So this one is both easy and difficult. All the Monin syrups (this includes Caramel, Hazelnut, Vanilla, Sugar Syrup, Gingerbread) are all vegan. However, some of the festive sauces are not, and contain milk. Note: as of 2023, Costa use very few Monin syrups now, using their own branded, cheaper tasting syrups. These are, however, vegan: What exactly are the vegan drinks at Costa Coffee? In this section, I will break down all the drink items on the menu and provide summary tables for you to easily refer to. Are the Coffees at Costa Vegan?

1Kg Costa Ruby Hot Chocolate Powder (Plain Packaging)

This recipe combines the traditional powered milk ( Leche Pinito) with cacao, sugar and water for a rich and creamy drink that everyone will love. Iced Lattes (made with plant-based milk with and syrup). Costa sometimes refers to these as pour-over iced coffee (along with their other iced coffees that aren’t blended).

Note- it is not traditional to top hot chocolate with marshmallows in Costa Rica like we do in the States, but you are more than welcome to! Autumn 23 drinks. Sadly their Autumn themed range, Costa’s Maple Hazel range is not vegan– the maple sauce used contains milk. This is really disappointing because vegans or people with milk intolerances are unable to enjoy these seasonal drinks. Important Note: Costa changed from using Alpro milk to using a company called Adez (owned by Coca-Cola, who also own Costa…coincidence? I don’t think so). Unfortunately, due to the production of these milks, none of them can be confirmed as gluten-free (a sign instore confirms that the plant-based milks “may contain wheat”), which makes it impossible for gluten-free vegans to enjoy their normal drink at costa. Very disappointing decision from Costa who, time and time again, seem to ignore what their strong customer base wants and needs. What Syrups and Speciality Flavours are Vegan at Costa? Costa’s online menu provides a transparent breakdown of what is vegan and what’s not, allowing customers to specifically select drinks which are “vegan”, as well as “gluten-free” and “nut-free”. Costa is also one of the few coffee chains to distinguish between “dairy-free” and “vegan” for example – Peach Iced Tea comes up as “dairy-free” but not as “vegan”. This means that even if your barista is not able to tell you what is vegan or not at a Costa store you will be able to tell straight away through their interactive online menu. Sugar Although the iconic favourite almost disappeared, after a nationwide uproar and a request by fans in 2016, it sealed its return place at the top as the nations favourite hot chocolate from costa coffee.

Costa’s Toblerone hot chocolate at home for 85p How to make Costa’s Toblerone hot chocolate at home for 85p

Refresher range: this is vegan. These are a range of three drinks: blood orange/yuzu, watermelon/mint and apple/rhubarb. They are basically just flavoured syrups mixed with water and ice. Might be nicer blended, which they can do in store.During the traditional coffee hour in Costa Rica, children are often served hot chocolate, tea, or a homemade juice.