In a major win for plant-based beverage lovers, Gail’s Bakery has announced it will eliminate the surcharge on soya milk starting 21 May 2025—a move that resonates strongly with the growing milk tea community in the UK.
Known for its artisan bakes and specialty drinks, Gail’s has become a popular stop for customers seeking a dairy-free twist on their favorite teas and coffees.
The decision follows a national campaign led by animal rights group PETA, which pressured the bakery chain to end what it called a “punitive” fee on plant-based milk alternatives. While Gail’s will continue charging extra for oat milk, soya milk lovers will soon enjoy their drinks without the additional cost.
A Gail’s spokesperson cited sustainability and customer choice as key reasons for the change: “We’re adapting to meet evolving preferences and making plant-based living more accessible.”
The shift comes as the demand for dairy-free milk options—especially in milk teas and boba drinks—continues to rise. One in three Britons now regularly chooses plant-based alternatives, with soya milk ranking among the most common options for vegan-friendly milk tea.
PETA’s Vice President of Vegan Corporate Projects, Dawn Carr, applauded the move:
“Charging more for plant milk leaves a bad taste in customers’ mouths, especially when the choice supports animal welfare, personal health, and the environment. Gail’s has taken a meaningful step—now it’s time to drop the oat surcharge too.”
The milk tea market, long reliant on dairy bases, is undergoing a transformation as cafes and tea brands adapt to changing consumer habits. With soya milk now on equal footing at Gail’s, customers can enjoy classic milk teas or modern blends with a vegan base—without paying extra.
Gail’s joins a broader movement across the food and beverage industry. Chains like Costa Coffee, Caffè Nero, Pret A Manger, and Starbucks have already eliminated fees on at least one plant milk. In the U.S., major players such as Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, and Dutch Bros have followed suit, reflecting a global shift toward more inclusive and sustainable beverage options.
Even celebrities are lending their voices to the cause—Sir Paul McCartney recently urged Peet’s Coffee in the U.S. to drop its surcharge, prompting swift action from the chain.
For milk tea fans, especially those committed to plant-based lifestyles, Gail’s decision marks an encouraging step toward a more affordable and environmentally conscious future—one sip at a time.
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