# Foodservice-Ready Alt Milks The Minor Figures Bag-in-Box Barista Oat is Suited for Dispensers By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2026-05-19 | Lifestyle Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minor-figures-baginbox-barista-oat References: [vegconomist](https://vegconomist.com/products-launches/bag-in-box-barista-oat-minor-figures-gets-green-light-automated-coffee-dispensing/) & [minorfigures](https://minorfigures.com/)  The Minor Figures Bag-in-Box Barista Oat format has been announced by the UK-based beverage brand as a product for high-volume coffee and hospitality categories to help support [plant-based beverage access](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/elmhurst-1925-product) in foodservice. The product has received approval from UberMilk for use within automated milk dispensing systems and features a reformulated [gluten-free Barista Oat](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-barista-lighter-taste) liquid that's optimized for performance in coffee. The product was tested for dispensing consistency, foam texture and compatibility within machines before receiving approval to further spotlight its performance. Co-Founder and CEO Stuart Forsyth spoke on the Minor Figures Bag-in-Box Barista Oat format saying, "We help high-volume cafés reduce [oat milk cost per cup](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-barista-edition) and speed up service by replacing cartons with a professional, automation-ready format. As coffee service continues to evolve, cafés need solutions that help teams move faster, reduce waste and maintain consistency under pressure.” Image Credit: Minor Figures ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 7.5/10 - Popularity: 73% | Activity: 76% | Freshness: 77% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Lifestyle](https://www.trendhunter.com/lifestyle) > [Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/food) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Automation-ready Plant Milks:** Widespread compatibility with automated milk dispensers could enable seamless integration of plant milks into high-volume service models, reshaping beverage preparation workflows. - **Bag-in-box Formats:** The shift to bulk bag-in-box packaging presents potential for lower per-unit costs, reduced packaging waste and simplified inventory management in commercial settings. - **Barista-optimized Formulations:** Specialized oat milk recipes engineered for foam stability and consistency may redefine sensory standards for plant-based coffee beverages across outlets. ### Who This Affects Most - **Foodservice and Hospitality:** High-volume operators could leverage dispenser-ready alt milks to standardize beverage quality while accelerating service during peak periods. - **Coffee Equipment and Dispensers:** Manufacturers and integrators of automated dispensing systems stand to expand functionality by certifying compatibility with plant-based liquid formulations. - **Plant-based Dairy Manufacturing:** Producers focusing on professional formats and formulation tweaks can capture institutional contracts and drive adoption in commercial channels. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Based QSR Milk Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/burger-king-and-oatly.md) - [Flavored Plant-Based Coffee Mixers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-barista-editions.md) - [Versatile Plant-Based Cold Foams](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-barista-cold-foam.md) - [Cafe-Quality RTD Oat Lattes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/readytodrink-oat-lattes.md) - [Canned Plant-Based Coffee Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-iced-coffees.md) - [B2B Plant-Based Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oatly-baristamatic.md) - [Plant-Based Barista-Inspired Milks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/califia-farms-oat-barista-blend.md) - [Festive Oat Milk Drinks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hot-cocoa-oatmilk.md) - [Commercial Plant-Based Milk Appliances](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/isqueeze-and-numilk.md)