No Milk? No Problem. The Rise of Dairy-Free Coffee in Hong Kong

Written By Nikita .

Are You Lactose Intolerant? You Might Be - and You're Not Alone

If you’ve ever felt bloated, gassy, or uncomfortable after your favourite latte, you’re not imagining it. Believe it or not, over 90% of the Asian population is lactose intolerant. That’s nine out of ten of us who struggle to digest dairy - often without even knowing it.

At Busy Brew, we’re not just coffee lovers - we’re coffee realists. We know that not everyone can (or wants to) drink milk, and that finding a creamy, delicious alternative shouldn’t mean compromising on taste or health.

So… what is lactose intolerance?

Lactose is the natural sugar found in milk. When your body doesn’t make enough of the enzyme lactase (which breaks lactose down), you end up with symptoms like:

  • Bloating

  • Stomach cramps

  • Gas

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea (yep, we’re going there)

Most people don’t even realise dairy is the cause. They just assume they have a "sensitive stomach" - until they cut dairy out and notice the difference.

Why are so many of us affected?

Lactose intolerance is actually the norm, not the exception, especially in Asian communities. In fact, it’s estimated that more than 90% of East Asians have some degree of lactose intolerance. But despite that, dairy is still everywhere - especially in coffee drinks.

That’s why we started Busy Brew: to give people a better option. Our canned oat milk lattes are made for everyone - including the 90% who’ve had to choose between skipping their daily latte or powering through a stomachache.

It’s not just about milk. It’s about change.

Choosing dairy-free isn’t just a lifestyle trend - it’s a movement toward inclusion, health, and sustainability. Whether you're lactose intolerant, vegan, or just looking to cut back on dairy, your choices matter.

At Busy Brew, we believe everyone deserves a coffee that fits their life — not the other way around.

Craving a creamy coffee that loves you back?

Try our oat milk lattes and taste the difference. No dairy. No drama. Just good coffee.

Nikita .