Among Egyptian women subscriber Online, where she was charged extra for having her coffee mixed rather than served over ice, the complaint sparked a broader debate about café culture in Egypt. The fee itself was relatively small, but it raised questions about where cafes draw the line between reasonable customization fees and unnecessary extras.
Across social media, customers shared similar complaints. Some say they have been charged additional To switch to skim milk, although skim milk generally costs cafes the same as regular whole milk. There is also an increasingly common surcharge of EGP 50 (US$1) for alternative milk options such as oat milk, coconut milk or lactose-free milk.
While these products are more expensive than standard dairy milk, a closer look at the numbers suggests that the surcharge can significantly exceed the cost of additional ingredients. The cost of a one-liter bottle of lactose-free milk ranges between 100 Egyptian pounds (2 US$) and 110 Egyptian pounds (2.11 US dollars) in Egypt.
A standard milk-based coffee drink usually contains between 200 and 250 milliliters of milk, meaning one liter can yield approximately four to five cups. With an additional charge of 50 Egyptian pounds (US$1) per cup, the café can generate between 200 Egyptian pounds (US$4) and 250 Egyptian pounds (US$4.79) in surcharges from one liter of lactose-free milk alone.
This amount is approximately double the retail cost of milk before factoring in the base price of the coffee itself. While cafes also face labor, rent, utilities and other operating expenses, the numbers raise questions about how some of the additional fees match the actual increase in ingredient costs.
This discussion comes amid broader changes in the coffee market in Egypt. According to According to market research firm Euromonitor International, Egypt’s café and café sector has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increased demand for specialty coffee and the expansion of local and international brands.
In Cairo and Alexandria, specialty cafés have expanded, with the help of independent cafés and local chains role Coffee in daily rite For many consumers.
As the market has evolved, many cafés have adopted pricing structures common in the global specialty coffee industry. International chains such as Starbucks and Costa Coffee Routinely charge extra for customizations, including alternative milks, flavored syrups, additional espresso shots and mixed drink preparations. Similar pricing practices are becoming evident throughout the growing sector.
While customers have become increasingly vocal about additional fees, cafes have remained operating in a challenging environment. According to The Central Agency for Public Mobilization and Statistics in Egypt reported that the prices of coffee, tea and cocoa rose by 6.5%. percent on an annual basis in June 2025. Meanwhile, companies that rely on imported coffee beans and specialty ingredients have had to contend with currency fluctuations and higher import costs, putting further pressure on operating expenses.
The gap between business logic and customer perception explains why the discussion has attracted attention online.
Research on consumer behavior also explains why these fees often generate strong reactions. Study 2025 published A study by Cornell Hospitality Quarterly, a peer-reviewed academic journal, found that consumers are more likely to react negatively to surcharges when they view them as unfair, especially when those charges are added separately from the advertised price. In such cases, dissatisfaction is often driven less by the amount itself and more by whether customers believe the charge is justified.
When customers post online about small additional charges for modifications to their coffee, such as mixing drinks, changing milks, or adding extras to the order, controversy arises. While each graphic may seem simple on its own, it has become a recurring point of discussion among consumers.
As coffee shops continue to evolve and competition grows, transparency may become as important as pricing itself. What seems to frustrate many consumers is not necessarily the cost itself, but the feeling of being surprised by it. In this sense, the conversation about coffee prices is about more than just coffee. It reflects a growing sensitivity to how companies price everyday experiences and where consumers draw the line between reasonable fees and unnecessary extras.