Some drinks at popular Canadian cafe chain will now cost less
Published March 4, 2025 at 3:34 pm
Coffee drinkers who prefer oat or soy milk in their lattes and cappuccinos will soon pay a little less at one popular Canadian cafe chain.
Today, Second Cup announced that it’s eliminating charges for non-dairy and lactose-free milk substitutes, a move the company says reinforces the brand’s “commitment to providing choice and accessibility for all coffee lovers.”
The move means customers won’t need to pay extra for almond milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, lactose-free 2 per cent milk, and lactose-free skim milk.
“Our goal has always been to create a welcoming café experience,” said Peter Mammas, founder and CEO of Foodtastic, parent company of Second Cup, in a statement.
“We recognize that preferences and dietary needs vary, and by removing this charge, we’re ensuring that all our guests can customize their drinks without an added cost.”
The cafe, which operates 178 locations, is not the first coffee company to abandon the long-standing additional charges. Last November, American coffee giant Starbucks announced it was scrapping additional fees on non-dairy milk alternatives. Second Cup’s move also follows a lawsuit filed late last year by a Canadian complainant who accused multiple cafes of price gouging by charging anywhere from 50 to 80 cents more on non-dairy alternatives.
In a news release, Second Cup said the decision was made in response to shifting customer expectations.
“The change aligns Second Cup with its mission of delivering premium, sustainable, and memorable experiences for its customers,” the news release reads.
The company says the change will be reflected immediately on menu boards and in-store pricing.