Frothy oat milk products are becoming the dairy alternative of choice in cafes
Implications - Given its ability to foam better than most other dairy milk alternatives, vegan-friendly oat milk is being incorporated into the menu offerings at both independent and big brand coffee shops. In addition to offering a texture ideal for espresso drinks, oat milk boasts credibility in terms of its superior nutritional value and ecological sustainability.
Insight - Today's consumers, particularly those who make up younger demographics like Gen Z and Millennials, are often balancing several values and desires at once when it comes to making purchasing decisions. For many who make up these groups, wellness, environmental impact and flavor experience are priorities of equal importance when it comes to food choices.
Insight - Today's consumers, particularly those who make up younger demographics like Gen Z and Millennials, are often balancing several values and desires at once when it comes to making purchasing decisions. For many who make up these groups, wellness, environmental impact and flavor experience are priorities of equal importance when it comes to food choices.
Workshop Question - What underrated alternative ingredient can you introduce into your menu in order to attract "early adopter" foodies?
Trend Themes
1. Vegan Dairy Alternatives - Plant-based milk alternatives, such as oat milk, are becoming more popular options for consumers due to ethical and health implications.
2. Foamable Dairy Alternatives - Consumers are looking for non-dairy alternatives that produce ideal textures and flavors for espresso drinks, leading to the development of foamable plant-based options such as oat milk.
3. Ready-to-drink Canned Coffee - Ready-to-drink canned coffee with non-dairy alternatives is becoming a growing trend with the use of various plant-based milk substitutes, such as oat milk in particular.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Innovation opportunities can be found with developing new plant-based dairy alternatives and non-dairy ready-to-drink iced coffee beverages.
2. Hospitality - Restaurants, cafes and coffee shops can benefit from offering non-dairy alternatives on their menus, particularly those that are foamable for espresso drinks growth opportunities.
3. Packaged Goods - Opportunities exist for companies to produce and market more ready-to-drink coffee and plant-based dairy alternatives, for both at-home and on-the-go consumption formats.
