Understanding Your Dutch Bros Non-Dairy Milk Options
For those avoiding dairy, Dutch Bros offers three primary plant-based milk alternatives: oat, almond, and coconut. Each offers a unique texture and flavor profile that can significantly impact the taste of your final beverage.
- Oat Milk: Known for its creamy, smooth texture and neutral flavor, oat milk is often considered the best substitute for traditional dairy milk in lattes and other espresso-based drinks. It froths exceptionally well, providing a rich mouthfeel. It is important to note that Dutch Bros uses a barista-style oat milk, which may have slightly different nutritional content than standard grocery store versions.
- Almond Milk: Offering a slightly nutty and lighter flavor, almond milk is a popular lower-calorie option. It's a great choice for iced drinks where its mild flavor won't overpower the coffee or syrup. It generally contains fewer calories and sugar than oat milk, but this can vary depending on the specific blend.
- Coconut Milk: With its distinct tropical flavor and creamy consistency, coconut milk is ideal for drinks where a coconut profile complements the other ingredients. It pairs particularly well with fruit-flavored teas and refreshers.
Customizing Dutch Bros "Faves" for a Dairy-Free Experience
Many of Dutch Bros' signature drinks, known as "Dutch Faves," are made with dairy bases like half-and-half (breve), chocolate milk, or ice cream mix. To make them non-dairy, you must customize your order by substituting the dairy ingredients with a plant-based milk and requesting dairy-free syrups or sauces.
- The Golden Eagle®: This fan favorite is traditionally made with a breve and caramel sauce. To make it non-dairy, order a latte with your choice of non-dairy milk (oat milk is recommended for a creamy texture) and request the Irish cream syrup and vanilla syrup, along with the dairy-free caramel syrup instead of the sauce.
- The Kicker®: Another popular breve-based drink, the Kicker can be made non-dairy by requesting your preferred plant-based milk. The Irish cream flavor is dairy-free.
- The Cocomo®: This mocha drink uses a chocolate milk base. Request a custom latte with non-dairy milk and dairy-free dark chocolate syrup or another chocolate syrup option.
Comparison of Dutch Bros Non-Dairy Milk Options
| Feature | Oat Milk | Almond Milk | Coconut Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Creamy, smooth, and thick | Lighter and thinner | Rich and creamy with a distinct texture |
| Flavor Profile | Neutral, slightly sweet, complements coffee well | Nutty and mild, works well with most flavors | Tropical and pronounced, pairs well with fruit |
| Nutrition | Generally higher in calories and carbohydrates than almond milk | Lower in calories and fat, but can be higher in sugar depending on the barista blend | Contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs) |
| Best For... | Lattes, hot drinks, or any drink needing a rich, milky feel | Iced coffees, cold brews, and lighter drinks | Fruit-flavored teas, Rebels, and drinks where coconut flavor is desired |
Healthiest Non-Dairy Drink at Dutch Bros
The healthiest non-dairy drink at Dutch Bros is generally one that minimizes added sugars and calories. For a refreshing and low-calorie option, a simple iced or hot black coffee, Americano, or cold brew is your best bet.
To build a healthier customized non-dairy drink:
- Start with a low-sugar base: Opt for black coffee, cold brew, or a plain tea.
- Add non-dairy milk: A splash of almond milk is a great, low-calorie choice.
- Choose zero-sugar syrups: Dutch Bros offers a variety of sugar-free syrups, including vanilla, chocolate, caramel, and fruit flavors. Use one or two pumps for a hint of flavor without the sugar rush.
Non-Coffee Non-Dairy Drink Options
If you're not in the mood for coffee, Dutch Bros offers several other non-dairy choices:
- Rebels (Energy Drinks): The standard Rebel energy drink base is vegan. The blended and iced Rebels are customizable with dairy-free syrups. For the healthiest option, choose a zero-sugar Rebel with dairy-free flavors like the Zero Sugar Iced Double Rainbro, which is very low in calories. Always decline dairy-based toppings like Soft Top or whipped cream.
- Teas: Dutch Bros' black and green teas are naturally non-dairy. You can enjoy them hot or iced with your choice of dairy-free flavored syrups to add a custom twist. Ask for them unsweetened or with a sugar-free syrup to reduce sugar content.
- Lemonades: The lemonades are another naturally dairy-free option, and they can be mixed with any of Dutch Bros' fruit syrups. The Electric Berry Lemonade is a popular and refreshing non-dairy, caffeine-free choice.
What to Watch Out For When Ordering Non-Dairy
To ensure your drink is completely dairy-free, be aware of ingredients that contain hidden dairy. The following items are not dairy-free and should be avoided or substituted:
- Soft Top: This is a creamy topping made with dairy.
- Whipped Cream: Made with dairy, so ask for your drink without it.
- Freeze Mix: Used in shakes and blended freezes, this mix contains milk and cannot be substituted.
- Caramel and White Chocolate Sauces: These sauces contain dairy. Always request the dairy-free syrup instead.
Conclusion: Your Best Non-Dairy Choice
Ultimately, what is the best non-dairy drink at Dutch Bros depends on your personal taste and health goals. For a creamy, rich coffee experience, a custom oat milk latte with your preferred dairy-free syrup is an excellent choice. If you're prioritizing low-calorie and low-sugar content, an unsweetened cold brew or tea with a splash of almond milk and a sugar-free syrup will satisfy. The best part is the freedom to customize and experiment, thanks to Dutch Bros' generous non-dairy policy.
For more detailed information on ingredients and nutrition, you can reference resources like PETA's guide to ordering vegan at Dutch Bros.
