Oat milk has emerged as a dominant force in the specialty coffee scene, surpassing traditional plant-based alternatives like soy and almond milk. Key coffee players such as Stumptown, Onyx Coffee Lab, and Blue Bottle have even made oat milk the default choice in their establishments, replacing dairy milk in standard orders. This trend is driven by oat milk's favorable characteristics such as its creamy texture and neutral flavor, which make it ideal for coffee. The shift has also been influenced by environmental considerations, as oat milk generally results in lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to dairy. Despite the higher cost associated with plant-based milks, the move towards oat milk aligns with consumer preferences and sustainability goals, suggesting a potential shift in default milk options across more coffee shops in the future.
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