Caribou Coffee has eliminated its plant-based milk surcharge at all of its nearly 500 locations in the US, allowing customers to enjoy oat, coconut, and almond milk alternatives for free. The pricing change, implemented on January 2, 2026, aligns Caribou with other major coffee chains that have also removed surcharges for dairy-free milk options.

Organizations like Mercy For Animals and PETA have praised Caribou Coffee for its decision to make plant-based milk more accessible and affordable. Charging extra for non-dairy milk options was seen as a punitive measure that disproportionately affected the 3.7 million Americans who are vegan, as well as the 30 to 50 million Americans who are lactose intolerant. With the global plant-based dairy market on the rise, more customers are turning to vegan milk alternatives.

Caribou Coffee is the seventh major coffee chain to eliminate its dairy-free milk surcharge, following in the footsteps of other chains like Starbucks and Dunkin'. The move reflects a growing demand for plant-based options and a shift towards more ethical and sustainable choices in the food and beverage industry.