Customers have praised the oat milk's creamy texture in Starbucks beverages, from lattes to shaken espressos. However, a range of brands are used, depending on the store's location, rather than a single brand.
The Variety of Oat Milk Brands at Starbucks
Starbucks uses regional sourcing for its oat milk, which leads to taste, sweetness, and texture differences for customers.
Common brands in the United States include:
- Oatly Barista Edition: Oatly was the original supplier when oat milk was added to the national menu in 2021. It is formulated to steam and foam well without separating in hot beverages.
- Chobani Barista Edition: Chobani is used, especially in some corporate locations or when Oatly is unavailable.
- Dream Oat Beverage: Some regions use the Dream brand of oat milk.
For international customers, brands can differ more. In Canada, Earth's Own has been reported, while in Europe, Alpro is common.
Why Barista Editions are Used
Starbucks uses "barista editions" across all brands.
- Superior Foaming: Barista oat milks produce stable microfoam when steamed, essential for lattes and cappuccinos.
- Preventing Separation: Stabilizers prevent curdling or separation when mixed with coffee.
- Creamy Texture: A higher fat content gives barista versions a richer mouthfeel.
Oat Milk Brand Comparison
This comparison examines major oat milk brands potentially used by Starbucks.
| Feature | Oatly Barista Edition | Chobani Barista Edition | Dream Oat Beverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flavor Profile | Neutral, slightly sweet. | Mildly sweet and creamy. | Mild, can be less creamy. |
| Foaming Quality | Exceptional microfoam for latte art. | Very good; steams well. | Adequate; may not produce high-quality foam. |
| Primary Function | High performance for espresso-based drinks. | Creamy addition for all coffee beverages. | Plant-based option, potentially lower-cost. |
| Consistency | Thick and creamy. | Extra creamy, rich texture. | Varies; sometimes thinner. |
| Gluten-Free Status | Certified gluten-free in the US. | Check the label. | Certified gluten-free. |
Gluten and Oat Milk at Starbucks
Starbucks' regional oat milk brands pose a concern for those with celiac disease. While Oatly and Dream are certified gluten-free, others might not be. Shared equipment increases cross-contamination risk. Starbucks doesn't certify any handcrafted beverages as gluten-free due to this risk.
Conclusion
Starbucks uses various oat milk brands, including Oatly, Chobani, and Dream. These variations are due to regional supply chain decisions and store type. Asking the barista is the best way to know the brand used at a specific location.
