UK Coffee Giant Drops Surcharge on Vegan Milk

United Kingdom-based coffee chain Costa Coffee recently dropped its surcharge for plant-based milk at participating locations for the Christmas season. Until January 1, 2020, customers will be able to customize their beverage with almond, coconut, or soy milk for no additional charge. Previously, the chain was charging £0.45 ($0.58) for vegan milk options. “We are thrilled to offer our customers the option to choose a lactofree or plant-based alternative at no extra cost throughout November and December,” Eric Tavoukdjian, Commercial Marketing Director, UK&I at Costa Coffee, said. “Launching our ‘Wish upon a Costa…’ Christmas campaign, there’s no better way to deliver the perfect gift—the option to further customize their handcrafted favorite drink with a lacto-free or plant-based alternative for free.” According to research conducted earlier this year by Belgium-based vegan brand Alpro—the brand used in Costa Coffee drinks—nearly half (48 percent) of British coffee consumers choose plant-based milk when purchasing coffee beverages outside of the home. Last month, Costa Coffee also launched a vegan Christmas menu at all 2,467 locations across the UK.