Oat Milk Concentrates vs Ready-to-Drink Cans: Which Format Fits Your Lifestyle?

Quick answer

If you want grab-and-go convenience and zero prep, choose ready-to-drink cans like the Oat Mocha. If you prefer to control your drink strength and save money per serving, go with a concentrate like the Chai Concentrate. Both are shelf-stable and plant-based, but your daily routine determines the better fit.

Deciding between oat milk concentrates and ready-to-drink cans often comes down to how you take your coffee. Do you want to open a can and sip immediately, or do you enjoy mixing your own latte at home? Minor Figures offers both formats, each with distinct benefits that cater to different lifestyles.

In this comparison, we'll break down the trade-offs between convenience, cost, and customization. We'll also look at specific products like the Oat Mocha RTD can and the Chai Concentrate to help you decide which format deserves a spot in your fridge or pantry.

Convenience: Ready-to-Drink Cans vs Concentrates

Ready-to-drink (RTD) cans are the ultimate grab-and-go option. Products like the Oat Mocha come in 8.45oz cans that are ready to drink straight from the fridge—no mixing, no measuring, no cleanup. This makes them perfect for commutes, office breaks, or travel. You can toss one in your bag and have a delicious oat latte in seconds.

Concentrates, on the other hand, require a bit more effort. The Chai Concentrate, for example, needs to be mixed with milk or water at a ratio of 1 part chai to 4 parts milk or water. This adds a step but also gives you control over the strength and sweetness. If you enjoy the ritual of making your own drink, concentrates can be more satisfying.

• RTD cans are zero-prep: open and drink.
• Concentrates require mixing but allow you to adjust flavor intensity.
• RTD cans are ideal for on-the-go moments; concentrates suit home use.

Cost and Value: Which Saves You More?

When it comes to cost per serving, concentrates generally offer better value. The Chai Concentrate costs $17.50 and yields 16 chai lattes when mixed as directed, bringing the cost per drink to about $1.09. In contrast, the Oat Mocha RTD can costs $17.50 for a 12-pack, working out to roughly $1.46 per can. Over time, concentrates can save you money if you drink lattes frequently.

However, RTD cans have their own value: they eliminate waste from measuring and mixing, and they're perfect when you don't have access to milk or a fridge. If you're always on the move, the slightly higher cost per serving may be worth the convenience.

• Concentrates: ~$1.09 per serving (Chai Concentrate).
• RTD cans: ~$1.46 per serving (Oat Mocha).
• Consider your consumption habits to determine which is more cost-effective.

Customization and Flavor Control

Concentrates shine when you want to customize your drink. With the Chai Concentrate, you can mix it with any milk—oat, dairy, or almond—and adjust the ratio to make it stronger or milder. You can also add sweeteners or spices to suit your taste. This flexibility is a big draw for home baristas who enjoy experimenting.

RTD cans are fixed in flavor. The Oat Mocha has a specific taste profile: a blend of oat milk, single-origin coffee, and natural cocoa. You can't tweak it, but you also don't have to think about it. If you prefer consistency and simplicity, RTD cans deliver every time.

• Concentrates allow you to control strength and milk choice.
• RTD cans offer a consistent, ready-made flavor.
• Think about whether you enjoy experimenting or prefer a no-fuss option.

Shelf Stability and Storage

Both formats are shelf-stable, but they differ in how you store them after opening. RTD cans like the Oat Mocha are single-serve, so you don't have to worry about leftovers going bad. Just keep them in a cool, dry place and chill before drinking for best flavor.

Concentrates, like the Chai Concentrate, are typically sold in larger containers that need refrigeration after opening. While they have a longer shelf life unopened, once opened, you'll need to use them within a certain timeframe. This makes concentrates better for regular consumption, not occasional use.

• RTD cans: no leftover waste, perfect for occasional drinkers.
• Concentrates: larger volume, must be refrigerated after opening.
• Assess your consumption frequency to avoid waste.

Trade-Offs to Consider

• Convenience vs. Effort: RTD cans are ready instantly; concentrates require measuring and mixing. Choose RTD for zero-fuss moments, concentrates when you enjoy the ritual. If you're always rushing, RTD wins; if you have time, concentrates are rewarding.
• Cost per Serving: Concentrates generally cost less per serving (Chai Concentrate ~$1.09 vs Oat Mocha ~$1.46). Over a month, savings add up. Frequent drinkers should lean toward concentrates to save money.
• Customization: Concentrates let you adjust strength and milk type; RTD cans are fixed in flavor. If you like experimenting, concentrates; if you want consistency, RTD.
• Storage and Waste: RTD cans are single-serve with no leftovers; concentrates need refrigeration after opening and may go to waste if used infrequently. Occasional drinkers may prefer RTD to avoid waste.

Product Facts at a Glance

• Oat Mocha: 12 x 8.45oz cans, made with oat milk, single-origin coffee, and natural cocoa. No dairy, no added sugar. Produces 0.50kg of CO2e, offset as part of carbon-neutral commitment. This ready-to-drink can is perfect for on-the-go moments where convenience and sustainability matter. You get a consistent, creamy mocha without any prep.
• Chai Concentrate: Organic and plant-based. Makes 16 chai lattes when mixed 1 part chai with 4 parts milk or water. B Corp certified. This concentrate offers cost savings and customization. You can control the strength and choose your milk, making it ideal for home use and frequent drinkers.

Which Format Fits You?

Best for

• Busy professionals who need a quick, portable coffee fix.
• Travelers or commuters who want a shelf-stable, no-prep option.
• Those who prioritize convenience over cost.

Not for

• Home baristas who enjoy customizing their drinks and saving money.
• Frequent latte drinkers who go through a bottle of concentrate quickly.

Ultimately, the choice between oat milk concentrates and ready-to-drink cans comes down to your lifestyle. If you value speed and simplicity, RTD cans like the Oat Mocha are your best bet. If you prefer control and cost savings, the Chai Concentrate is a smart pick. Consider your daily routine, budget, and how much you enjoy the process—then choose the format that fits seamlessly into your coffee ritual.