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As a lactose-intolerant person, I know that it can be hard to find dairy-free milk alternatives in stores.
Oat milk is my favorite milk alternative, so when I saw that Starbucks had started offering oat milk as part of its dairy-free line-up, I was over the moon!
However, I couldn't help but wonder what brand they use. Dive down the rabbit hole with me to find out more!
Key Takeaways
Can You Order Drinks With Oat Milk At Starbucks?
Yes, Starbucks offers oat milk as a dairy-free alternative for all your favorite hot and cold beverages.
Whether you're looking for a hot latte with steamed oat milk or an iced cappuccino, you can now enjoy your favorite Starbucks drink made with this alternative instead of dairy milk.
Oat milk is not just limited to customizations - Starbucks have a range of drinks made with non dairy milks on their regular menu.
Two of the most popular Starbucks oat milk drinks in recent years are the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, and the Honey Oatmilk Latte (these have quickly become two of my faves!)
Other new oatmilk menu options at Starbucks include:
I love how much smoother and richer oat milk is compared to cow's milk. Its nutty, earthy, and slightly sweet flavor really adds a whole new layer of deliciousness to my favorite drinks - almost like drinking an oatmeal cookie!
What Brand Of Oatmilk Does Starbucks Use?
Starbucks uses Oatly Barista Edition oat milk.[1]
Oatly is a Swedish company that makes oat milk that is said to be creamy and delicious. Oatly specializes in oat-based products, using their own steel cut oats for their alternative dairy products.
In addition to non dairy milks, they also make oat-based yogurt, ice cream, and even oat-based baby formula which is naturally free from dairy.
The company also claims that their oat milk is more sustainable than other types of milk, as it requires less water and land to produce, so when you order oat milk Starbucks drinks it's better for the planet.
According to Senior Vice President Luigi Bonini in 2021, Starbucks looked for the following when it came to finding the perfect oat milk [2]:
"When selecting an oatmilk, we looked for a high-quality ingredient that is not only delicious, but also complements our coffees and inspires new handcrafted beverages..."
Bonini also stated that Oatly oat milk was chosen because:
"Oatly’s oatmilk has a smooth and velvety texture, foams beautifully, and pairs perfectly in our light and dark roast coffees, opening up new possibilities for beverage innovation at Starbucks."
Toni Petersson, Oatly's CEO, stated that they were "excited to be part of Starbucks' ongoing commitment to sustainability."
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Does Starbucks Oat Milk Have Sugar?
No, Oatly oat milk is unsweetened, which means it's a popular choice for adding to coffee or baking recipes without adding extra sugar.
However while this keeps the oat milk healthy, depending on the hot and cold beverages you order, the drinks themselves (like the Honey Oatmilk Latte) may have other sweeteners.
Is Starbucks Oat Milk Gluten Free?
If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, you’ll be happy to know that Oatly brand oat milk is certified gluten-free.
Barista Edition Oatly Vs Regular Oatly
There are now two different types of Oatly oat milk available: Regular Oatly and Barista Edition Oatly.
So what's the difference between these two products?
First of all, let's take a look at the nutritional information. A serving size of Barista Edition Oatly contains 130 calories, while a serving size of regular Oatly contains 120 calories.
Both varieties contain 2 grams of protein and 4 grams of fat, but the Barista Edition has slightly less sugar at 5 grams per serving compared to 6 grams in the regular version.
If you're looking for a slightly richer and creamier milk alternative, Barista Edition Oatly is a great option. However, if you're watching your calorie intake, regular Oatly is the better choice.
In addition to being a creamier texture, Barista Edition is also significantly cheaper than regular Oatly. In fact, it’s about half the price. So, you won’t be spending an arm and a leg ordering oat milk drinks.
If you're looking for a non-dairy alternative to cow’s milk, the Starbucks Barista Edition Oatly Oat milk is definitely worth trying! However, both provide a quality oat milk flavor you’ll love.
Why Has Oat Milk Become So Popular In Coffees?
Oat milk has become increasingly popular in recent years as a dairy-free alternative. There are several reasons why oat milk has become a popular plant based milk choice for coffee lovers.
First, it contains no cholesterol and is low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option.
Additionally, it is a good source of fiber and vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin D, giving you some clear health benefits.
Finally, it is a renewable resource as it's just made by soaking oats in water, meaning that it is more environmentally sustainable than regular milk, almond milk, soy milk, or other non-dairy options.
With all of these benefits, it's no wonder that it has become the milk alternative of choice for many coffee lovers.
Is Oat Milk Good For You?
To start with, this plant-based alternative is a good source of fiber. It also contains more vitamins and minerals than cow's milk, including calcium, iron, and magnesium.
Oat milk is also lower in calories and fat than other options, making it a good choice for those watching their weight.
Plus, it means your favorite Starbucks drink is suitable for those who have a lactose intolerance as the plant based milk doesn't contain the same proteins as dairy milk.
If you're looking for a low-calorie or low-fat option, oat milk is the perfect choice.
Although it does have some health benefits, it is important to remember that it's not a miracle food and should still be consumed in moderation.[3]
Are All Oat Milks Gluten Free?
When it comes to plant-based milks, oat milk is one of the most popular options. But one of the most common questions about oat milk is whether or not it is gluten-free.
The answer to the gluten free question depends on the manufacturing process.
Most oat milks are made from oats that have been specially processed to remove the protein that triggers the celiac condition.
However, some brands do not undergo this extra step, which means that their products may contain traces of gluten.
So if you are celiac or highly sensitive to gluten, be sure to check the label before purchasing oat milk.
Starbucks Oat Milk FAQs
Why doesn't my local Starbucks have oat milk?
If your Starbucks stores are not offering oat milk, it may be because some Starbucks locations are facing a shortage. Oatly oat milk shortages have been reported in both 2021 and 2023 [4] - so make sure to check it's in stock before ordering.[5]
Can I purchase Starbucks' oat milk in stores?
Absolutely! In fact, many Starbucks customers like to buy it at Target and Walmart to use for their beverages at home. You may also be able to find it at other store locations such as Meijer, Amazon, and Kroger.
What kind of oat milk does Starbucks use in Canada & the UK?
Starbucks offers a variety of oat milk options in Canada and the UK. For example, in Canada, Starbucks has Oatly's original oat milk, while in the UK, Starbucks has both Oatly's original oat milk and Barista Edition oat milk.
How much extra is oat milk at Starbucks?
On average, it costs about $0.80-$1.00 extra at Starbucks. This may not seem like much, but it can add up if you are a regular customer.
What are some popular Starbucks oat milk drinks?
There are a variety of popular lattes, frappuccinos, and beverages on the menu that you can add oat milk to.
Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken, Honey Oatmilk Latte, Oatmilk Iced Vanilla Latte, Oatmilk Mocha Cookie, Chai Tea Latte, and Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso are just a few!
Conclusion
If you want an alternative to regular milk in your coffee drink, whether a hot or cold beverage, your local Starbucks is the place to be.
Not only does their menu offer a variety of delicious drinks, but many local Starbucks regularly carry Oatly oat milk as an alternative. The taste is excellent, and your body will love the nutrients.
References:
1. https://us.oatly.com/collections/oatmilk
2. https://stories.starbucks.com/press/2021/oatly-oatmilk-coming-to-starbucks-nationwide-in-the-us/
3. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-oat-milk-good-for-you-a-dietitian-explains-this-trendy-dairy-alternative/
4. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2023-01-03/oatly-shifts-production-duties-to-ya-ya-foods-in-new-partnership?leadSource=uverify%20wall#xj4y7vzkg
5. https://edition.cnn.com/2021/04/06/business/starbucks-oat-milk-shortage/index.html
