ROCKY RIVER, Ohio — PETA members protested Starbucks Monday morning by passing out free vegan lattes to pressure the coffee chain to stop charging extra for vegan alternatives to milk.
The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, better known as PETA, has staged these protests in other cities as well in what it calls a “surcharge war.” The organization says about 142,000 people have also asked Starbucks to change its policy.
Amy Stewart, a grassroots protest coordinator with PETA, said the goal Monday morning was to educate people about Starbucks’ surcharge. It’s also a chance for people to try vegan lattes for the first time, she said.
Starbucks has many alternatives to real milk — including oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk. But getting these alternatives brings an added cost.
A Venti latte that costs $4.95 costs $5.65 if you opt for oat milk, for example. Prices vary by location.
The coffee-chain has made pushing alternatives part of its climate strategy, saying the alternative milks produce less greenhouse gases. But PETA believes that Starbucks shouldn’t give upcharges to customers who opt for these options.
That’s why in Toledo, Cincinnati, and now in Rocky River, PETA has tried to “hijack Starbucks customers.” According to PETA’s news release, their goal is to intercept would-be customers by giving them free lattes.
“Starbucks claims to be an environmentally-friendly company, Stewart said. “They should put their money where their mouth is.”
Stewart and another PETA member braved the cold to pass out the lattes Monday morning. Some bought Starbucks coffee and got a free vegan latte.
When asked about PETA’s campaign to end the surcharge, a Starbucks spokesperson said the extra charges are similar to getting an extra shot of espresso or syrup.
A splash of any nondairy milk can be added to a coffee free of charge. But larger substitutions do cost more.
“We have nothing immediate to share on plans to remove this additional cost but will keep you updated as we continue to learn and evolve,” a statement from the company read.
The lattes handed out were from RISE Brewing Co., which makes organic and vegan coffee products that are sold in grocery stores. The products are canned, and the company doesn’t have any physical stores.
PETA’s protest started at about 8 a.m., with plans to hand out coffees for about an hour Monday morning.