Petition demanding Starbucks stops charging extra for plant milk gains momentum

Oli Gross17th July 20195th November 2019Food, News, Vegan Activism

Starbucks customers are sick and tired of paying to pay extra for plant milk and thousands have now written to the coffee giant demanding equal prices.

Starbucks thankfully now has a soy option, but charges vegans extra to opt for a dairy-free drink.

A petition launched by PETA now has more than 42,000 supporters, who have written to Starbucks using the animal welfare group’s action alert.

“Swapping cruelly obtained cow’s milk for soy, almond, or coconut milk is beneficial to the planet, animals, and humans’ own health,” PETA said in a statement.

“Why, then, does a massive chain like Starbucks force its compassionate customers to pay upwards of 80 cents for vegan milk?”

Starbucks customers who choose vegan milk are fed up with paying extra, and have vented their frustration on social media.

Why @Starbucks Should Stop Charging Extra for Soy Milk. https://t.co/Tz7vJtieTI
— PETA (@peta) June 27, 2017

IMA JUST SAY THIS ONE (1) TIME:
can places charge extra for cows milk and charge regular price for milk substitutes…imagine the POWER Starbucks could have
— han (@hannahohio97) December 29, 2018

Hey @Starbucks how bout not charging 60 cents extra for soy milk? Some of us prefer to not suckle from a cow's teat as standard practice.
— Killer Acid (@killeracid) November 28, 2017

Starbucks offers a 10 cent discount for using a reusable cup but charges 60 cents for more sustainable plant based milk options. Something is not right here… pic.twitter.com/MhDeCASsQc
— Tori Kravitz (@torikravitz) September 21, 2018

when starbucks gives a 10¢ discount for refusing plastic and using your own cup ?
when starbucks charges 60¢ for refusing cow's milk and using cruelty-free alternatives ?
— LAURA (@xolaurelizabth) September 15, 2018

https://twitter.com/betakittty/status/763141343183011840?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E763141343183011840&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peta.org%2Fliving%2Ffood%2Fstarbucks-vegan-milk%2F

sorry @starbucks but like why do you call yourselves eco-friendly but then when i order almond milk in my drink u UPCHARGE ME WHAT pic.twitter.com/sn6QveKdtC
— Peyton Johnson (@peyjohnson) June 12, 2019

why does starbucks charge if i wanna replace regular milk w almond milk???
— Ur Fav Candy. (@_candylannnd) February 5, 2019

s/o to all the Starbucks baristas who don’t charge extra for almond milk, y’all are appreciated
— Miriam (@miriyuhm) April 30, 2019

Their coffee is expensive enough, I’m SURE they make enough money to not charge extra for little changes like that. In London all the little coffee shops don’t charge extra for swapping regular milk with something else. @Starbucks get with the times.
— T A T I A N A (@tatianaa_mariee) June 18, 2019

@Starbucks lately I been noticing that you charge extra for almond milk, why? pic.twitter.com/o5KzgXXDhB
— Rachel Diaz (@pinkierachie) June 17, 2019

Instead of charging extra for non dairy milk, @Starbucks should charge extra for not bringing your own reusable cup because THAT is how small changes can benefit our environment
— lil intro vert (@lexerzzzz) May 28, 2019

i love starbucks but it’s really rude of them to charge 50¢ for almond milk, sorry my lactose intolerance is so inconvenient @Starbucks
— madeline (@maddyrondeau_) March 22, 2019

petition for starbucks to not charge you extra for non-dairy milk it’s 2019 no one drinks dairy anymore!!
— ✿caitlin✿ (@supccaitlinn) February 8, 2019

i never tell them i want coconut milk in my chai until after i already paid at starbucks so i don't have to pay the extra charge so i guess you could call me a scamming connoisseur
— velvet cheeks (@gothlatina) April 13, 2018

The guy at Starbucks…
1. knows my name
2. knows my order (refers to it as the “normal”)
3. doesn’t charge me extra for my coconut milk

I’ll let you know when the wedding is.
— Nicholas Bader (@nich0lasjbader) November 11, 2017

I’m not trying to start drama but god is a woman and her name is When Starbucks Workers Forget To Charge You For Almond Milk
— katymarie (@katymrie) October 23, 2017

when the guy at Starbucks doesn't charge you extra for soy milk so he got u thinkin about marriage
— katherine strohmann (@katherinestroh) November 15, 2015

it'd also be nice if they could stop upcharging the almond milk, soy milk, and coconut milk ? when i go to smoothie king and substitute nonfat milk for almond milk, there's no charge
— ciara. ? (@collateralfleur) May 1, 2019

Starbucks makes me so mad why do y’all charge extra for plant based milk you dorks… wh*lefo*ds would never
— hannah (@ricemilkbreath) July 12, 2018

Why do you charge extra for soy milk @Starbucks ? Not for milk, or cream… Makes no sense. Happy Friday ?
— Marika Dominczyk (@TheMeanChick) April 15, 2016

Im sorry. I just don't think its okay for starbucks to charge me an extra 60 cents for soy milk cause real milk is gross and makes me vomit.
— BITCHEL (@MitchelWolf) March 30, 2014

At Starbucks I always ask for soy milk & at subway I always ask for avocado why must they always charge me extra for being healthy ? ???
— nay✨ (@naomilacel) November 21, 2013

Hey @starbucks is there a reason you charge me an extra .65 for soy milk even though its the same price as regular milk at the grocery store
— kayla (@kayhaby) October 24, 2012

Dear @Starbucks , Why do you charge an extra .60 for soy but not for dairy milk? What's sup wit dat? Jerks!
— James Bowman (@jimmyjames_b) June 6, 2011

Dear @starbucks, do you really need to charge an extra .50 for soy milk?! What a rip off. Please reconsider. Thank you.
— Local Mom (@local_mom) January 8, 2011

Sorry Starbucks. They are much cheaper and they don't charge me extra for soy milk (@ Grandaisy Bakery) http://4sq.com/7Jp1AI
— Wes Koval (@WesandhisPic) October 18, 2010

Why do they charge extra for soy milk? Wish there would be more alternatives at airports, dislike starbucks and have been twice in a week.
— ninarieke (@ninarieke) September 21, 2010

Anyone want to join me in starting a #petition to stop #Starbucks from charging a .60 surcharge on soy milk? #irritated #foryears
— Jillana Carniglia (@jmcarniglia) November 6, 2015

Y'all think your Starbucks drink is expensive already smh try paying an extra 60¢ for soy or coconut milk. SHOOK.
— J?E (@STR8HELL) August 24, 2016

Ladies I have my mom’s debit card & I’m heading to Starbucks. Guess who’s getting soy milk for 60 cents extra pic.twitter.com/95mtw6hkkZ
— ?belly furtado? (@staple_tits) October 20, 2017

I can’t stop thinking about getting charged 60 cents at Starbucks for coconut milk like this is really the world we live in, IM SORRY IM LACTOSE INTOLERANT now I know how people with glasses feel smh
— celine (@celine_flor) August 22, 2018

Starbucks charges .60 cents for soy milk now? Highway robbery. #WestchesterGirlProblems
— Westchester Problems (@WC_Problems) September 24, 2013

can we talk about how starbucks charges 60 CENTS more for almond/soy milk?? WHY must I pay more bc my bowels can’t handle cow milk???
— ? Casper the Friendly ? (@mac_dunzo) April 2, 2019

It really gets me heated that substituting almond milk at Starbucks is a whole 60 CENTS LIKE WHAT
— lucy (@lucyeberger) November 6, 2018

why am I penalized 60 cents for wanting soymilk instead of cow milk in my drink at starbucks!!! dairy is gross!!!!
— skyler (@skylergauuan) April 2, 2016

My gas station offers pumpkin spice coffee and ALMOND MILK to add into your coffee. Why have I been paying $3 for a coffee at Starbucks when it costs me $1.60 for the same thing I’ve been cheated.
— ?Lea (@xo_lsd) October 25, 2018

I just really feel like I shouldn’t have to pay 60 cents at Starbucks for coconut milk instead of cow milk
— Kendra (@kenz_amos) February 17, 2018

starbucks charging 60 cents for dairy alternatives when they’re cheaper than actual milk is the reason climate change exists
— amanda (@mandamarieidk) January 31, 2019

Every time I spend the extra 60 cents for soy milk at Starbucks I hope all the cows in the world know that I love them
— molly ? (@glitterpigeon) April 23, 2018

Starbucks really charged me 60 cents for a splash of almond milk. Pls, I’m just trying to not kill my body
— sarah (@imfcknlit) March 22, 2018

It's a crime that @Starbucks charges 60 cents extra for soy milk.
— chris uribe (@Christianydg) June 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/abt2delete/status/976119385667588096?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E976119385667588096&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.peta.org%2Fliving%2Ffood%2Fstarbucks-vegan-milk%2F

??? STARBUCKS SHOULD NOT CHARGE YOU AN EXTRA 60¢ FOR SOY MILK https://t.co/PB7fcGouHe
— please register to vote (@ANDlE666) June 8, 2017

After years of waiting Starbucks decides 60 cents is the proper amount to gouge you for almond milk https://t.co/N8TXzbDkeq
— Listen to @onbeliefpod & @ongriefpodcast Li'l ? (@karengeier) August 9, 2016

Why would @Starbucks change making coconut milk in an ice coffee .60 more cents that's a rip off. Lost me #starbucks
— Brandon Colbein (@Brandoncolbein) April 14, 2016

Why is soy milk 60 cents extra at @Starbucks??? Sorry I didn't ask to be lactose intolerant. Why do I have to pay extra for it?
— Ethel Mwedziwendira (@ethelmwedzii) February 10, 2016

But please explain to me how @Starbucks will give out cookie straws but charge me $.60 for soy milk? pic.twitter.com/hNoews796H
— Jessica Marino (@Itsjessss17) April 29, 2015

Just found out for 5+ years I've been up charged 60 cents for the soy milk in my @Starbucks drinks. Feeling very betrayed.
— Christie ❁ (@babicislove) February 10, 2015

Dear @Starbucks , Why do you charge an extra .60 for soy but not for dairy milk? What's sup wit dat? Jerks!
— James Bowman (@jimmyjames_b) June 6, 2011

Soy milk is now an additional 60 cents! What's up with that? (@ Starbucks w/ @alexamich) http://4sq.com/f70DNy
— Wilfred (@wilfredphua) March 1, 2011

. @starbucks now charging 60 cents for soy milk. Was 50 cents. Should be free.
— Carly Medosch (@CarlyRM) January 9, 2011

It is 2018 and Starbucks is still charging 80 cents extra for SOY MILK! The most MAINSTREAM MILK!
— ✨?✨ (@toothyhellbeast) August 31, 2018

Why did I just pay $.80 for almond milk in my Starbucks? I know that shits only like $3 at Whole Foods.
— rachel lynch (@rachlynchh) March 12, 2019

Ready to boycott @Starbucks because they just charged me 80 cents for ALMOND MILK
— Connie (@connieafionis) September 23, 2018

me: *flirts with starbucks barista so he doesn’t charge me 80 cents extra for coconut milk*
— austiana ?✌? (@iAustinLucas) March 31, 2018

#Starbucks charges an extra 60 cents for syrups AND 80 cents if you want soy milk. I knew I should have gone to #Biggby….
— 〽️arty (@martymcflyby88) September 6, 2011

starbucks worker: *doesn’t charge me for almond milk*
me: pic.twitter.com/5C8QMPY5Zr
— Tori (@tdiamond96) January 15, 2018

starbucks didn’t charge me for my almond milk…. i am a celebrity now no one move
— kaela (@kaelakenichi) December 6, 2018

When the Starbucks barista forgets to charge you for coconut milk pic.twitter.com/sczE9YepMv
— ? Fairy Bradshaw ? (@missparisrose) June 18, 2016

What do you think of Starbucks charging extra for plant milk? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

About The Author

Oli Gross

Oli’s career and personal ethical values both help shape his reporting of the diverse world of veganism. His background is in local newspaper and magazine journalism, and his work has included reporting court cases, celebrity interviews, business analysis, food and drink features and government legislation.

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