Raisio, one of Finland's leading oat producers, leverages its oat expertise to develop consumer products. A prime example is the Elovena Oat Drink Barista, demonstrating how Finnish oats can be a delicious and sustainable partner for coffee.
Raisio is renowned not only as a leading oat producer but also for its well-loved cereal-based consumer products, which are part of daily life for millions of households. Our expertise spans the entire value chain – from oat cultivation to processing oats into premium raw materials and finished consumer products. We continually analyse consumer trends and apply this knowledge to create value for our customers.
The Elovena Oat Drink Barista is a great example of this expertise, offering a plant-based, carbon-neutral alternative that is smooth, full-bodied, and perfect for environmentally conscious coffee enthusiasts.
The Elovena Oat Drink Barista was created in response to increasing consumer demand for plant-based coffee companions.
"The growing popularity of plant-based drinks reflects trends in wellness and environmental awareness," says Eriika Reiss, Raisio’s Product Group Manager. "Consumers who have become accustomed to oat drinks in cafés wanted the same experience during their coffee breaks at home."
This oat drink is enriched with calcium, iodine, and vitamins in amounts equivalent to milk while containing minimal saturated fat – making it a healthy choice for coffee moments.
"The plant-based, lactose-free, and gluten-free drink delivers a smooth, full-bodied flavor to coffee. It also meets the criteria for both the Finnish Heart Symbol* and Produce of Finland Label**," adds Päivi Kuusisto, Development Manager.
Coffee's strong flavour and acidity pose challenges for oat drinks, requiring a carefully crafted composition.
"Taste is always paramount. That’s why we tested the flavour and functionality of the oat drink with various coffee grades, collaborating with roastery professionals," explains Kuusisto.
"Another key factor is foamability. The Elovena Oat Drink Barista foams effortlessly, even when the carton is shaken, making it ideal for specialty coffee drinks."
Oats are a versatile raw material, adaptable for a range of oat-based beverages. Various fractions of oats can enhance specific flavour profiles:
"For example, oat flour provides a neutral base where coffee can be the main flavor of the drink. Whole grain oats, on the other hand, bring a rich, grainy taste," Kuusisto describes.
In developing the Elovena Oat Drink Barista, four distinct oat raw materials were tested to identify the perfect flavour profile.
In Finland, nearly half of households now use oat milk in their coffee, with the market for plant-based drinks valued at around €70 million.
"The Nordic countries are pioneers in oat drink consumption," Product Group Manager Eriika Reiss notes. "We drink a lot of filter coffee at home, where plant-based drinks have become a staple. The demand for oat drinks has grown annually at double-digit rates."
An increasing number of consumers are trying oat drinks with coffee, making the future of the oat drink market bright. The popularity is driven by the ecological and natural qualities of oats – attributes that resonate with environmentally conscious consumers worldwide.
"Oats are a clean and sustainable raw material. Oat drinks generally have a much smaller carbon footprint compared to milk, which is a significant factor for many consumers," Reiss summarizes.
The Elovena Oat Drink Barista showcases how the natural properties of oats enhance coffee’s flavour. While filter coffee dominates in Finland, other markets favour espresso or café-style beverages.
Understanding market-specific preferences is crucial, as Reiss explains:
"Collaborating with coffee roasters, machine importers, and even café operators helps us ensure the product complements local coffee profiles and equipment."
The flexibility of oat product development, with various available oat ingredients, allows for precise adjustments to flavour and texture. Kuusisto advises aligning oat raw material selection with local market needs:
"The choice of oat varieties and processing methods, such as milling, significantly affects the final product's taste and texture. Raisio’s versatile and gluten-free oat raw materials offer adaptability to different consumer preferences and coffee-drinking habits."
*The Heart Symbol: The Heart Symbol tells the consumer at a glance that the product marked with this symbol is a better choice in its product group regarding fat (quantity and quality) and salt. The criteria for the symbol are based on the Finnish nutrition recommendations.
**Produce of Finland is a voluntary designation of origin for Finnish packaged food products. The label is used by food industry companies operating in Finland that manufacture their products using Finnish ingredients.
Are you interested in learning more about the potential of oats as a raw material for consumer products? Raisio’s team of experts is here to share insights and support your product development process.