Starbucks must stop charging for non-dairy alternatives to cow's milk. Charging customers 40p more for soy and coconut milk amounts to price discrimination, especially for customers that cannot consume cow's milk.

Lactose intolerance is a common digestive problem where the body is unable to digest lactose. It is predicted that around 33 per cent of the world’s population experiences this condition. While this commonly develops in people aged 20 to 40, it can occur at any age. The severity of symptoms can vary for each person, including diarrhoea, severe bloating and abdominal pain.

With so many people affected, why are coffee shops such as Starbucks charging more for alternative milk? For medical reasons alone, the demand for non-dairy alternatives is clearly justifiable.

Costa has recently waived the additional charge from its menus, while Starbucks continues to charge 40p per drink for options such as soy and coconut milk.

It is unreasonable that companies are able to financially penalise those who opt for, or require, an alternative; especially considering there is no price difference between caffeinated and decaffeinated drinks despite the difference in ingredients and production costs.

It is completely immoral that companies such as Starbucks are choosing to take advantage of a deficiency or allergy to make a further profit, as in many cases, people have no choice when it comes to steering clear of dairy.

Whether it’s for dietary requirements, choice or otherwise, please sign this petition to help put a stop to ALL coffee shops in the UK charging extra for non-dairy options.