Dear Coffee Shops,
Iâm boycotting you.
Not because I donât love you (I do). Not because I donât want to support local business (I really do). But because I am tired of being price-gouged over a splash of non-dairy milk.
Seventy-five cents. A dollar fifty. One place even charged me $1.75 to not get a stomachache.
Milk isnât kind to many of us. And yet, those of us with bodies that revolt against lactoseâor who simply prefer plant-based optionsâare apparently expected to pay extra for the privilege of not suffering later.
Hereâs the thing: I see that oat milk you're using, barista friend. I recognize that Costco-sized box behind the counter, because I buy it too. And I know it costs around $12 for eight quarts. So letâs do the math: if youâre only using about three ounces per drink⌠youâre not just covering costs. Youâre profiting off my fragile stomach.
And itâs not a good look.
If coffee shops can proudly wave flags for sustainability and inclusion, surely they can extend that same ethos to people who canât process cowâs milk. Charge fairly. Price it in. Treat it as part of doing business in 2025, not a luxury upcharge for the weak of gut.
Until then, Iâll be making my own lattes at homeâwhere the oat milk is plentiful.
Sincerely,
The Oat Milk Avenger
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