Large Chains

• Starbucks The world’s largest coffee chain set off an industry chain reaction when it dropped its milk tax in November 2024. Within three months, four of the five biggest US coffee shop chains ended their plant-based milk surcharges.

• Dunkin’ The country’s second-largest coffee chain and world biggest donut brand Dunkin announced it will stop charging extra for non-dairy milk March 5, 2025 at all 9,500+ US locations.

• Panera Bread Panera was one of the first major chains to eliminate the charge on dairy-free milks, dropping it in February 2020.

• Dutch Bros Coffee The country’s largest drive-through coffee chain kicked off 2025 by dropping its milk charge on the first of the year.

• Scooter's Coffee The second-largest drive-through coffee chain in the country dropped its milk tax on January 17, 2025.

• Tim Hortons Iconic Canadian brand Tim Hortons became the first big donut and coffee shop chain to stop charging extra for alt milks in early February 2025.

• Einstein Bros. Bagels National bagel chain serving a variety of bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee drinks. Non-dairy milk available by request.

Medium-Sized Chains

• Philz Coffee Originating in San Francisco, Philz Coffee is known for its personalized, cup-by-cup brewing method and customized blends. The company Philz dropped its milk upcharge in 2019.

• Pret A Manger Founded in London, Pret offers ready-to-eat sandwiches, salads, and organic coffee, with numerous locations across major U.S. cities. Pret was another early leader on equitable milk pricing, dropping its charge in February 2020.

• Blue Bottle Coffee Starting as a small roaster in Oakland, Blue Bottle Coffee has expanded globally, emphasizing freshly roasted beans and minimalist cafe designs. Blue Bottle not only eliminated extra charges for non-dairy milk, it also made oat milk the default for all drinks in July 2023

• Gregorys Coffee Established in New York City, Gregorys Coffee is a high-end, mid-Atlantic chain known for its quality brews and distinctive "G" logo. Gregorys dropped its upcharge on November 11, 2024.

• True Food Kitchen Health-focused restaurant chain with locations nationwide, serving specialty coffee alongside a menu inspired by nutrition and seasonal ingredients.

• Playa Bowls Rapidly-expanding chain with more than 300 locations nationwide that offers a variety of açaí and coconut bowls, as well as coffee-infused smoothies and other iced drinks.

• Matto Espresso Operating over 30 locations in New York City, Matto Espresso is known for its affordable pricing and European-style espresso bars.

• Wake Up Call Coffee Serving Washington and Idaho, Wake Up Call Coffee offers a variety of espresso-based drinks in a drive-thru format. Wake Up Call its surcharge in January 6, 2025

• Manhattan Bagel – East Coast based bagel chain offering freshly baked bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and coffee. Non-dairy milk available by request.

Other Multi-State Chains

• Alfred Coffee Trendy coffee chain operating in Los Angeles and Austin that's known for its Instagrammable drinks. Alfred dropped its nondairy milk surcharge on February 1, 2025.

• Intelligentsia Coffee Chicago-based specialty coffee roaster and retailer with locations across major U.S. cities, recognized for its direct trade practices and high-quality beans.

• Stumptown Coffee Roasters Portland-originated coffee company with a cult following, famous for its cold brew. The company stopped charging extra for non-dairy milk in January 2019 and went to oat milk default in January 2023.

• Boba Guys Expanding bicoastal chain focused on sustainability, Boba Guys offers a range of bubble tea and bubble coffee drinks with multiple dairy-free milk options at no additional charge.

• Fairgrounds Coffee Multi-roaster cafe concept offering a diverse selection of coffees, teas, and elixirs from various craft beverage brands.

• The Butcher’s Daughter A chain of bright, airy cafes in New York and California serving coffee, fresh juices, and all-day brunch. Recognized for its market-driven menu and relaxed, communal vibe.

• CosMc’s A space-themed, McDonald’s-owned beverage concept launched in 2023 where oat milk is the default? Truly out of this world!

• Thomas Hammer Coffee Spokane-based coffee roaster and retailer with locations throughout Eastern Washington and Idaho, known for its unique "coffee forward" business model. 

• Vertical Diner Laid-back diners serving comfort food with a modern twist, with locations in Salt Lake City and Portland. Known for hearty plates, all-day breakfast, and a retro-inspired atmosphere.

• Crossroads Kitchen plant-based restaurant chain founded by chef Tal Ronnen, offering upscale in Los Angeles and Las Vegas

• Cravewell Cafe Casual cafes offering coffee, smoothies, and fresh meals. Focused on simple, wholesome ingredients.

• Goddess and the Baker Trendy cafe chain with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, known for its layered lattes, fresh pastries, and all-day brunch options.

• Kale Me Crazy Health-focused, Southern chain offering cold-pressed juices, smoothies, and organic coffee drinks. Locations in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Texas.

• Life Alive Massachusetts and DC cafe chain serving organic coffee, smoothies, and plant-forward meals in a casual, wellness-focused setting.

• Landwer Cafe International cafe chain with U.S. locations in California, Florida, and Massachusetts. Offers a mix of Mediterranean and American dishes alongside specialty coffee drinks.

• Protein House Health-focused fast-casual chain serving protein-packed meals, smoothies, and espresso drinks. Locations in states throughout the country that cater to fitness-minded customers looking for macro-friendly options.

• The Smith Upscale American brasserie with locations in major U.S. cities, known for its lively atmosphere, raw bar, and all-day dining, including specialty coffee and brunch cocktails.

• Loose Leaf Boba Company Advertising unique and culturally inspired drinks, this coffee, tea, and boba chain operates locations in New England and Southern California

California Chains

California leads the way when it comes to not charging customers more for milk that is better for them and the planet.

• Andytown Coffee Roasters San Francisco-based coffee company that started as a neighborhood cafe in 2014, known for its community focus and signature drinks like the "Snowy Plover.” Andytown dropped its milk tax on January 16, 2025.

• Pachamama Coffee is a unique farmer-owned cooperative roaster and retailer, collectively owned by smallholder farmers from multiple countries. They offer organic coffee where oat milk is the default at locations in central California.

• Ritual Coffee Roasters Woman-owned San Francisco specialty coffee roaster committed to light roasts, single-origin beans, and direct trade relationships, operating multiple locations in the Bay Area. Ritual stopped charging extra for dairy-free milk in July, 2024.

• Red Bay Coffee Oakland-founded roaster established in 2014, focusing on diversity, inclusion, and social impact in the specialty coffee industry

• Sightglass Coffee San Francisco-based coffee roaster known for its meticulous sourcing and in-house roasting practices. Their spacious, industrial-chic cafes offer a transparent view into the coffee production process, providing patrons with an immersive experience.

• Rooted Coffee Co Family-owned cafes in the San Francisco Bay Area focused on organic coffee and a strong sense of community.

• Bird Rock Coffee Roasters San Diego-based coffee roaster known for its commitment to organic, direct trade beans and a strong connection to the local surf and arts communities.

• Highwire Coffee Oakland-based coffee roaster with a focus on small-batch production and direct sourcing. Operates multiple Bay Area locations, balancing classic coffee traditions with a no-frills approach. Highwire dropped its milk tax June 5, 2024.

• Parakeet Cafe Colorful cafe chain with locations in Southern California, known for its specialty coffee, fresh juices, and health-conscious menu.

• Farm Cup Coffee Los Angeles chain specializing in single-origin beans, highlighting the unique flavors of various regions. Offers oat and macadamia milk at no additional charge.

• Jane San Francisco-based bakery and coffee shop with multiple locations, serving house-made pastries, fresh salads, and expertly brewed coffee.

• Eightfold Coffee Community-focused cafes located in Los Angeles, emphasizing simplicity and quality. Offer a curated selection of specialty coffees and teas in a minimalist, welcoming environment.

• Motoring Coffee Automotive-themed coffee shop catering to car enthusiasts, offering specialty coffee drinks in a unique, garage-inspired setting. Hosts regular car meet-ups and events, fostering a niche community.

• Hugo’s Los Angeles-based eateries serving an eclectic mix of globally inspired dishes and known for a flexible that accommodates various dietary preferences.

• Bicycle Coffee California coffee chain that also delivers freshly roasted beans by bike in select cities. Runs a handful of minimalist cafés, keeping the focus on sustainably sourced coffee. Bicycle Coffee eliminated its dairy upcharge on July 29, 2022.

• Laidrey Coffee Roasters Artisanal coffee roaster and cafes located in the San Fernando Valley. Focuses on small-batch roasting and offers a selection of specialty coffee drinks in a cozy, neighborhood setting.

• Cafe Gratitude California-based café chain offering organic, plant-based fare. Known for its affirmatively named menu items and commitment to sustainability, creating a positive dining experience.

• Timeless Coffee & Bakery Oakland-based coffee roaster and bakeries offering a variety of specialty coffee drinks and house-made pastries. Known for its modern, inviting atmosphere and commitment to quality.

• Civil Coffee Los Angeles coffee shop that started as a pop-up before opening brick-and-mortar locations. Serves carefully sourced coffee alongside a menu of espresso drinks and signature toasts. Oat milk is provided at no additional charge.

• Highlight Coffee Neighborhood LA cafes offering a selection of specialty coffee drinks and pastries. Known for its friendly service and community-oriented atmosphere.

• The Plant Organic Cafe San Francisco-based chain offering organic, plant-based meals and beverages. Emphasizes sustainability and health-conscious options in a casual setting. Offers oat milk at no additional charge.

• Neighborhood Coffee Shop Los Angeles coffee shops that offer a warm and welcoming familial environment.

• Little Lunch Cozy, community-driven spaces for coffee lovers situated on LA’s westside.

• Black Elephant Coffee Los Angeles-area coffee shop and roastery serving house-roasted beans and handcrafted espresso drinks in a relaxed, welcoming space.

• New Bohemia Central Coast San Luis Obispo cafes blending coffee, house-made food, and community gathering spaces. Highlights include artisan pastries and a rotating selection of local goods.

• Phin Cafe Northern California chain specializing in Vietnamese beverages like egg coffee and coconut coffee, complemented by a menu featuring bánh mì sandwiches and boba tea.

• Summerfield Tea Bar Southern California-based tea bar chain offering a variety of milk teas, fruit teas, and specialty drinks.

• Cafe Ruisseau Black-owned LA cafes known for specialty espresso drinks, cozy atmosphere, and baked goods.

• Flying Goat Coffee – Sonoma County coffee roaster and cafes specializing in single-origin coffees and direct-trade sourcing.

• Groundwork Coffee Los Angeles-based organic coffee roaster that emphasizes sustainable practices and house-roasted beans for a wide selection of espresso and brewed coffee drinks.

• Amy’s Drive Thru Fast-casual chain offering organic coffee, espresso drinks, and an all-vegetarian menu of burgers, burritos, and shakes.

• Nectarine Grove – Socal gluten-free bakery and cafes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients

New York Chains

• Birch Coffee New York City specialty coffee shop offering a variety of house-roasted beans and espresso drinks. Known for its cozy atmosphere and commitment to fostering community among coffee enthusiasts. Birch made plant-based milk its default on September 6, 2022.

• Cafe Grumpy New York City-based coffee company with multiple locations, recognized for its quality brews and distinctive frowning face logo. Roasts its own beans and offers a range of espresso drinks in a no-frills, laid-back environment.

• Joe Coffee Company Founded in 2003, this New York City staple started as a single Greenwich Village shop and grew into a network of neighborhood cafés. Known for its approachable take on specialty coffee, Joe also runs a roastery and barista training programs.

• Variety Coffee New York City coffee brand with multiple locations, known for its focus on fresh, seasonal coffee roasted daily in Brooklyn.

• Partners Coffee Independently-owned, small-batch coffee roaster in Brooklyn, NY, committed to sustainably sourcing coffee and building lasting relationships with producers.

• Madame Bonté Upscale coffee shops on Manhattan’s upper westside known for a community atmosphere, cozy interiors, and house-made pastries.

• Oxford Cafe Deli-style cafes serving made-to-order breakfast, sandwiches, and coffee in a fast-paced, no-frills setting. A longtime go-to for Midtown professionals.

• Fresh & Co East coast fast-casual chain serving salads, grain bowls, and breakfast alongside organic coffee and espresso drinks. Known for its seasonal ingredients and partnerships with local farms.

• Lazy Sundaes NYC cafes specializing in Korean-inspired desserts, bubble tea, and matcha drinks.

Other Mid Atlantic States

• Compass Coffee (DC, Virginia) Founded by two former Marines in 2014 and now operating nearly 20 locations. Known for its "Real Good Coffee" philosophy and community-focused approach.

• Rook Coffee (New Jersey) Garden State coffee company specializing in fresh-roasted beans and a streamlined menu. It has expanded from a single storefront into a regional chain with a focus on cold brew and straightforward coffee offerings.

• Black Acres Coffee Small batch speciality coffee roaster with locations in Baltimore. Focused on developing relationships with local retailers and the communities they supply.

• Zeke's Coffee of DC (DC) Small-batch coffee roastery specializing in organic, fair trade, and specialty grade Arabica beans. Offers a variety of freshly roasted coffees in community-oriented settings.

• Blanchard’s Coffee (Virginia) Richmond-based coffee roaster with a focus on small-batch roasting and direct relationships with growers. Known for its collaborations with local businesses, it also supplies coffee to cafes, restaurants, and retailers throughout the state.

• Yinz Coffee (Pennsylvania) Pittsburgh-based coffee chain known for its locally roasted beans, playful atmosphere, and community-centric approach. Offers soy milk at no additional charge.

• Commonplace Coffee (Pennsylvania) Roaster and retailer with locations in Pittsburgh and Indiana, PA. Known for its welcoming environments and commitment to community engagement and education.

• Spot of Tea (DC) Tea houses in the nation’s capital offering a variety of bubble and iced milk drinks such as matcha latte and vanilla taro.

• Unity Java (Pennsylvania) Philly coffee brand dedicated to supporting humanitarian efforts. Donates a portion of proceeds to global relief initiatives while selling whole beans and brewed coffee.

Western Coffee Chains

• Huckleberry Roasters (Colorado) Denver-based coffee company focused on quality and community with a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere in its cafes. Offers oat milk at no additional charge.

• Guilder Coffee (Oregon) Portland cafes known for Scandinavian-inspired design and partnership with local roasters. Offers a selection of specialty coffee drinks and pastries in a bright, airy space.

• Harlow Coffee & Juice Bar (Oregon) Portland coffee shops and eateries with rustic interiors and focus on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

• Hub Coffee Roasters (Nevada) Specialty coffee shops and roaster in Reno with a focus on community, quality coffee, and ethical sourcing since 2009. Hub stopped charging customers extra for alt milk on June 1, 2023. 

• New Love Coffee (Washington) Founded Valentine’s Day 2022, this specialty coffee chain serves drinks in a cozy, inviting setting and is known for friendly service and community-focused atmosphere.

• Nalu Health Bar (Hawaii) Island cafes offering fresh smoothies, acai bowls, and locally roasted coffee, with a laid-back, surf-culture aesthetic.

SouthERN Chains

• Coffee Fellows (Texas) Lonestar state coffee chain offering a variety of specialty coffee drinks and light fare. Known for its comfortable seating and relaxed atmosphere, providing a welcoming space for patrons.

• Onyx Coffee Lab (Arkansas) Specialty coffee roaster and retailer known for its commitment to quality, transparency, and sustainability. Offers a range of meticulously sourced and roasted beans, as well as educational resources for coffee enthusiasts.

• Coffee Man (Georgia) Atlanta-based specialty coffee company known for its unique craft cold brews infused with flavors like fruits and flowers.

• Bethel Brew (Arkansas) Northwest Arkansas chain that serves as community gathering spots with a focus on quality ingredients and welcoming atmosphere.

• Apotheos Roastery (Georgia) Atlanta-area coffee roaster emphasizing high-quality beans and meticulous roasting. Family owned and known and community oriented, known for a commitment to direct trade and sustainable sourcing.

• Seven Mile Cafe (Texas) Breakfast and coffee spots known for their bold espresso drinks, creative pancakes, and extensive brunch menu.

• Sirincci Coffee (Louisiana) Coffee shop and roastery serving house-roasted beans with an emphasis on bold flavors and traditional brewing methods.

• Lodi Coffee (South Carolina) Speciality coffee chain known for its drive-thru locations and a broad menu of espresso drinks, and teas.

• Arsaga’s (Arkansas) Fayetteville-based coffee roaster and cafe group known for its artsy spaces, wood-fired bagels, and deep ties to the local community. Locations range from a converted freight building to a bustling downtown bakery.

• The Bowl (Florida) Health-focused eatery with multiple locations, serving smoothie bowls, fresh juices, and specialty coffee drinks with oat milk as the default in a casual, beach-inspired setting.

• Green Bus Cafe (Alabama) Sustainability-focused business operating out of a converted green bus and a brick-and-mortar locations. Serves a variety of espresso drinks, teas, and pastries with a focus on local ingredients.

• PERC Coffee (Georgia) Coffee roaster with cafes in Savannah and the Atlanta metro area. Known for its bright, bold coffee blends and colorful, laid-back atmosphere.

• Meantime Coffee (North Carolina) Student-run coffee shops and roaster at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Focuses on sustainable sourcing and reinvests profits into campus initiatives.

• Mean Mug Coffee (Tennessee) Servicing Chattanooga and Cleveland with house-roasted coffee, espresso drinks, and a selection of breakfast and lunch items.

• Double O's Coffee (Florida) Sunshine State chain offering a range of espresso drinks, flavored lattes, and frozen coffee beverages. Some locations offer drive-through service.

midwest coffee Chains

• Rising Star Coffee Roasters (Ohio) Cleveland-based coffee company that roasts in-house and sources beans with a focus on transparency, known for repurposing unique spaces such as —like a former bank and firehouse.

• Madcap Coffee (Michigan) Grand Rapids-based coffee roaster known for its direct relationships with farmers and meticulous approach to sourcing and roasting. Also supplies beans to coffee shops across the country.

• Sleepy Bee Cafe (Ohio) Midwest cafe chain blending specialty coffee with a locally sourced, seasonal food menu in a warm, inviting atmosphere.

• Baristas Daily Grind (Nebraska) Heartland chain offering drive-thru service and a wide range of espresso drinks. Known locally for its attention to detail in coffee preparation and distinctive latte art.

• Spyhouse Coffee Minneapolis coffee chain with a focus on direct-trade sourcing and small-batch roasting. Its cafes blend industrial design with a cozy atmosphere, reflecting the city's vibrant coffee culture.

• Command Coffee (Indiana) Coffee chain in Indianapolis focused on creating a pleasant, community-centered atmosphere with sustainably sourced coffees from Central America and Africa

• Clarity Coffee (Oklahoma) Oklahoma City roaster and cafe that is known for sourcing, roasting, and serving coffee with an obsessive attention to detail.

• Backstory Coffee (Minnesota) Specialty coffee roaster and cafe, focused on ethically sourced beans and expertly crafted espresso drinks.

• Alchemy (Ohio) Columbus-area coffee shop and eatery, known for its creative lattes, house-made pastries, and fresh bowls.

• Hope Breakfast Bar (Minnesota) Brunch-focused cafes offering specialty coffee and a rotating menu of comfort-inspired breakfast dishes.

• Beatrix (Illinois) Chicagoland all-day restaurants, coffeehouse, and markets with a focus on comfort food, fresh pastries, and signature drinks like honey cinnamon lattes. A local favorite for brunch and grab-and-go bites.

• City Coffeehouse (Michigan) Cozy cafes adorned with vintage Detroit photographs, serving freshly roasted coffee and house-made pastries.

New England Coffee Chains

• Rose Room Cafe New England coffee shops known for in-house syrups and baked goods. Operating in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, it offers espresso-based and tea drinks in plant-filled settings.

• Inkwell Coffee (New Hampshire) Granite State cafes with a focus on craft coffee and loose-leaf teas. Offer a relaxed atmosphere with a mix of traditional espresso drinks and house specials.

• Laney & Lu (New Hampshire) New England cafes emphasizing organic ingredients, offering specialty coffee, vibrant smoothie bowls, and fresh-made toasts.

Specialty Markets with Coffee Bars

• Whole Foods Market (Nationwide) The world’s largest natural foods grocery chain features WFM Coffee Bars at many locations.

• PCC Community Markets (Washington) Seattle-based cooperative grocery chain emphasizing organic and locally sourced products. Offers in-store cafés serving a variety of coffee beverages and prepared foods, aligning with its commitment to community and sustainability.

• Market of Choice (Oregon) Oregon-based grocery store chain offering a wide selection of natural and organic products. Many locations feature in-store cafés serving specialty coffee drinks and fresh, locally sourced meals.

• Down to Earth (Hawaii) Hawaii-based natural foods grocery chain focusing on organic and locally sourced products. Offers in-store deli and espresso bars serving a variety of meals and beverages in line with its health-conscious mission.

• New Leaf Community Markets (California) Northern California-based grocery chain specializing in organic and locally sourced products.Locations feature in-store cafes offering specialty coffee and fresh, prepared foods with a focus on sustainability and community engagement.

• Community Food Co-op (Washington) Member-owned grocery cooperative in Bellingham offering organic and locally sourced products. Its in-store cafes serve coffee, smoothies, and freshly prepared foods.

• Alltown Fresh Hybrid Northeast coffee shop and fresh food market offering organic coffee and made-to-order meals. Operates locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and New York.

• City Feed and Supply (Massachusetts) Boston-based neighborhood market and cafe offering locally roasted coffee, sandwiches, and pantry staples in a community-driven space.

PLANT-BASED CHAINS

• Loving Hut (Nationwide) Loving Hut is a pan-Asia restaurant chain offering a variety dishes in a casual setting with locations scattered in cities across the country.

• JuiceLand (Texas) Juice, smoothie, and coffee chain that has grown to fifty locations in Austin, Dallas, and Houston.

• Coffee and Plants (California) Los Angeles cafes combining a love for specialty coffee and greenery. Offers beverages in a lush, botanical setting, creating a serene environment for patrons.

• Timeless Coffee & Bakery (California) Oakland coffee roaster and bakeries offering a variety of specialty coffee drinks and house-made pastries. Known for its modern, inviting atmosphere and commitment to quality.

• Grindcore (Pennsylvania) Philadelphia coffee house known for its punk rock aesthetic and community-focused atmosphere. Offers a selection of specialty coffee drinks and baked goods in a unique, music-inspired setting.

• Jet Black Coffee Company (Oregon) Portland-based shops emphasizing music, friendship, and plants in a welcoming atmosphere

• Pure Vegan Cafe (North Carolina) Cafes in NC’s Research Triangle offering fully plant-based menus, including a variety of coffee beverages, smoothies, and light fare. Emphasizes health-conscious options in a modern, welcoming environment.

• Cafe Gratitude (California) Cafes offering organic, plant-based fare. Known for its affirmatively named menu items and commitment to sustainability, creating a positive dining experience.

• Bunk House Coffee Bar (Florida) Woman-owned and operated coffee shops serving specialty espresso drinks and colorful food in a tropical atmosphere.

• TRŪ Bowl Superfood Bar Offers a range of açaí and smoothie bowls, alongside a wide variety of coffee matcha milk smoothies. With locations in California and Arizona, it focuses on fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients.

More to Come

The movement toward free plant-based milks continues to grow, with more coffee and restaurant chains joining regularly. This shift makes dairy-free options more accessible while responding to increasing consumer demand for alternative milks, more sustainable options, and equitable pricing practices.

Note: Given the dynamic nature of the coffee industry, verify current pricing policies at your local establishments. This guide is updated regularly to reflect the latest changes in the industry. Last updated: February 22, 2025.