The Rise of Oat Milk Lattes
As the coffee industry continues to grow, there is a shift happening towards more sustainable and ethical practices. And one of the biggest trends in this shift is the rise of oat milk lattes.
What is a Latte?
Before we dive into the oat milk trend, let’s first establish what a latte actually is. Essentially, a latte is a coffee-based drink that includes espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam on top. It’s typically served in a larger, taller glass than other espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos or macchiatos.
Is Latte Always with Coffee?
While traditionally lattes are made with espresso and coffee, there is actually a wide variety of latte options available. For example, you can make a matcha latte by using matcha powder instead of espresso, or a chai latte by using chai tea concentrate and steamed milk.
The rise of oat milk lattes is just another example of how the latte can be adapted to different tastes and dietary needs.
Why Are Oat Milk Lattes So Popular?
So why are oat milk lattes gaining popularity? There are a few reasons:
1. Health Benefits: Oat milk is often touted as a healthier alternative to dairy milk, as it’s lower in fat and calories. It’s also a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy.
2. Sustainability: Oat milk is a more sustainable option than dairy milk, as it requires less water and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Taste: Many people simply prefer the taste of oat milk over other non-dairy milk alternatives like almond or soy milk.
How to Make an Oat Milk Latte
Making an oat milk latte is actually quite simple. Here’s a basic recipe:
– Brew a shot of espresso
– Steam your oat milk until it reaches your desired temperature and consistency (you can use a milk frother or steam wand).
– Pour the steamed oat milk over the espresso.
– Optional: add a sweetener or flavoring like vanilla syrup.
Top Oat Milk Latte Brands
While oat milk lattes can be made at home, there are also several coffee shops and brands that are known for their delicious oat milk lattes. Here are a few of the top options:
1. Oatly: As one of the first brands to popularize oat milk in the US, Oatly is a go-to for many coffee shops. They offer both barista edition oat milk (designed specifically for use in coffee) and regular oat milk.
2. Califia Farms: Califia Farms offers a barista blend oat milk that’s rich and creamy – perfect for lattes.
3. Minor Figures: This UK-based brand offers a unique oat milk that’s specifically designed to emphasize the flavor of coffee.
Conclusion
As the coffee industry continues to evolve, it’s clear that more and more consumers are concerned with sustainability, health, and taste. Oat milk lattes offer a delicious and sustainable alternative to traditional lattes, making them a popular choice for coffee lovers around the world.
