Based on forecasts from Whole Foods and the Global Food Forums, we’re tracking oat milk as a major trend during 2019. Here’s everything you need to know about this alternative beverage so you can decide if you want to give it a try.

WHAT
 

With the rise of popular dairy substitutes such as almond and soy milks, oat milk also found its way into the market, especially in coffee shops. Oat milk has a more neutral taste than some other alternative milks, which makes it an ideal base for artisan coffee drinks like lattes. A creamy texture also lends itself well to a coffee pairing.

The most popular brands of oat milk in the United States are Pacific, Oatly and Elmhurst, according to Refinery 29. Oatly, founded 25 years ago in Sweden, most often appears in local coffee shops.

Oat milk can also be used as a base for smoothies and as an alternative in any recipe that calls for milk.

WHY
 

"We try to stay up on trends, but this is less of a trend for us and more of a lifestyle,” Dan Evans, co-owner of Dagger Mountain Roastery in Valparaiso, Indiana told Refinery 29. In February 2018, Dagger Mountain switched to oat milk as its only milk option.

Since oat milk can be produced more sustainably than milk in the conventional dairy industry, it carries environmental benefits. It also provides an ideal alternative to milk for vegetarians, vegans and anyone who chooses to eat dairy-free. As more people decide to try healthful and sustainable eating in 2019, oat milk might seem like an ideal new beverage to try.

WHERE
 

According to Oatfinder, an interactive map created to show coffee shops that serve Oatly, local spots across the state have started serving this alternative. In Central Indianapolis, this includes Wildwood Market in Fountain Square, Coat Check Coffee in Lockerbie Square, Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel and Jackrabbit Coffee in Anderson. If you want to see oat milk at your local coffee shop, just try asking.

With oat milk continuing to gain popularity throughout 2019, it might be something to try in your next latte.