Plant-Based Milks Finally Enter the World Barista Competition: What It Means for Espresso-Based Drinks

Journal Article by Homeground Coffee Roasters - Specialty Coffee Roasters in Singapore

For years, espresso based drinks like cappuccinos and flat whites have dominated coffee culture. A significant change is coming: the 2024 World Barista Competition (WBC) will let competitors use any milk. This includes plant-based options. This change impacts espresso machines and coffee competitions.

Why Dairy Ruled for Decades

Since 2000, the WBC required cow’s milk for its milk drink course. Back then, espresso-based drinks were simpler, and plant based options were rare.

Dairy milk was a global standard, ensuring fairness in judging. As specialty coffee roasters in Singapore and around the world innovated, cafes started using oat, soy, and almond milks. Meanwhile, coffee competitions fell behind.

Key Timeline:

• 2000: WBC debuts with dairy-only rules.
• 2016: "Cappuccino" expands to "milk drink" to reflect trends like flat whites.
• 2024: Plant based products and animal milks (excluding human milk) are now permitted.

New Rules: Elevating the Coffee Experience

Competitors can now use any unflavoured, commercially available milk—sweetened or unsweetened. This opens doors for the specialty coffee industry to experiment with unique pairings. Judges will evaluate drinks based on:

1. Accuracy: Does the drink match the barista’s description?
2. Impression: How memorable is the coffee experience?
3. Experience: Does the milk enhance the coffee’s flavour and texture?

Why this matters: Judges now prioritise how well the milk complements the coffee’s profile. For example, oat milk’s natural sweetness could elevate fruity notes in a light roast, while soy milk might balance a bold espresso.

What This Means for Home Baristas and Cafés

The rise of plant based products isn’t just a competition trend—it’s reshaping how we enjoy great coffee daily. For the specialty coffee scene, this shift means:

• Experimenting with milk alternatives to create standout espresso-based drinks.
• Pairing traditional coffees like the traditional coffee in Singapore; kopi, with plant based milks for unique flavour profiles.
• Upgrading espresso machines to handle diverse milk textures.

The Future of Coffee Competitions

The WBC’s rule change reflects a broader shift toward inclusivity and creativity. As coffee competitions evolve, expect:

• Baristas showcasing how plant-based products can transform espresso based drinks.
• Judges rewarding innovation in the coffee experience, from flavour to texture.
• A spotlight on sustainability—key for eco-conscious specialty coffee roasters in Singapore and beyond.

Will Oat Milk Rule the 2024 WBC?

Only time—and the competitors—will tell. But one thing’s clear: the coffee experience is becoming more diverse, creative, and exciting.

Key Takeaways for Coffee Lovers

1. Plant based products are now WBC-approved, transforming espresso-based drinks.
2. Specialty coffee roasters in Singapore can lead the charge in milk-coffee pairings.
3. The best coffee places in Singapore might soon feature oat, almond, or macadamia milk magic.

Read Also -- Milk in World Barista Competitions and Coffee and Milk Balance

Tags: Plant-based milk, dairy milk, Espresso-based drinks, Specialty coffee roasters in Singapore, Coffee competition, Best coffee in Singapore