Does the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Have Milk?

November 9, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Dutch Bros' official website, the Golden Eagle is a breve, which is an espresso-based drink made with half-and-half, not standard milk. This gives the drink its signature rich and creamy texture, but it also means the classic version contains dairy. However, Dutch Bros offers several non-dairy milk alternatives, allowing for easy customization.

Quick Summary

The standard Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is a breve, combining espresso with half-and-half, which contains dairy. Customers can customize their drink with a variety of non-dairy alternatives, including oat milk and almond milk, for a dairy-free version.

Key Points

Original Recipe Contains Dairy: The classic Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is made with half-and-half (breve), which is a mix of whole milk and heavy cream, making it a dairy-containing drink.
Easily Customizable with Non-Dairy Milk: You can substitute the half-and-half for various non-dairy alternatives like oat milk, almond milk, or coconut milk.
Oat Milk is a Popular Alternative: Many customers choose oat milk for a dairy-free Golden Eagle because it offers a creamy texture similar to the original breve.
Vegan Options Require More Swaps: For a fully vegan Golden Eagle, you must request a non-dairy milk and confirm that the caramel sauce and toppings (like whipped cream) are also dairy-free.
Half-and-Half Creates a Richer Drink: The original half-and-half base is what gives the Golden Eagle its signature rich and dense creaminess compared to regular milk.
Customization is Standard Practice: Dutch Bros is known for being accommodating with customizations, so don't hesitate to specify your preferred milk or other modifications when ordering.

Understanding the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle Base

The Dutch Bros Golden Eagle is a fan-favorite, celebrated for its smooth, rich, and indulgent flavor profile. While many assume it’s simply a caramel and vanilla latte, the key to its trademark creaminess lies in its base. The Golden Eagle is actually a 'breve,' a type of espresso drink that uses half-and-half instead of traditional milk. Half-and-half is a blend of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream, making it significantly richer and thicker than regular milk. This explains why the Golden Eagle has such a distinctively luxurious texture, different from a typical coffeehouse latte.

The Role of Half-and-Half

For those with dairy allergies or who prefer to avoid milk products, the presence of half-and-half is an important detail. The dairy content in a standard Golden Eagle means it is not dairy-free, lactose-free, or vegan. The half-and-half contributes to the drink's higher fat and calorie count, which is something to consider when ordering. However, the drink's delicious taste and creamy consistency are direct results of this half-and-half base, making it a crucial component of the classic recipe.

Customizing Your Golden Eagle: Dairy-Free Options

Dutch Bros is well-known for its customization options, and the Golden Eagle is no exception. You can easily substitute the standard half-and-half for a non-dairy alternative to make the drink dairy-free. This is an excellent solution for anyone with dietary restrictions or those who simply prefer a different taste profile. The process is simple: when ordering, simply ask your broista to swap the breve for a non-dairy milk of your choice.

Popular Non-Dairy Alternatives

For those looking to switch things up, here are some of the most popular non-dairy milk options available at Dutch Bros and what to expect:

Oat Milk: A favorite for many dairy-free customers, oat milk provides a creamy, smooth texture that closely mimics half-and-half. It has a slightly sweet, nutty flavor that complements the vanilla and caramel syrups perfectly, creating a rich and satisfying drink.
Almond Milk: This is a lighter, lower-calorie option compared to oat milk. Almond milk offers a subtle nutty flavor that can pair well with the other ingredients, but it won't provide the same dense creaminess as the original breve.
Coconut Milk: For a tropical twist, coconut milk can be a great choice. It's creamy and offers a unique flavor that stands out against the caramel and vanilla notes.
Soy Milk: A classic dairy alternative, soy milk can also be an option, offering a smooth texture and balanced flavor. It's worth double-checking availability at your specific location.

Making the Golden Eagle Vegan

It's important to note that while the half-and-half can be replaced with a non-dairy milk, other ingredients must also be considered to make the Golden Eagle fully vegan. The caramel sauce used in the standard Golden Eagle may contain dairy. However, some Dutch Bros locations offer a dairy-free caramel syrup as an alternative. Always confirm with your broista and specify that you need a dairy-free, vegan option to ensure all components are compliant. The whipped cream on top also contains dairy, so you'll need to ask for it to be omitted. Dutch Bros often has a non-dairy Soft Top or other alternative toppings, but it’s best to verify during your order.

Comparison: Standard vs. Dairy-Free Golden Eagle


Feature	Standard Golden Eagle (Breve)	Dairy-Free Golden Eagle (Oat Milk)
Milk Base	Half-and-Half (Dairy)	Oat Milk (Non-Dairy)
Creaminess	Very rich and thick	Creamy, but slightly less dense
Flavor Profile	Luxuriously creamy, sweet	Creamy, with a subtle nutty sweetness
Calorie Count	High	Varies by milk choice, generally lower than breve
Vegan Friendly?	No	Yes, with careful customization and swapping the caramel sauce and toppings
Best For...	A decadent, classic treat	Those with dairy restrictions or seeking a lighter version

Conclusion: Your Golden Eagle, Your Way

The short answer to "Does the Dutch Bros Golden Eagle have milk?" is yes, but it's not the end of the story. The classic Golden Eagle is made with half-and-half, a dairy product that provides its rich texture. The longer, and more important, answer is that this drink is highly customizable. By simply asking for a non-dairy milk substitute like oat or almond milk, you can create a version that aligns with your dietary needs or preferences. For a completely dairy-free or vegan version, be sure to also request dairy-free alternatives for the caramel sauce and toppings like whipped cream. Ultimately, the ability to tailor your Golden Eagle means you don't have to miss out on this fan-favorite, regardless of your dietary requirements.

Making a Copycat Golden Eagle at Home

If a Dutch Bros isn't nearby or you simply prefer making your coffee at home, recreating a Golden Eagle is straightforward. You'll need espresso, caramel sauce, vanilla syrup, and your milk base of choice. For a classic breve experience, use a half-and-half blend. To make a dairy-free copycat, simply use your preferred non-dairy milk and ensure the caramel sauce is dairy-free. Top it with a caramel drizzle, and you'll have a delicious, customized version of the famous drink. Corner Coffee Store offers a great copycat recipe to help you get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, the traditional Golden Eagle is not dairy-free. It is a breve, meaning it is made with half-and-half, a dairy product.

Dutch Bros offers several non-dairy milk options, including oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk, which you can use to replace the standard half-and-half.

Yes, but you must make several adjustments. You'll need to substitute the half-and-half for a non-dairy milk and ensure all syrups and toppings, like the caramel sauce and whipped cream, are dairy-free.

The standard caramel sauce is not dairy-free, but some locations may carry dairy-free caramel syrup. Always confirm with your broista when ordering a vegan or dairy-free drink.

A Golden Eagle with oat milk is still creamy but has a slightly lighter texture and a subtle nutty flavor compared to the original breve, which is richer and thicker.

A breve is an espresso drink made with half-and-half, a mix of equal parts whole milk and heavy cream, giving it a rich and creamy profile.

Yes, the Sugar-Free Golden Eagle is also a breve made with half-and-half, but it uses sugar-free vanilla and caramel syrups. You can still substitute the half-and-half with a non-dairy option.