Champion the oat milk trend with topping

Sponsored by Rich Products

In the ever-evolving landscape of the foodservice industry, staying on top of trends is paramount to success. A particularly pivotal trend that has grown into a must-have mainstay is the rise of oat milk as a hero ingredient. Driven by increased consumer focus on inclusivity, health and sustainability, oat milk has emerged not just as a dietary preference but as a crucial component of a foodservice establishment's identity.

Oat milk, with its rich, creamy texture akin to dairy and neutral taste profile, has swiftly become a favorite among consumers seeking a lactose-free, vegan and nut-free alternative – especially when it comes to beverages. The trend has graduated to a seismic shift, encouraging manufacturers and operators to think bigger. To push oat milk beyond a simple base for a latte — and into the realm of innovation: think oat milk-based beverage toppings and add-ons.

Why Oats?

Oats bring more to the table than just being an allergen-friendly alternative. They are a nutritional powerhouse, offering an array of health benefits. Rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals, oats are known to improve heart health, aid digestion and provide sustained energy — all factors that align seamlessly with the holistic approach that modern foodservice establishments are adopting in response to increased consumer scrutiny.

Oats have been an integral part of the human diet for centuries, and their resurgence is due to the growing attention to health and sustainability. Oats also have a smaller environmental footprint compared to some other plant-based alternatives, aligning with the increasing emphasis on sustainability in the food industry. Incorporating oats into menus not only caters to dietary needs but also showcases a commitment to offering nutritious, eco-conscious choices to consumers.

Oat milk has found its way onto menus in most places where you’d expect to see dairy: as a creamer, a thickener, a replacement in baked goods, over cereal, and a base in espresso drinks and in overnight oats. As these applications reach a saturation point, it is time to consider not just what goes into our beverages, but about what goes on top.

Oat Milk Based Beverage Toppings

Whipped toppings, such as whipped cream and cold foam, are popular profit-driving add-ons to coffee and specialty beverage menus everywhere. Increasingly seen as the finishing touch for iced coffees, teas, shakes and smoothies, whipped toppings are a tried-and-true upsell that operators and consumers alike turn to give these treats that little something extra. 

Most traditional beverage toppings are made with dairy milk, often leaving dairy-free consumers without an option. That’s why the food scientists at Rich Products set out to bring the oat milk trend together with the growing demand for whipped topping and cold foam to create their line of On Top^® Oat Milk beverage toppings.

The right oat milk-based topping solutions can save labor with ready-to-use formats, such as On Top Oat Milk Soft Whip’s thaw-shake-pour carton, that also leaves room for mixing in colors, flavors or inclusions to customize to your specific consumer cravings, LTOS and seasonal solutions.

The global non-dairy toppings market is predicted to increase from $1.2B in 2023 to $2.6 by 2033, a CAGR of 8%.¹ 

The Oat Milk Advantage

In the competitive landscape of foodservice, the ability to cater to diverse tastes and dietary needs is a strategic advantage. Offering oat-based non-dairy alternatives and add-ons, like beverage toppings, ensures that your establishment remains attuned to the needs of a wide-ranging consumer base, making it a beacon of inclusivity, health and sustainability.

Innovation and adaptability are the cornerstones of thriving in the foodservice industry. Embracing oat-based alternatives is not just a choice; it's a strategic move that ensures relevance and resonance in the evolving market.

¹Source: Fact.Market Research ‘Non-Dairy Toppings Market Outlook’ 2023