Backlash after woman tells waitress not to use term 'normal milk' - calling it offensive to vegans

18 November 2022, 10:45 | Updated: 18 November 2022, 11:21

Milk could be 'derogatory' to vegans, a woman said
Milk could be 'derogatory' to vegans, a woman said. Picture: Alamy

By Kit Heren

A woman has sparked a backlash after telling a waitress not to describe cow's milk as "normal milk" because it implies that alternative kinds of milk like almond and oat are "abnormal".

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

In an online post, a cafe customer said he overheard a couple at a nearby table ordered croissants, a cappuccino and a latte.

The waitress repeated their order, checking that they wanted 'normal' milk with the cappuccino and soy milk with the latte.

But the woman asked her: "Please can you refrain from using the word normal in a derogatory way like that, using that phrase that suggests there is something abnormal about the alternative choices."

Vegan caller says all meat eaters should be punished like Kurt Zouma

The waitress reportedly did not know how to respond, and the customer then asked to speak to the manager.

The waitress eventually apologised and fetched her boss, who took the croissants off the bill.

The Redditor asked her fellow users if they thought talking about 'normal' milk was fine - and the answer was almost unanimously positive.

Read more: Qatari royals demand total ban on booze sales at World Cup stadiums 48 hours before tournament begins

Read more: Elon Musk locks Twitter staff out of offices as hundreds of people quit their jobs

One user said: "The only reason I would apologise is if they are regulars so I could (normal) milk them for cash.

Moment an ethical vegan challenged David Lammy on his roast pork

Another person added: "The worst part of this is the manager took her side when he let the woman have the croissants for free. I would’ve told them to grow up or go for coffee somewhere else. Service staff should not have to deal with this".

Another user said: "In my experience, a manager will side with the customer to make everyone's life easier at the time. As soon as manager and server are alone this person will get ripped and the manager will laugh about how stupid the whole situation was.

A fifth added: "Cows milk is the most widely consumed type in the UK (and probably most of the world), therefore calling it "normal milk" because it conforms to a statistical norm is perfectly acceptable. What you encountered was a professional victim/grifter."

LBC has asked the Reddit poster where the cafe was, so they can be contacted for comment.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Labour MP Mike Amesbury says he is cooperating with police investigating reports of an assault involving the backbencher.

Labour MP suspended from party after footage appears to show him punching man in face

Labour MP Mike Amesbury says he is cooperating with police investigating reports of an assault involving the backbencher.

New footage emerges appearing to show Labour MP Mike Amesbury punching man in face

The accident took place on the A451

Baby dies aged three weeks in horror car crash, as man charged with causing death by dangerous driving

Amy Dowden

Strictly star Amy Dowden rushed to hospital after 'medical emergency' backstage at live show

Adele and Celine Dion hug

Adele breaks down in tears as she hugs Celine Dion after spotting her in the crowd at her show

File photo of migrants attempting to make the Channel crossing

Man dies after migrant boat crossing the English Channel deflates on Sunday morning

Snow could return to the UK next week

Snow 'on the way' to UK as early as next week, as forecasters give verdict on where it could fall

Bridget Phillipson has spoken on the school rebuilding programme

Education Secretary admits Labour aren’t planning to rebuild more schools than previous Tory target

Police tent at a property on First Avenue in Dagenham after the stabbing

Man charged with attempted murder after woman and two children stabbed in east London

One person has died and dozens of people have been wounded in the ramming

One dead and dozens wounded after truck rams 'crowded' bus stop in Tel Aviv in suspected terror attack

Tourists reacting to the anti-tourism protest in Tenerife

Brits in backlash against anti-tourism protesters in Canary Islands after being told to 'go home' by angry locals

Donald Trump is showing 'obvious signs of mental decline', Michelle Obama has claimed

Michelle Obama claims Trump is showing 'obvious mental decline' as she urges US voters to back Harris

Previously unseen photos of Diana have been seen for the first time

Unseen photos of Diana on homelessness visit with William released, as prince praises 'inspirational' mother

Rachel Reeves

Rachel Reeves promises £1.4 billion to fix 'crumbling' schools in Budget, but unions warn 'more is needed'

Sir David Amess was murdered in 2021

'How was a terrorist able to kill my father'? Sir David Amess' daughter speaks out 3 years on from murder

Donald Trump will unleash 'all-out war' on Sir Keir Starmer and Labour if he wins back the presidency, sources claim.

Donald Trump to launch 'all-out war on Labour if he wins' after row over interference in US election