Caribou Coffee drops non-dairy milk surcharge across U.S. cafés

Caribou Coffee has ended the extra charge for plant-based milks, making oat, almond and other non-dairy options free for all customers across its cafés. The policy change took effect January 2 and applies across the chain’s footprint of more than 800 locations, now operating under parent company Panera Brands.

The shift expands a benefit that was previously limited to app and rewards members, leveling the menu for everyone who asks a barista for non-dairy milk. For customers who regularly swap dairy for plant milks in lattes, cappuccinos and drip coffee, the move immediately lowers out-of-pocket cost and removes a frequent point of friction at the register.

This change lands amid a broader industry trend: several national chains have already moved or announced similar policies that remove non-dairy surcharges. The decisions reflect growing consumer demand for plant-based options, ongoing activist pressure around equitable pricing, and an industry recalibration of what constitutes basic beverage options.

Operationally, the update simplifies the transaction for front-of-house staff and reduces confusion for customers who found parity available only through digital perks. It also means more people are likely to include plant milks when ordering, which can affect inventory management and ordering patterns at both corporate and franchise locations. For local café managers and baristas, expect steadier demand for oat and almond milks and plan orders accordingly.

For consumers, the practical value is immediate: no extra fee for plant-based milk in your next espresso drink. For those who track sustainability or dietary preferences, the decision reduces the financial barrier to choosing non-dairy options and signals that such choices are mainstream rather than premium add-ons.

Because Caribou operates at scale under Panera Brands, the policy change could nudge competitors and suppliers as the market adjusts to higher baseline demand for plant milks. Watch for menu and pricing moves from other chains and for any follow-up adjustments to how non-dairy milks are stocked or featured.

What this means for readers: expect cheaper, simpler plant-based orders at Caribou cafés and a clearer expectation that non-dairy milk is a standard option rather than an extra-cost specialty. Keep an eye on your local shop for how menus and milk availability settle in the coming weeks.