Your Complete Guide to Dairy-Free Drinks at Biggby Coffee
For those with dairy allergies, lactose intolerance, or who simply prefer a plant-based lifestyle, finding suitable options at a coffee shop can be crucial. Biggby Coffee has responded to this need by incorporating several dairy-free alternatives into its menu. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the available options, how to order safely, and which menu items can be easily customized.
Non-Dairy Milk Alternatives
The cornerstone of any good dairy-free coffee shop experience is the availability of non-dairy milks. Biggby provides a variety of choices to substitute for traditional dairy milk in most of their handcrafted beverages, including lattes and tea lattes.
- Oat Milk: A creamy, popular choice that steams well and adds a subtle sweetness to beverages. Oat milk is a favorite for lattes and creamy iced drinks.
- Almond Milk: A classic nutty alternative that works well in both hot and cold drinks. As with any nut-based product, customers with severe allergies should inform their barista due to the potential for cross-contamination.
- Coconut Milk: Offered at select locations, coconut milk provides a tropical flavor profile that pairs especially well with certain flavors, like mocha or caramel. It's always best to check with your specific store for availability.
- Soy Milk: A standard plant-based option available at many locations for a classic non-dairy experience.
Customizing Your Favorite Biggby Drinks
Customization is key to enjoying a dairy-free treat at Biggby. When ordering, you will need to specify your desired non-dairy milk. Here are some menu categories and how they can be made dairy-free:
- Lattes and Tea Lattes: The vast majority of hot and iced lattes can be made dairy-free simply by swapping the milk. This includes signature drinks like the Caramel Marvel (with a non-dairy-compatible sauce) and Wild Zebra, although it's crucial to confirm the specific sauces are also dairy-free.
- Hot Coffee and Tea: Plain brewed coffee and hot teas are naturally dairy-free. You can add a non-dairy milk alternative and non-dairy syrups to create a customized drink.
- Frozen Drinks (Creme Freeze): This is where more caution is needed. The standard Creme Freeze base, or 'tonic,' contains dairy. However, Biggby offers specific workarounds. For fruit-based Creme Freezes, you can ask to substitute the tonic with a banana for an additional charge. The Mango Creme Freeze, for example, can be made dairy-free. Other frozen drinks can often be ordered with non-dairy milk instead of the regular base, but this requires confirmation with your barista. One helpful Reddit user pointed out that asking for the 'Neutral Base' in frozen drinks can replace the dairy-based tonic.
Potential Dairy Concerns and Cross-Contamination
While Biggby provides solid options, it is important to be aware of potential hidden dairy. Some of the thicker sauces, such as caramel, marshmallow, and white chocolate, contain dairy and should be avoided. Always ask your barista about the ingredients in any specific syrups or flavor shots. Baristas should be informed of any severe allergies to take extra care and prevent cross-contamination. The brand itself notes that items are prepared in an environment where allergens are present, so total guarantee of a dairy-free environment is not possible.
Table: Dairy vs. Dairy-Free Ordering
| Feature | Standard Dairy Order | Dairy-Free Modification |
|---|---|---|
| Milk Type | Standard Dairy (e.g., 2%, Breve) | Oat, Almond, Coconut (select locations), Soy |
| Hot & Iced Lattes | Made with standard dairy milk | Substitute with choice of non-dairy milk |
| Syrups & Sauces | All syrups, including thick sauces | Choose from thin, non-dairy syrups; avoid thick sauces (caramel, marshmallow, white chocolate) unless confirmed |
| Creme Freeze (Frozen) | Made with dairy-based tonic | Order specific flavors (e.g., Mango) or ask for banana substitute for fruit flavors |
| Food Items | Bragels with dairy cheese/egg | Vegan Bragel (plant-based sausage and Chao cheese); plain bagels (except Asiago) |
Dairy-Free Food and Other Beverages
Beyond coffee, Biggby also offers a few food and other beverage options suitable for a dairy-free diet:
- Vegan Bragel: Some locations offer a vegan bragel, which includes plant-based sausage and Chao cheese on a plain bagel (avoiding the Asiago bagel, which contains dairy).
- Plain Bagels: Most bagels, excluding Asiago, are vegan and can be eaten plain.
- Tea: Premium hot and iced teas are naturally dairy-free.
- Mocktails and Refreshers: Many of the Mocktail and BLAST beverages, which use ingredients like Red Bull and flavored syrups, are dairy-free. Always double-check ingredients for specifics.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Biggby Coffee provides a substantial array of dairy-free options for those looking to enjoy a beverage without dairy products. With oat, almond, soy, and sometimes coconut milk available for substitution, many lattes and teas can be easily customized. The main things to remember are to specify your milk choice, be wary of the thick, creamy sauces, and request specific modifications for frozen drinks to avoid the dairy-based tonic. By following these guidelines, you can confidently navigate the Biggby menu and find a delicious, dairy-free drink to enjoy. For severe allergies, always exercise caution and communicate clearly with your barista. You can also review Biggby's allergen information on their website for the most current details.
