Starbucks added Oatly oat milk to their menu on March 2 as part of their new spring menu, which also includes their first all-vegan protein snack box. Now, they’re facing shortages across the country.
The chain has temporarily removed oat milk as an option when ordering via their website and app, but some locations still have the option available in-store. If your Starbucks is currently out of oat milk, you can order their other non-dairy milk options, such as almond, soy, or coconut—thought nothing beats the taste of the new trendy Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso as is.
Starbucks expects the shortage to be brief, stating they should have stock replenished soon. “Due to high demand, some customers may experience a temporary shortage of oat milk at their store,” a Starbucks spokesperson told CNN Business, adding that while oat milk is expected to return soon, they did not give an exact timeframe.
Though inconvenient, the Starbucks oat milk shortage is a positive statement for the vegan movement. As more people (of all dietary preferences) opt for plant-based milk over dairy, businesses will, by necessity, begin to offer more vegan options. For the animals, the planet, and the health of consumers, this is a win, win, win.