Farewell to Rice Milk

Hello Soupies,

Due to increasingly difficult supply chain issues, we have made the decision to drop rice milk as our primary, non-dairy base for our smoothies. As it becomes available again, we’ll likely keep a small amount on hand for customers as a secondary option. But for now, make way for oat milk!

Here are the drinks that will be affected by this change:

  • Daily Specials:

    • Voltron Thursdays

  • Entry Level: 

    • Banana Peanut Butter

    • Peach Yogurt Honey

  • Second Tier: 

    • None

  • Upper Echelon: 

    • Business Time

    • Duane Almond

    • Voltron

  • Shots & Misc: 

    • Iced Golden Mylk

    • Iced Matcha

If you’re not yet convinced, please read the information below to learn about the benefits of oat milk, not only for your health, but for the environment too!

Health Benefits

  1. Nutrient Profile:

    • Oat Milk: Generally higher in fiber and protein compared to rice milk. Fiber aids in digestion and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels, while protein is essential for muscle repair and growth.

    • Rice Milk: Lower in protein and fiber. It tends to have a higher carbohydrate content, which can lead to quicker spikes in blood sugar.

  2. Digestibility:

    • Oat Milk: Often considered easier to digest for people with certain allergies, including those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to nuts and soy.

    • Rice Milk: May cause digestive discomfort for some due to its high carbohydrate content, especially for those with sensitivity to certain carbohydrates.

  3. Vitamins and Minerals:

    • Oat Milk: Frequently fortified with vitamins and minerals such as calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, providing essential nutrients that support bone health and overall wellness.

    • Rice Milk: Often fortified as well, but tends to have lower natural nutrient content compared to oat milk.

Environmental Benefits

  1. Water Usage:

    • Oat Milk: Requires significantly less water to produce compared to rice milk. Oats are a less water-intensive crop, which makes oat milk a more sustainable choice.

    • Rice Milk: Rice cultivation is highly water-intensive, contributing to higher water consumption and potential strain on water resources.

  2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions:

    • Oat Milk: Produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions during cultivation and production. Oat farming generally has a lower carbon footprint.

    • Rice Milk: Rice paddies emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to a higher overall carbon footprint.

  3. Land Use:

    • Oat Milk: Oats can be grown in a variety of climates and soil conditions, often requiring less land compared to rice. This reduces the environmental impact associated with land use changes.

    • Rice Milk: Rice farming typically requires specific conditions and substantial land areas, which can lead to deforestation and habitat destruction in some regions. 

Manufacturers are generally able to better keep oat milk in stock over rice milk for several reasons:

1. Agricultural Resilience and Efficiency

  • Climate Adaptability: Oats are more resilient to varying climate conditions compared to rice. They can grow in a wider range of environments, including areas with less water.

  • Less Water-Intensive: Oats require significantly less water to cultivate than rice. This makes oat farming more sustainable and less vulnerable to drought conditions, which can severely impact rice production.

2. Supply Chain Stability

  • Shorter Growth Cycle: Oats have a relatively short growth cycle compared to rice, allowing for more frequent harvests and reducing the risk of supply disruptions.

  • Local Sourcing: Oats are commonly grown in many temperate regions, including North America and Europe. This allows for more localized and stable supply chains, reducing dependency on global rice-producing regions that might face disruptions.

3. Lower Environmental Impact

  • Sustainable Farming Practices: Oats generally have a lower environmental impact, including less greenhouse gas emissions and reduced land use. This sustainability makes oat farming more attractive and viable long-term, ensuring a more consistent supply.

4. Economic Viability

  • Cost-Effective Production: The lower water and resource requirements for growing oats make it more cost-effective for farmers and manufacturers. This economic viability supports a stable supply.

  • Market Dynamics: Oats often face fewer price fluctuations compared to rice, which can be influenced by global market demand and trade policies. This economic stability translates into more predictable production and availability.

5. Logistical Advantages

  • Processing and Storage: Oats are easier to store and process compared to rice. They have a lower risk of spoilage and pest infestation, which contributes to more efficient manufacturing and distribution processes.

  • Consistent Demand: While both oat and rice milk are popular, the demand for oat milk has been more stable and easier to predict for manufacturers, allowing for better inventory management.

6. Diversified Supply Chains

  • Multiple Suppliers: The widespread cultivation of oats allows manufacturers to source from multiple suppliers, reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions. In contrast, rice milk production may be more concentrated in specific regions, making it more susceptible to localized issues.

Thank you for your time! If you have any further questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly at operations@souppeddler.com.

-Ellie Wheeler
Director of Operations

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