Frothing Up Profits: Why Alternative Milk Lattes Are Worth the Pour for Canadian Restaurants
Frothing Up Profits: Why Alternative Milk Lattes Are Worth the Pour for Canadian Restaurants
Across Canada, coffee culture continues to thrive — but the milk in the cup is shifting. From oat to almond to soy and beyond, Canadians are increasingly reaching for plant-based options, especially in their favourite lattes. For restaurant and café owners, this trend isn’t just about accommodation — it’s about opportunity.
The Rise of the Plant-Based Pour
According to a 2024 Statista report, over 42% of Canadians now consume plant-based milk alternatives at least occasionally, and that number jumps even higher among Millennials and Gen Z — key coffee-consuming demographics. In urban centres like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, it’s becoming standard to see alternative milks offered at every independent coffee counter and quick-service restaurant.
While traditional dairy still holds a major share, alternative milk usage is growing steadily — especially in specialty drinks like lattes, where customers are willing to experiment and pay more for a personalized experience.
Innovation in the Cup
The evolution of alt milks is helping baristas elevate the latte game. Many new formulas are designed with cafés in mind — optimized for steaming, stretching, and frothing just like dairy. These innovations mean smoother textures, better flavour consistency, and a latte art-friendly finish.
For restaurateurs, this opens the door to not just offering alt milks as a “substitute,” but designing signature drinks around them — think seasonal features or curated pairings with food items. A well-crafted lavender oat latte or an iced matcha with creamy nut-based milk can become a menu standout and a social media star.
Yes, It Costs More — And That’s Okay
Offering alternative milks comes with a higher food cost, there’s no doubt. But here’s the good news: Canadian consumers are willing to pay the difference.
A survey by Dalhousie University in 2023 found that 61% of Canadians expect to pay a premium for plant-based options at restaurants — and they’re okay with it. Whether it’s an additional 50 cents or a full dollar, customers see it as a fair trade for choice, wellness, sustainability, or dietary needs.
And when the experience is delivered with care — good latte art, a cozy ceramic mug, or thoughtful takeout packaging — customers don’t just accept the upcharge. They see value in it.
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Standing Out in a Crowded Market
In an increasingly competitive takeout and café landscape, offering diverse milk options signals that you’re paying attention to what your customers want. It builds loyalty. It gets people talking. And it shows that your business isn’t stuck in the past.
So, whether you’re a restaurant introducing a weekend brunch latte bar, or a café refreshing your drink menu, consider making alternative milks a part of your innovation toolkit.
Because when it comes to coffee, Canadians want it their way — and they’re willing to pay for it.
