Soy milk predates all other alternative milks, including oat milk, both as a cultural and commercial product.[1] Since the early 20th century, soy milk made its way from Asia to European and American grocery stores, initially as a dairy substitute due to lactose intolerance.[2] The increase in consumption of soy milk since its global distribution created a large market for plant-based, non-dairy milks like oat milk.[3] The first example of an oat-based plant beverage was in the early 1990s, when Rickard Öste developed oat milk.[5][5] Öste was working as a food scientist at Lund University in Lund, Sweden, researching lactose intolerance and sustainable food systems, when he invented the drink.[5][6] Soon after, Öste founded Oatly, the first commercial manufacturer of oat milk.[5]