Starbucks primarily uses Oatly Barista Edition Oatmilk, a product from the Swedish brand Oatly. Oatly is one of the pioneers in the plant-based milk industry, known for its creamy, smooth, and versatile oat milk, which pairs exceptionally well with coffee. This oat milk has become a core option at Starbucks locations across the U.S. since 2021, alongside other non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, and coconut milk​.
Oatly Barista Edition is specifically designed to froth beautifully, making it a favorite for beverages like lattes and cappuccinos. Its texture and mild, slightly sweet flavor complement Starbucks espresso drinks, enhancing the overall experience​.
What Is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a plant-based, dairy-free milk alternative made by soaking oats in water, blending them, and then straining the mixture to create a creamy liquid. It has gained popularity due to its taste and texture, which are more similar to cow’s milk than other plant-based options like almond or soy milk. Oat milk is also known for its environmental benefits, requiring less water and land to produce compared to dairy and almond milk​.
Nutritional Profile of Oatly Barista Edition Oatmilk
Below is a detailed breakdown of Oatly Barista Edition’s nutritional values per 8 oz (240 ml) serving:
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Riboflavin: 45% of the DV
- Calcium: 25% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 20% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 20% of the DV
- Potassium: 8% of the DV
| Nutrient | Amount (Per 8 oz) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 16g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Fat | 5g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Vitamin B12 | 50% of the Daily Value (DV) |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 45% of the DV |
| Calcium | 25% of the DV |
| Phosphorus | 20% of the DV |
| Vitamin D | 20% of the DV |
| Vitamin A | 20% of the DV |
| Potassium | 8% of the DV |
| Iron | 2% of the DV |
What Brand of Oat Milk Does Starbucks Use?
As of 2024, Starbucks uses Oatly Barista Edition Oatmilk. Oatly is a Swedish company specializing in oat-based dairy alternatives. Their Barista Edition is particularly designed for coffee and espresso drinks, offering a creamy consistency that froths well and complements Starbucks’ espresso​.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Oatly Barista Edition |
| Purpose | Designed for coffee and espresso drinks |
| Key Feature | Creamy, froths well, slightly sweetened |
| Introduced at Starbucks | 2021 (U.S. market) |
Starbucks Oatmilk and Its Offerings
Starbucks integrates oat milk into several beverages menu as part of its commitment to providing plant-based options. Popular oat milk drinks include the Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso and Honey Oatmilk Latte. These beverages highlight oat milk’s ability to complement both light and dark espresso roasts​.
Nutritional Comparison with Other Milk Types
Below is a comparison of the nutritional profile of oat milk with other milk options available at Starbucks:
| Milk Type | Calories (8 oz) | Carbs (g) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oat Milk | 120 | 16 | 3 | 5 |
| Cow’s Milk (2%) | 150 | 12 | 8 | 5 |
| Almond Milk (Unsweetened) | 37 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 3 |
| Soy Milk | 118 | 14 | 8 | 4.7 |
As seen, oat milk is lower in protein than cow’s or soy milk but higher in carbohydrates, making it a richer and creamier option compared to almond milk​.
What is the Difference Between Oatly Barista Edition and Regular Oat Milk?
The Oatly Barista Edition is designed specifically for use in coffee shops. It contains more fat compared to regular oat milk (thanks to added rapeseed oil), which results in a richer, creamier texture. This helps it froth better when steamed, making it ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. Regular oat milk, on the other hand, typically contains less fat and might not foam as well, making it better suited for non-coffee beverages​.
| Aspect | Barista Edition | Regular Oat Milk |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Creamier, designed to froth for coffee drinks | Less creamy, thinner |
| Fat Content | Higher fat content (from added rapeseed oil) | Lower fat content |
| Foaming Capability | Foams well for lattes and cappuccinos | Limited foaming ability |
| Best Use | Espresso-based drinks, hot and iced lattes | Best for cold beverages or cereal |
Is Starbucks Oat Milk Sweetened or Unsweetened?
Starbucks uses Oatly’s Barista Edition Oatmilk, which is lightly sweetened to enhance its flavor. The natural sweetness comes from the oats themselves, although some sugars are present from the production process, usually from enzymatically breaking down the oats. A serving of oat milk contains approximately 7 grams of sugar​.
Is Starbucks Oatmilk Creamy?
Yes, the Oatly Barista Edition used at Starbucks is known for its creamy texture. This creaminess comes from the rapeseed oil added to the formula, which enhances both the texture and frothing capability, ensuring it holds up in hot drinks like lattes​.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, ideal for coffee drinks |
| Fat Source | Rapeseed oil adds extra creaminess |
| Best Uses | Lattes, cappuccinos, shaken espressos |
| Barista Edition | Designed to hold froth and blend smoothly |
Is Oat Milk Creamy or Watery?
Oat milk, especially the Barista Edition used at Starbucks, tends to be on the creamier side compared to other plant-based milks. However, oat milk can vary across brands. Some store-bought versions may be more watery, especially if they are marketed as low-calorie or unsweetened​.
Does Oat Milk Have Any Negatives?
Like any food, oat milk has its drawbacks:
- Lower Protein Content: Oat milk has less protein than cow’s milk or soy milk, which may be a consideration for people relying on milk as a protein source.
- Added Sugars: Some oat milk varieties, including the Oatly Barista Edition, contain added sugars to enhance flavor, making it less ideal for those watching their sugar intake.
- Gluten Content: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but there can be cross-contamination during processing unless the oat milk is certified gluten-free​.
Positives of Oat Milk for Health
Despite its drawbacks, oat milk has several health benefits:
- Heart Health: Oat milk is low in saturated fat and contains beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol levels.
- Vegan-Friendly: It’s entirely plant-based, making it a great option for vegans or those avoiding dairy.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Oatly Barista Edition is fortified with essential nutrients like vitamins B12, D, and A, making it a well-rounded option for people who follow plant-based diets.
Starbucks Drinks with Oat Milk
Several popular drinks at Starbucks use oat milk:
- Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
- Honey Oatmilk Latte
- Oatmilk Chai Tea Latte
- Customizable hot or iced lattes with oat milk​.
Handy Chart Comparing Starbucks Milk Alternatives
| Milk Type | Brand | Ingredients | Nutritional Facts (Per 8 oz) | Sweetened? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oat Milk | Oatly Barista Edition | Water, oats, rapeseed oil, calcium carbonate, etc. | 120 calories, 16g carbs, 3g protein, 5g fat | Lightly sweetened |
| Almond Milk | Starbucks Own | Water, almonds, sugar, etc. | 60 calories, 5g carbs, 1g protein, 3g fat | Unsweetened and sweetened |
| Soy Milk | Starbucks Own | Water, soybeans, calcium carbonate, etc. | 118 calories, 14g carbs, 8g protein, 4.7g fat | Lightly sweetened |
| Coconut Milk | Starbucks Own | Water, coconut cream, sugar, etc. | 70 calories, 7g carbs, 0g protein, 5g fat | Sweetened |
Conclusion
Oat milk’s growing popularity at Starbucks is due to its creamy texture, eco-friendly production, and versatility in beverages. While it has its downsides, like lower protein and some added sugars, it offers a heart-healthy, lactose-free alternative to dairy that pairs well with coffee, making it a favored choice for many Starbucks patrons.
