Blue Bottle Coffee shifts default milk from oat to dairy

Blue Bottle Coffee is reversing its 2021 policy of making oat milk the default beverage option at its California locations. While the company previously transitioned to oat milk as a primary way to reduce emissions, it is now returning to whole milk as the default for app orders, while baristas will ask customers to choose between whole or oat milk in-store.

The company stated that the decision is driven by evolving guest preferences and a desire to improve hospitality by asking rather than assuming. Blue Bottle emphasized that this change is intended to reduce unnecessary drink remakes and does not represent a shift in its broader commitment to sustainability.

This move occurs amid shifting trends in the plant-based milk market. Data indicates that while oat milk has seen significant growth—reaching approximately 38% of US consumers who use milk alternatives—soy milk remains a notable competitor, particularly for consumers prioritizing protein content.