GAIL’s champions sustainability with free soya milk switch

Beloved UK bakery chain GAIL’s has taken a meaningful step towards more sustainable practices by scrapping its surcharge on soya milk. This change, which came into effect on 21st May, follows mounting pressure from a national campaign and more than 12,000 public requests for the charge to be dropped. While oat milk will still carry an additional cost, the decision signals progress in making plant-based options more accessible.

Growing industry momentum

GAIL’s joins a growing number of high street names responding to public demand for sustainable alternatives without added charges. Starbucks, Pret A Manger and Patisserie Valerie have already removed surcharges on all plant-based milks. Meanwhile, others such as Costa and Caffè Nero now offer at least one dairy-free option at no extra cost.

Public pressure driving change

Much of the drive behind these changes comes from ongoing advocacy by organisations such as PETA, which argue that additional charges for plant-based options unfairly penalise environmentally conscious consumers. Campaigners also highlight that many people are lactose intolerant and have no choice but to opt for dairy alternatives.

A global movement

GAIL's

This trend isn’t confined to the UK. Across North America, major chains including Dunkin’, Tim Hortons, Peet’s Coffee and Scooter’s Coffee have all removed surcharges on plant-based milk in the past year. These developments reflect a broader cultural shift towards sustainability and fairness in consumer choices.

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Shaping a greener future on the high street

As awareness of the environmental impact of dairy continues to grow, more businesses are expected to follow suit. By dropping the soya milk surcharge, GAIL’s is aligning itself with a customer base increasingly focused on sustainability, setting a clear example for others in the food and drink sector.

GAIL’s move signals a positive step towards normalising sustainable, inclusive choices on the high street.