Which Oat Milk Does Starbucks Use in Its Drinks?
Starbucks—ah, the place where dreams are caffeinated and the line to order seems longer than your last workday. But over the years, it’s become more than just a coffee shop. With the rise of dairy alternatives, especially oat milk, Starbucks has earned a special spot in the hearts of many. So, the burning question: Which oat milk does Starbucks use in its drinks?
Alright, let’s spill the beans (pun totally intended). We’re going to dive deep into the oat milk scene at Starbucks: what they use, why it’s such a fan favorite, and some random but fun tidbits along the way.
Why Has Oat Milk Become So Popular?
Before we dive into specifics, let’s talk about why oat milk is suddenly everywhere, even in your coffee. A few years ago, people couldn’t get enough of almond milk, and I’ll be honest, I was one of them. I even tried almond milk ice cream once. Don’t. Just don’t. But oat milk? Yeah, that stuff’s a game changer.
Here’s why people are switching to oat milk (besides the fact it makes everything taste like you’ve got a personal barista):
- Creamy texture: Like dairy, but without the dairy.
- Naturally sweet: It has this natural sweetness—no need for extra sugar.
- Vegan, lactose-free, nut-free: If you’ve got food allergies or dietary restrictions, oat milk’s a win.
- Environmentally friendly: Seriously, it’s less water-heavy than almond milk. You don’t have to feel bad about the planet every time you grab a latte.
Basically, oat milk is a rockstar in the milk substitute world, and it’s here to stay. Just ask my mom. She used to mock me for switching to plant-based milk, and now she’s always like, “Hey, what’s that oat milk thing again?”
What Brand of Oat Milk Does Starbucks Use?
Okay, now that we’ve hyped up oat milk, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. So, which oat milk does Starbucks use?
Answer: They use Oatly. Yep, that’s the Swedish brand that makes oat milk taste like magic. And if you’ve tried their iced brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso, you know exactly what I’m talking about.
Why Oatly, you ask?
- Perfect frothing: Oatly’s oat milk is barista-approved. No, seriously, it foams like a dream. It’s the perfect addition to any of your espresso-based drinks.
- Smooth and creamy: It has this perfect texture that works with hot drinks, iced drinks, you name it.
- No added sugar: Some oat milks can taste like you’re drinking oatmeal. Oatly? It has a light sweetness that complements coffee without overpowering it.
I remember my first sip of a Starbucks oat milk latte. I was like, “Whoa, where’s the cream? This is amazing!” And no, I didn’t spill it on my lap—yet.
Does Starbucks Use the Same Oat Milk Globally?
Alright, buckle up, because this is where it gets a little complicated. Starbucks uses Oatly as the main brand of oat milk in many places, but—big surprise—it’s not the same everywhere.
For example:
- In the US, it’s pretty much all about Oatly. That’s what you’ll get in your iced oat milk lattes or oat milk flat whites.
- In the UK, Starbucks sometimes rolls with Minor Figures oat milk. I mean, they’re practically neighbors to Sweden—why not, right?
- In Australia, you might get a different oat milk brand, like MilkLab, which is actually pretty wicked for making foam.
So yeah, if you’re globetrotting and craving oat milk, double-check. You might end up with something different. Just a heads-up.
Popular Starbucks Drinks That Use Oat Milk
Now, if you’re asking what drinks feature oat milk, let me just list out some of the most popular ones. Because let’s face it, oat milk is a serious contender to dairy, and it’s popping up everywhere.
The Big Ones:
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso: If you haven’t tried this yet, what are you even doing with your life? It’s got that sweet, cinnamon-y goodness. Oat milk just makes it better.
- Honey Oatmilk Latte: Sweet but not overwhelming. This one’s for those days when you need caffeine but want to be extra cozy.
- Oatmilk Chai Tea Latte: Because who doesn’t want to sip on something that’s as spicy as your personality?
- Oatmilk Hot Chocolate: I swear, this drink could fix a bad day. The oat milk brings out the creamy sweetness without being, well, too sweet.
- Custom lattes: You can basically swap oat milk into any of your faves. A flat white? Oat milk. A caramel macchiato? Oat milk. You get the point.
I once swapped regular milk for oat milk in my caramel macchiato, and let me tell you, it was like the clouds parted and angels started singing. Oat milk does wonders in these drinks.
Is Oat Milk Healthier Than Dairy?
So, you’re sitting there wondering if oat milk is really better for you. Look, I’m no nutritionist (that’s Tina from next door), but I can tell you this much: Oat milk has a lot going for it, health-wise.
Let’s do a quick comparison:
| Nutrient | Dairy Milk | Oat Milk (Oatly) |
| Calories | 150 | 120 |
| Protein | 8g | 3g |
| Sugar | 12g | 7g (all natural) |
| Fat | 8g | 5g |
| Fiber | 0g | 2g |
Oat milk has fewer calories than dairy and way less sugar. Plus, that extra fiber is pretty great. It’s like a mini detox every time you sip. Dairy milk’s got protein, but if you’re looking for an easy switch, oat milk is a solid option.
How Does Oat Milk Taste in Starbucks Drinks?
Look, if you’re thinking oat milk is going to make your latte taste like a bowl of cereal, you’re wrong. At least, that’s what I thought when I first made the swap.
Turns out, it’s:
- Creamy: Like, smooth creamy. It’s like dairy but… better.
- Sweet: There’s a natural sweetness, but it’s not like you’re sipping on a sugar bomb. It just compliments your coffee.
- Subtle oat flavor: Some people describe it as slightly nutty, but honestly, it’s not something that hits you in the face. It’s more of a quiet, comforting vibe.
Honestly, the first time I tried it, I was like, “Hmm, not bad. But can it really replace the real deal?” By my second latte, I was hooked. Oat milk all the way.
Environmental Impact of Oat Milk
Here’s a fun fact: if you’re trying to save the planet one cup at a time, switching to oat milk is a good move. Oat milk has a smaller environmental footprint compared to regular dairy or even almond milk.
- Uses less water than almond milk (it’s like, way less thirsty).
- Produces fewer greenhouse gases than dairy.
- Needs less land than soy or dairy farms.
So, every time you go for an oat milk latte instead of a regular one, you’re helping Mother Earth. You might not get a gold star, but at least you’ll know you’re doing your part.
Can You Buy Starbucks Oat Milk Drinks in Grocery Stores?
Good news for all you homebodies: Yes, you can buy Starbucks oat milk drinks at your local grocery store.
Some of the options:
- Starbucks Bottled Iced Espresso with Oatmilk
- Starbucks Oatmilk Frappuccino
- Starbucks Cold Brew with Oatmilk
I picked up one of those bottled oat milk lattes once, and let me tell you, it was almost as good as the one I get from the store. Almost.
Can You Ask for Oat Milk in Any Starbucks Drink?
You’re in luck, because Starbucks is all about customization. If you’re craving oat milk in your favorite drink, just ask. They’ll make it happen.
You can switch your regular milk for oat milk in anything:
- Lattes
- Macchiatos
- Iced Coffees
- Cold Brews
- Frappuccinos (yes, they’ll do it for Frappes too)
Honestly, the hardest part is deciding what drink to order. The options are endless.
Is There an Extra Charge for Oat Milk?
Now, a little heads-up: some places charge a little extra for oat milk. It’s usually between $0.50 and $0.80, but hey, that’s the price of creamy, dairy-free goodness.
I get it, I grumble about the extra charge too. But I guess it’s worth it for a perfectly frothed oat milk latte.
Is Oat Milk Safe for Allergies?
You’ve probably heard about the whole nut-allergy drama that comes with plant-based milks. The good news? Oat milk is naturally nut-free, lactose-free, and soy-free. So, it’s safe for most folks.
But here’s the catch: Always check if the oat milk is gluten-free if you’re celiac. And some oat milk brands process their products in facilities that handle allergens, so it’s always worth double-checking if you’re sensitive to something.
How Starbucks’ Oat Milk Stands Out
Not all oat milk is created equal, and Starbucks knows that. They don’t just pick any oat milk. They go for quality. It’s the Oatly Barista Edition, folks.
Why it stands out:
- Smooth texture that works perfectly in drinks
- A little sweetness that complements espresso
- Oatly has a good reputation for being vegan-friendly and high-quality
Trust me, you’re not getting any watered-down version of oat milk when you order at Starbucks. This is the real deal.
DIY Starbucks-Style Oat Milk Drinks at Home
Alright, let’s say you’re not about that Starbucks life (or maybe you just want to save a few bucks). You can totally make your favorite oat milk drinks at home.
You’ll need:
- Oatly Barista Edition (or any barista-grade oat milk)
- An espresso machine (or a French press if you’re like me and low-budget)
- Flavored syrups (I’m talking vanilla, brown sugar, whatever makes your heart sing)
- A milk frother to make it extra fancy
Making oat milk lattes at home isn’t as hard as it sounds. If I can do it without spilling half the drink on the counter, so can you.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Starbucks Oat Milk?
Yes. Yes. And yes. If you haven’t tried oat milk yet, Starbucks is the perfect place to start. They’ve nailed it with their Oatly partnership, and the drinks are nothing short of magical.
So go ahead. Treat yourself to something wicked good. Just remember, the next time you take a sip of that oat milk latte, you’re part of a movement. And no, I’m not talking about the oat milk revolution. I’m talking about drinking something that’s actually delicious and good for you. You deserve it.
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