milk; however, the upcharge can soar up to 80 cents in certain key areas such as New York City.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ fans who stick to just coffee are in the clear here. The chain doesn’t charge extra for adding oat, almond, or coconut milk to hot or iced coffee. A 50-cent upcharge is only placed on lattes and other milk-based espresso beverages. Pro tip: order your usual Medium Regular with oat milk and opt for a latte elsewhere.
Peet’s Coffee and Tea
Peet’s Coffee and Tea
We applaud Peet’s for its efforts to keep up with the plant-based movement. While discontinued, the chain carried vegan whipped cream beginning in 2016, and it has carried vegan cookies and muffins for years. We also can’t get enough of the new Plant-Based Breakfast Sandwich made with Beyond Meat Breakfast Sausage and JUST Egg. Peet’s could only improve by dropping its 75-cent dairy alternative upcharge (recently increased from 65 cents).
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf
Dairy-free patrons do not want for lack of options here—the chain known for its Ice Blended Drinks carries soy, almond, coconut, and oat milk. It’ll just cost you 60 cents extra for that oat milk flat white with vanilla bean sauce (avoid the powdered flavorings as they all contain dairy).
Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros
If you’re really on the move, swing by a Dutch Bros. This drive-thru only coffee chain carries oat, almond, and coconut milk as well as soy milk in select locations. Before you hand over your credit card, know that it’ll cost you 50 cents extra for that almond milk latte with chocolate macadamia nut syrup.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee
There must be gold flakes infused in this chain’s soy and almond milk supplier, because you’ll pay an extra 80 cents for any milk-based espresso beverage ordered with a dairy-free alternative.
Munching with Megan
Blue Bottle
For a third-wave coffee shop with 90 locations, we were shocked to discover that almond and oat milk are free of charge at Blue Bottle. We’ve become regulars, naturally.
Biggby Coffee
Biggby Coffee
This midwest coffee shop puts a premium on almond and oat milk, but if you order soy or coconut, you can avoid the 50-cent upcharge. Remember that next time you visit for a uniquely flavored latte.
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons
Tim Hortons for the win! While a bit late to the non-dairy party, this chain has never implemented an upcharge for its soy or almond milk. Note: not all locations carry both alternatives.
Philz Coffee
Philz Coffe
Hat’s off to this coffee-focused chain. Not only does it not upcharge for its oat, soy, or almond milk options, it actually removed two-percent milk from its menu to make way for these high-demand plant milks. Take note, Starbucks.
For more about non-dairy milk, read:
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Vegan Milk for You
7 Creamy Dairy-Free Milk Options at Coffee Shops
Can Vegan Milk Get Any Better? Danone Thinks It Can.
