Plant-based lifestyles are becoming more mainstream, and with this shift, many fast-food chains now include vegan-friendly milk alternatives on their menus.
However, the options—and policies around them—vary widely.
In this guide, we’ll share advice on the availability of non-dairy milk at popular fast-food chains – we will also highlight hidden costs and provides tips for making the most of your vegan-friendly coffee experience.
Do Fast Food Companies Offer Vegan-Friendly Milk for Coffee?
Yes, many fast-food companies now offer vegan-friendly milk options like almond, oat, soy, or coconut milk.
These plant-based alternatives allow coffee lovers to enjoy their favorite beverages without dairy. However, availability varies, and some companies charge extra for non-dairy milk.
Let’s dive into what each major chain offers:
Chains That Offer Vegan Milk Options
Biggby Coffee
- Milk Options: Almond, Coconut, Oat, and Soy milk.
- Cost: Oat milk is the only alternative with an extra charge ($0.50).
- Vegan Food Pairings: Some locations offer vegan sausage and cheese on a plain bagel. Check locally for availability.
Blue Bottle Coffee
- Milk Options: Oat milk (default) and Almond milk. Both are offered at no extra cost.
- Pro Tip: Blue Bottle locations sometimes have different menus, so check your local store for vegan-friendly food options.
Caribou Coffee
- Milk Options: Almond, Coconut, and Oat milk, all offered free of charge.
- Vegan Snack: Pair your coffee with their Just Egg Roasted Tomato & Pesto Flatbread for a plant-based lunch.
Dunkin’
- Milk Options: Almond, Oat, and Coconut milk.
- Cost: Additional charge varies by drink size and type.
- Vegan Food Pairing: Hummus & Roasted Tomato Toast is a delicious option.
Dutch Bros Coffee
- Milk Options: Almond, Coconut, and Oat milk.
- Cost: An extra $0.50 for non-dairy milk.
First Watch
- Milk Options: Almond milk is available with no additional charge.
- Vegan Food Pairing: The Superfoods Bowl is a hearty and wholesome breakfast option.
Panera Bread
- Milk Options: Almond milk is the sole non-dairy choice.
- Cost: No additional charge.
Peet’s Coffee
- Milk Options: Almond, Oat, and Soy milk, all available for free.
- Vegan Food Pairing: Their Beyond Breakfast Sandwich, featuring Beyond Sausage, JUST Egg, and vegan cheddar, is served on an everything bagel.
Starbucks
- Milk Options: Almond, Coconut, Oat, and Soy milk.
- Cost: $0.50–$0.80 surcharge depending on location.
- Vegan Food Pairing: Vegan bagels with guacamole or almond butter and their Strawberry Overnight Oats are great options.
Tim Hortons
- Milk Options: Almond, Coconut, and Oat milk.
- Cost: An additional $0.25.
- Vegan Snack: Choose from seven vegan-friendly bagel varieties.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
- Milk Options: Almond, Oat, Soy, and Almond-Coconut Blend. Non-dairy milk is free unless steamed, which incurs an $0.85 charge.
- Vegan Food Pairing: The Banana Nut Loaf is a plant-based delight.
Chains That Do Not Offer Vegan Milk Options
Surprisingly, several fast-food companies still do not provide non-dairy milk alternatives:
- Bob Evans
- Burger King
- Chick-fil-A
- Denny’s
- IHOP
- Krispy Kreme
- McDonald’s
- Taco Bell
- Waffle House
- Wendy’s
Tips for Ordering Vegan-Friendly Coffee
- Ask About Hidden Ingredients: Some syrups, toppings, or whipped cream may contain dairy even if you opt for non-dairy milk. Double-check with your barista.
- Expect a Surcharge: Many chains charge extra for plant-based milk. If this bothers you, consider frequenting locations that don’t charge, such as Peet’s Coffee or Blue Bottle.
- Be Specific: When ordering, clearly state the type of non-dairy milk you want to ensure your drink is prepared vegan-friendly.
Popular Vegan Milk Options
Here’s a breakdown of the most common non-dairy milk alternatives:
1. Soy Milk
- High in protein and calcium.
- A versatile option with a creamy texture.
- Choose organic soy milk to minimize environmental concerns.
2. Oat Milk
- Rich and creamy, with a naturally sweet flavor.
- Perfect for steaming and frothing in coffee.
- A more sustainable option compared to almond milk.
3. Almond Milk
- Light, nutty flavor that pairs well with coffee.
- Low in calories but unsuitable for those with nut allergies.
4. Coconut Milk
- Creamy and rich, though lower in protein.
- Best used in unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugars.
Final Thoughts
Fast-food chains are increasingly accommodating the growing demand for vegan-friendly options, including non-dairy milk for coffee.
While some companies lag behind, others, like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee, and Caribou Coffee, excel in offering a range of plant-based milk options.
Whether you’re a fan of oat milk lattes, almond milk cappuccinos, or soy-based mochas, there are plenty of ways to enjoy coffee without dairy.
With this guide, you’ll be prepared to navigate fast-food menus and find the perfect vegan-friendly cup of joe.
