by Emma Grubbe | March 10, 2021 9:20 am
If you haven’t heard about oat milk, you likely have been living in quarantine a tad bit too long. Even during the pandemic, oat milk sales have majorly increased. Oat milk is a relatively new alternative milk- it first appeared on grocery store shelves just a few years ago. According to sales statistics reported by Food Navigator, oat milk sales represented a total of $213.35 million last year.
By far, the most popular plant-based milk is almond milk, which has been seen around and in coffee shops for plenty of years. In today’s trends, oat milk is one of the most sought after, especially in coffee drinks. People are enamored by the taste and texture, which is similar to whole dairy milk. As a barista, oat milk can foam and mix just like dairy milk, instead of simply turning into a bubbly mush (like coconut milk).
Not only does oat milk boast a great flavor, but it is also the most sustainable dairy alternative. In a Business Insider article, it produces relatively few greenhouse gases and requires relatively little water to produce- 1/8th the amount of water that almond milk production uses.
Oat milk is also an easily accessible option for those with dietary restrictions spanning from vegans to lactose-intolerant people, and even those with nut/soy allergies!
So, what even is oat milk? Oat milk is literally made from oats. Some brands add other ingredients for flavor, but it consists, essentially, of just oats and water. Because it is made from a grain, it has more fiber and protein compared to other kinds of milk. It is higher in carbohydrates and calories, which is seen in the creaminess. Oat milk tends to be on the thicker and sweeter side than most milk, which is why it is used mostly in lattes and other espresso drinks.
Because oats are whole grain, milk made from them is higher in fiber and vitamins such as iron, calcium, and magnesium. Some brands of oat milk are fortified, which may cause them to have higher concentrations of vitamins as well.
In general, because oat milk can be used in place of any dairy, the uses are pretty much the same. There is a huge increase in usage at coffee shops- even some in Omaha, such as Starbucks, Scooter’s, and even Dunkin Donuts. Recently, the Starbucks locations in Omaha released oat milk as one of their alternative milk options, which makes it more difficult for local coffee shops to order oat milk for their own lattes.
2021 is an important year for oat milk, especially because more people are realizing that it is an option. It is advertised at chain-coffee shops and even on Tiktok. It’s a new addition to coffee-shop favorites.
Source URL: https://antler.express/5829/entertainment/oat-milk-coffees-new-obsession/
Copyright ©2024 Antler Express unless otherwise noted.