It’s time for a wake-up call: coffee shops that tag on an additional charge to alternative milks are tired

by AYIANA ALLEN

Staff Writer

Starting the day with a coffee or going to a cafe to study for an upcoming test is a common ritual for many college students. But for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies, ordering a simple latte comes with a few extra steps—watching baristas make your drink to ensure the correct milk is used, and an even more frustrating act: an extra charge for choosing non-dairy milk. 

Despite the growing popularity of plant-based alternatives, most coffee shops still add an additional charge of 50 cents to a dollar for almond or oat milk. For those who choose dairy-free options, it may be an annoyance. But to those who need alternatives because of health conditions, it feels like a punishment for something they cannot control.

Coffee shops claim the reason for the upcharge on plant-based milk is due to higher wholesale costs. Non-dairy milks like almond or oat cost more for cafes to purchase than traditional dairy milk. Furthermore, some plant-based options require special storage, have shorter shelf lives, or are put in generally smaller packaging than traditional milk. There’s also an argument that offering a variety of milk alternatives adds more training for baristas, extra labeling and the risk of cross-contamination for those with severe allergies. However, despite these reasons, the cost of non-dairy milk has decreased significantly as the popularity and demand for these options in coffee have become more common. This makes the surcharge feel less justified especially when they impact those with medical dietary needs. Corporations aren’t struggling; they can afford the cost of allowing all alternative milks at the same price as the default milk. 

This issue of “Milk Tax” has led to two lawsuits within the past year. In one lawsuit in March 2024, Starbucks was sued for the claim that the surcharge of alternative dairy options was discriminatory and a violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. The company earned more than $1 billion in the U.S. from just the surcharge alone. On Nov. 7, 2024, the company ended all surcharges on all beverages customized with non-dairy milk. In another lawsuit in December 2023, Dunkin’ was sued for the higher prices for customers who cannot drink milk. However, the case was later dismissed by the court, but this year, on March 5, Dunkin’ stopped the surcharge for non-dairy milk nationwide. 

UMW students are fortunate to have a Panera Bread on campus, which does not have a surcharge for its alternative milks. The company was one of the first major chains to end its surcharge in early 2020. However, the “Milk Tax” still exists at UMW, too. For Five Coffee on campus does have this surcharge. The surcharge for an alternative milk option is 95 cents. A small latte from For Five is $6.50 with the extra surcharge that will push the price up to $7.45, 45 cents over the cost of a large hot latte with milk from For Five Coffee. 

The financial impact can add up quickly. A student buying a non-dairy latte three times a week from For Five would spend nearly $11.40 a month just on the surcharge. Over a nine-month academic year that adds up to over $100. To those with medical and dietary restrictions that is extremely unfair, a punishment for factors beyond their control.

Some campus cafes are taking a leap by making plant-based milk the default rather than the alternative. This trend is part of a broader shift toward sustainability and inclusivity. According to an article by VegNews, universities such as the University of California, Los Angeles, and other University of California campuses, have made oat milk the default. This is an effort to be more equitable and more environmentally sustainable for students. By removing dairy milk as the default, cafes are making plant-based options normalized and more accessible to everyone to enjoy a coffee. Perhaps in the future, this will be less of a trend and the new norm.

At the end of the day, no one should have to pay extra for something beyond their control. Dietary restrictions, whether due to health conditions or allergies, deserve to be accommodated without the added cost.