Wawa is a popular convenience store and gas station chain on the East Coast. In recent years, plant-based milks have exploded in popularity due to increased interest in vegan, vegetarian, and flexitarian diets. Many customers are now curious if they can find plant-based milk options at their local Wawa. In this article, we will dive into the plant-based milk offerings at Wawa and examine if they carry options like almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, and more.
Quick Overview of Plant-Based Milks
Plant-based milks are milk alternatives made from plants, including:
- Almond milk – made from almonds
- Soy milk – made from soybeans
- Oat milk – made from oats
- Coconut milk – made from coconuts
- Rice milk – made from rice
- Cashew milk – made from cashews
They provide an option for those who are vegan or lactose intolerant. Plant-based milks are also popular with people aiming to reduce dairy consumption. They have varying nutrient profiles but most are enriched with vitamins and minerals like conventional cow’s milk.
Wawa’s Plant-Based Milk Options
Yes, Wawa does offer plant-based milk options at many of its stores. The specific plant-based milk offerings vary by location, but below are some of the common options available:
- Almond milk
- Coconut milk
- Oat milk
- Soy milk
These plant-based milk varieties can be found in the refrigerated sections at Wawa locations, often near the conventional dairy milk. They are sold in individual cartons or bottles and are available in different flavors like original, vanilla, and chocolate.
Pricing
Wawa prices their plant-based milks competitively with traditional dairy milk. Here is an overview of the pricing:
| Milk Type | Price |
|---|---|
| Dairy milk (half gallon) | $3.29 |
| Almond milk (half gallon) | $4.29 |
| Soy milk (quart) | $3.49 |
As you can see, plant-based milks are just slightly more expensive than conventional milk. This pricing is pretty standard for plant-based milks at most major retailers.
How to Find Plant-Based Milk at Wawa
Wondering how to locate the plant-based milk options at your neighborhood Wawa? Here are some tips:
- Check the refrigerated section where milk is sold. Look on the shelves nearby conventional dairy milk.
- Scan refrigerated shelves for common brands like Silk, So Delicious, Califia Farms, and Almond Breeze.
- Ask a Wawa employee for assistance locating the plant-based milk.
- Check Wawa’s website and app, which lists dairy alternatives for each location.
The plant-based milk is generally kept in the back refrigerated section near the milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products. If you can’t find it, don’t hesitate to ask a store employee for help finding what you need.
Availability of Specific Plant-Based Milk Types
The availability of specific plant-based milk types varies by location. Here is a general overview of which milks are most common at Wawa:
- Almond milk – Available at most locations
- Soy milk – Available at many locations
- Coconut milk – Available at some locations
- Oat milk – Sometimes available seasonally or at select stores
Almond milk and soy milk tend to be the most ubiquitous. Coconut milk and oat milk availability is less consistent. Call ahead or check online to see if your nearest Wawa has your preferred plant-based milk choice in stock.
Plant-Based Milk Brands at Wawa
Popular plant-based brands sold at Wawa include:
- Silk – soy, almond, oat
- So Delicious – coconut
- Almond Breeze – almond
- Califia Farms – almond, oat
These are leading brands in the plant-based milk space, so you can feel confident you’re getting a quality product. Wawa may also offer their own Wawa-branded plant-based milks at some locations.
Using Plant-Based Milk in Wawa Coffee Drinks
You can customize your Wawa coffee drink with plant-based milk instead of regular dairy milk. The upcharge is minimal – usually 30 to 60 cents more for a plant milk option.
Simply request the plant-based milk when ordering your drink. For example: “I’ll take a small coffee with almond milk.” Baristas are used to making coffee drinks with plant-based milk, so the process is seamless.
Here’s a quick price comparison of a 16oz coffee with dairy vs. plant-based milk:
| Milk Choice | Price |
|---|---|
| Dairy Milk | $1.99 |
| Almond Milk | $2.29 |
| Coconut Milk | $2.59 |
As shown, opting for plant-based milk in your coffee drink costs just a bit extra. Wawa makes it easy to customize your latte, cappuccino, or any hot or iced coffee beverage.
Nutrition Info of Wawa Plant-Based Milks
Plant-based milk nutrition can vary by brand and type. Here is some general nutrition information on the plant-based milks sold at Wawa:
Almond Milk
- 30 calories per cup
- 2.5g fat
- 1g protein
- 1g sugar
- Calcium and vitamin D added
Soy Milk
- 80 calories per cup
- 4g fat
- 7g protein
- 4g sugar
- Calcium and vitamins A and D added
Coconut Milk
- 50 calories per cup
- 5g fat
- 0g protein
- 1g sugar
- Calcium, vitamin B12 added
The nutrition profiles can help guide your plant-based milk choice based on your dietary needs. All provide calcium and vitamin D when fortified.
Benefits of Choosing Plant-Based Milk
Why choose plant-based milk over dairy? There are several potential benefits:
- Lactose-free – no dairy, so no issues for those with lactose intolerance
- Non-allergenic – great for those with cow milk allergies
- Environmentally friendly – plant milk has less environmental impact than dairy milk production
- Animal welfare – dairy-free is better for animal rights for those ethically opposed to dairy farming
- Potential health benefits – some data suggests plant milks may be healthier than dairy, especially for heart health, diabetes, and inflammation
Of course, individuals should choose the milk option that best fits their nutritional needs and dietary preferences. But plant milks offer clear benefits for many consumers.
Downsides of Wawa’s Plant-Based Milk Options
While plant-based milks have upsides, there are some potential downsides to consider:
- Higher price point – plant milks tend to cost more than dairy milk
- Less protein – plant milks have much less protein than dairy milk, except soy milk
- Added sugars – some flavored plant milks have more added sugars
- Allergies – plant milks are common allergens, like nuts and soy
- Less availability – plant milk options are fewer than conventional milk variety
Those looking for an affordable, high-protein option may still find dairy milk fits their needs better. But for most, the upcharge on plant milks is worth it for the dietary benefits.
Future Plant-Based Milk Options at Wawa
While Wawa already offers almond, soy, coconut, and sometimes oat milk, we may see more plant-based milk varieties hit their shelves in the future.
Trending plant milks that Wawa could consider:
- Pea milk
- Flax milk
- Hemp milk
- Quinoa milk
- Banana milk
These emerging plant-based milks provide even more variety and allow customers to find options free of their allergen concerns like nuts and soy.
Wawa may also expand their current plant-based milk selection with additional flavors and options like sweetened, unsweetened, chocolate, etc.
Conclusion
So does Wawa have plant-based milk options? The answer is yes, with almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, and sometimes oat milk available at many locations. Brands like Silk, So Delicious, Almond Breeze, and Califia Farms are typically stocked. While plant milks tend to cost a bit more than dairy milk, the upcharge is minimal. Customers report that Wawa makes it easy to customize coffee drinks with plant-based milk for just an extra 30 to 60 cents.
With plant-based diets on the rise, Wawa seems committed to offering quality dairy alternatives. They may expand their selection even more moving forward. So if you choose plant milks, Wawa has you covered. Check the refrigerated section or ask an employee to locate the plant-based milk choices at your neighborhood Wawa convenience store.