Alternatives to milk are nothing new. You see them in your neighborhood coffee shop, the refrigerated department of the grocery store, and perhaps even in the homes of your friends and relatives, who may not even abstain from dairy. There are several non-dairy milk options available nowadays. Almond, soy, walnut, macadamia nut, peanut, and even potato are all used to make “milk.” But oat milk is one of the most widely consumed types. It distinguishes itself with a distinctively rich, creamy flavor that makes it ideal for smoothies, lattes, scrambled eggs, and pretty much any other recipe that calls for a creamy base. You can get any of the gluten-free oat milk brands in any grocery store around you to stay healthy. Why not try it today?
What Is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a relatively recent product, compared to other plants and nut-based milk, which have been manufactured and enjoyed for hundreds of years. It was developed in the 1990s by Swedish researcher Rickard Ste, who was looking into alternatives to cow’s milk while studying lactose intolerance. Ste started Oatly in the middle of the 1990s. It was a big hit in Europe’s alternative milk scene before it came to the US.
Even though greenhouse gases are released less when non-dairy milk is made than when cows are raised and milked, these milk substitutes still have an effect on the environment. Compared to many other milk substitutes, the manufacturing of oat milk uses less water and less land.
Oats are put through a process in Oatly facilities that keeps the oat fiber while using enzymes to break down the starches in the grain. While some oat milk is enriched with oat syrup, others begin with an oat powder that is rehydrated.
Vegetable oil, which helps emulsify the mixture and gives it body and thickness similar to whole milk, is combined with oat juice by Oatly and many other oat milk manufacturers to create the rich, creamy beverage that coffee drinkers have gone crazy about. The process used to manufacture popular nut milk can be adopted by home cooks who want to make their own oat milk instead of using emulsifiers: You can soak rolled oats in water, combine them, and then drain the mixture through cheesecloth or fine mesh. The liquid “milk” that results is preserved, while the pulp is thrown away.
Without the addition of oil, homemade oat milk may not froth for espresso beverages or substitute into recipes as well as store-bought equivalents.
Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?
Oat milk can be free of gluten, but this is less certain than with nut milk, which is always gluten-free. Oats are gluten-free, but many facilities that prepare them utilize the same equipment that also processes items made from wheat. “Oats themselves are naturally devoid of gluten. The problem you occasionally run into—and this is why people should always read labels—is that sometimes the same milling facilities or train wagons that are bringing the oats to market might result in cross-contamination with wheat and other gluten sources, according to Messersmith.
Best Oat Milk Brands
Getting the best oat milk brands is very crucial because of your well-being. We’ve listed the best oat milk brands for you to choose from:
#1. Oatly Original Oatmilk
We enjoy drinking Oatly plain because it is delicious enough to follow the recipe. Mild, milky, and delightfully oaty describe the flavor. Oatly has a distinctive toasted-oat flavor that sets it apart from every other version we tried, in contrast to some of the brands we tried, which tasted more like nuts or soy (or cardboard, or just plain bland). Testers called it “excellent” and the “most oaty of the four,” praising its well-rounded flavor and subtle, milky sweetness.
The consistency is creamy but not overly thick, similar to milk made from dairy products. One tester said, “It’s like cereal milk after a nutritious cereal.” The roasted taste of the milk went well with the coffee without making it separate or curdle, and it tasted good. Despite the fact that testers praised its flavor, several said they would prefer if the milk in their coffee had a bit more body. However, you should be aware that Oatly also provides a thicker barista blend.
#2. Quaker Oat Beverage
Quaker oat milk has four grams of fiber, which helps you feel full. Fiber may also help lower cholesterol and improve digestion. Quaker oat milk is one of the oat milk brands you need to try today!
#3. Elmhurst Milked Oats, Unsweetened
Elmhurst stood out in coffee since it only slightly sweetened it without being overpowering or obtrusive. One taster described it as “very creamy.” You could have fooled me if you had said it was milk. It also has one of the shortest lists of ingredients of any brand we carry, with just water, oats, salt, 1.5 grams of fat, and 1 gram of sugar. It doesn’t have any gums, emulsifiers, vitamins, or other additives.
Elmhurst was one of our favorites for smoothies and porridge because it had a mild, clear oat flavor and a thin, but not at all watery, texture. Elmhurst’s creaminess comes from a process that uses water to separate the grain’s parts. Other brands, on the other hand, often use oil to make their products smoother and more like milk. You won’t find it in the chilled dairy case because it is packaged in a shelf-stable box, but you should still chill it before using it and keep it chilled after opening it.
#4. Thrive Market Organic Oat Beverage
This oat milk alternative is perfect if you already shop for a lot of things at Thrive Market and want a reasonably priced choice. It is made just with organic oats and water. It has very little salt in terms of ingredients, which is a bonus.
#5. Silk Oatmilk, Original
It has a silky texture like soy milk and a well-balanced flavor that isn’t too sweet. It’s fantastic for cooking and baking as well as for sipping on its own.
As you can see, one serving provides all of your daily requirements for vitamin B12. Additionally, its calcium-to-vitamin D ratio is comparable to that of fortified dairy milk.
Despite having more chemicals and ingredients than many other products on this list, Silk Oatmilk is still among the best choices available for the price.
#6. Simply Oat Original
Almond milk was introduced by Simply as their first non-dairy milk option. Following the success of their initial non-dairy milk, Simply went on to provide us with one of the greatest oat milk.
Simple ingredients are used to make Simply Oat Original. Preservatives, thickeners, or gums have not been added. The ratio of oats, sugar, salt, and natural tastes is ideal.
The three varieties of this oat milk are original, creamy, and vanilla. Each type of oat milk is smooth and somewhat vanilla-flavored. Everyone agrees that a thinner consistency works better in a smoothie or breakfast.
#7. Elmhurst 1925 Milked Oats Unsweetened Oat Milk
This transparently manufactured oat milk has a very minimal ingredient list just three making it ideal for use in baking and other recipes. It can be used as a dairy substitute in almost any recipe because there are no added sugars. Even though this version is vegan, it will still have the same creaminess as milk or heavy cream.
#8. Mooala Organic Coconut Oatmilk
The Texas-based startup Mooala offers a selection of dairy-free milk substitutes, including coconut oat milk. Its consistency is comparable to 2% milk, and the slight coconut flavor sets it apart from the majority of goods on the market. Additionally, it’s one of the few available sugar-free choices.
The product already has coconut cream in it, so it doesn’t need any extra oils to make it smooth and rich.
The ingredient list also includes organic oats, organic cinnamon, sea salt, calcium carbonate, and gellan gum.
#9. Natural by Nature
Thanks to the oat milk from Natural by Nature, you don’t have to go far from the taste of your dairy milk. With its oat milk, the company, which was formerly a dairy manufacturer, has entered the dairy-free market.
This brand is healthy for the environment and our health. Natural by Nature uses organic farming methods and natural resources to generate its goods.
Oat milk was made by the company as an organic dairy substitute made from organic oats and other natural ingredients.
It is well-recognized that the natural flavors and consistency are mouthwatering. It tastes much better when done in an eco-friendly and protective manner.
#10. Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk
Oatly is now the only well-known brand in the United States that has received a gluten-free certification from the Gluten-Free Certification Organization, despite the fact that many oat milk manufacturers make this claim.
They also don’t add any additional thickeners or gums to the low-fat oat milk, which has a rather minimal ingredient list. It doesn’t have any additional oils as other Oatly products do.
This low-fat alternative is thinner and more like low-fat dairy milk in consistency than Oatly Original Oatmilk.
#11. Halsa Blueberry Oatgurt Drink
Each cup of this drinkable yogurt beverage from Halsa, a company that uses organic Scandinavian oats that are responsibly farmed, contains roughly two grams of fiber and five grams of protein. It also meets the criteria recommended by dietitians by not containing phosphates, gums, or oils. The sugar is the sole exclusion here (18 grams for the blueberry variety). Fortunately, it’s the naturally occurring form from the addition of genuine fruit, rather than the added or synthetic variety.
#12. Chobani
Initially well-known for its Greek yogurt, Chobani is now recognized for its oat milk. Like most oat milk, it is rich and tasty, has important nutrients, and is made with simple ingredients. Artificial flavors or preservatives are absent.
People who drink coffee adore Chobani Extra Creamy. Anyone who uses oat milk as a creamer will love this flavor of the product because it is rich and creamy.
For your drink, you can also choose from their Barista Edition, Original, and Vanilla options. Without additional sugar, Zero Sugar has a fantastic flavor.
Chobani also makes tasty oat-based creamers, and a few of them are our top picks for non-dairy creamers.
#13. Good + Gather
Good + Gather is another low-cost oat milk brand. This brand is regarded by many as having amazing value. Despite being more affordable than other oat milk brands, Good + Gather does not skimp on flavor or texture.
When compared to other oat milk brands, Good + Gather stands out. It has a distinct oat flavor and is creamy with a hint of sweetness.
The Barista Blend is ideal for your coffee, and the Less Sweet oat milk gives you more options if you’re trying to cut back on sugar.
#14. Happy Planet: Chocolate Oat Milk
Happy Planet’s chocolate oat milk is another sugary drink that you shouldn’t drink too much of. It is comparable to a serving of ice cream because it contains 14 grams of sugar. Additives like gellan gum and sunflower oil are also listed among the ingredients.
#15. Planet Oat Original
Planet Oat Original is a great choice if you like how 2% milk feels because it doesn’t have any extra oils and has a low amount of natural sugar. Oatly and Planet Oat can use dipotassium phosphate, which is a stabilizer because the Food and Drug Administration has given them permission to do so.
But eating these meals often could hurt your kidney health, especially if you already have kidney disease.
While traces of dipotassium phosphate should not be harmful, if you have kidney disease, you should avoid oat milk.
#16. Oatsome
Oatsome is another excellent brand of oat milk for your coffee or latte. Oat milk steams and foams are similar to dairy milk.
Organic oats are used to make Oatsome oat milk, which is manufactured without artificial sweeteners or flavors. The main natural ingredients, which are oats, vitamins, and calcium, give it a mild, creamy taste.
#17. Pacific Foods Organic Oat Vanilla Plant-Based Beverage
Some individuals truly care about their cereal in the morning. The Pacific Foods oat milk is a good choice for anyone who wants to stop eating dairy. It is organic and offered in three flavors: original, vanilla, and reduced sugar. Most reviewers agree that cereal tastes better with vanilla. According to this reviewer, “I’d even go as far as to say that oat milk tastes better with cereal than regular milk.”
#18. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s goods are incredibly popular. The company sells top-notch goods, and its oat milk is no exception. Water and hydrolyzed oats are the only two components in Trader Joe’s oat milk, which ranks as one of the best oat milk.
The starches are broken down by non-dairy oat milk to produce a sweet flavor that contains sugar.
Oat milk from Trader Joe’s is a naturally sweet and smooth plant-based milk with no added sugar.
TJ’s oat milk has a thinner consistency and is sweeter than typical oat milk. Many people favor oat milk from Trader Joe’s for its inherent sweetness.
#19. Califia Farms Extra Creamy Oatmilk
Califia Farms’ extra-creamy oat milk is not too sweet and has just the right amount of smoothness and creaminess. This oat milk contains more fat than many other products, even though it is free of stabilizers and gums.
Sunflower oil, which is rich in omega-6 fatty acids, is where this fat is derived.
Research shows that diets that are high in omega-6 fatty acids but low in omega-3 fatty acids can make you sick. Choose this oat milk.
Gluten-Free Oat Milk Brands
Fortunately, there are oat milk brands with a gluten content of under 20 ppm. You can seek out some of these possibilities in the grocery store if you’re looking for any of the gluten-free oat milk brands. You don’t need to worry about conducting additional research because all of these brands contain gluten-free labeling.
#1. Elmhurst
A dairy business called Elmhurst was established in New York in 1925. In 2017, it made the switch to plant-based milk. The business offers plain, chocolate, and unsweetened varieties of oat milk created from “milked oats.”
They use just whole grain oats, filtered water, natural flavors, salt, and cane sugar to make each of their milked oats; there are no emulsifiers or gums. Additionally, the gluten level of their products is guaranteed to be under 20 ppm thanks to a label that reads “gluten-free.”
#2. Planet Oat
Oat milk from Planet Oat is usually referred to as “just right.” It gives a smoothie body without making the other flavors in your blender taste too strong because it isn’t too sweet or oaty. They provide several taste options for their gluten-free oat milk.
Their oat milk is free of lactose, soy, tree nuts, peanuts, artificial preservatives, artificial colors, and artificial flavors in addition to being gluten-free. It also comes in a number of tasty flavors, such as extra creamy, vanilla, original, and dark chocolate. Even better, their oat milk contains 2 grams of protein and soluble fiber!
#3. Malk Oat Milk
What could be wrong with MALK’s ultra-clean oat milk? Since ordinary oat crops are sprayed with pesticides, the fact that it is certified organic, glyphosate residue-free, and free of processed oils is a major bonus. This oat milk actually doesn’t contain too much of anything at all, which is precisely what you want. Just oats, salt, and water.
#4. Happy Planet
At Happy Planet, you may choose from a variety of oat milk products, including shelf-stable and cold-case varieties. Their entire menu is that of gluten-free oat milk brands. Barista oat milk, original, vanilla, chocolate, and numerous other options are among them.
#5. Mooala
Mooala produces gluten-free oats and sugar-free coconut oat milk. This is a great dairy-free milk choice if you must avoid both gluten and dairy. Their milk is creamy and a wonderful source of calcium and fiber.
#6. Oatly
Oatly produces its oat milk using gluten-free oats. They provide a selection of flavors that are all suitable for a dairy-free diet. This is without a doubt the best substitute milk for coffee lovers out there for all of your cappuccino and latte needs.
It is made from liquid oats without the addition of sugar and is rich in unsaturated fat, mimicking the advantages of whole milk. There are numerous variations, including a chilled barista edition, full fat, and low fat.
#7. RISE Brewing Organic Oat Milk Chocolate
When you’re craving a chocolate treat, the chocolate oat milk from RISE Brewing Co. is ideal because it has a creamy, mildly sweet flavor. A few basic ingredients, including water, oats, cane sugar, sea salt, sunflower oil, and cocoa powder, are used to make it.
160 calories, 7 grams of fat, 24 grams of carbs, 1 gram of fiber, 1 gram of protein, and 13 grams of sugar are found in one cup of this dark chocolate oat milk. This item is non-GMO, USDA organic, and gluten-free.
You may warm up this chocolate oat milk to make hot chocolate or serve it cold with ice. You can eat it straight or mix it with your favorite caffeinated drink. It can also be used as a baking ingredient for chocolate treats like brownies.
#8. Califia Farms
California-based Califia Farms says it is dedicated to reducing the amount of sugar in its products. The company says that 57% less sugar has been used since 2014 because there are now more options that aren’t sweetened. It offers vanilla flavors, protein boosters, and oat and mushroom blends, among other things.
It uses North American-harvested oats to make its gluten-free Oat Barista Blend. The milk contains no stabilizers or gums. Additionally, it is free of dairy, sugar, and carrageenan. The icing on the cake is that it is kosher, vegan, and non-GMO.
Oat Milk Nutrition Facts
Oat milk is frequently enriched with vitamins and minerals, just like many kinds of plant milk (and even varieties of dairy milk). To compete in the “milk” sector, brands do this. As you’ll see below, oats are a grain that is healthy in and of itself.
#1. Lowers Cholesterol
In a study by the US National Library of Medicine, people who drank oat milk often for 5 weeks had lower cholesterol levels.
#2. Loaded With Fiber
13.2% of the daily required amount of fiber, or 3.3 grams, is present in 1 cup of oat milk. Your gut will thank you for helping to keep it regular if you use this as the foundation for a green smoothie.
#3. Heart Healthy
Oat milk contains soluble fiber, which is essential for heart health.
#4. Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Oat milk not only enhances human health but also environmental health. When compared to dairy milk, it is produced on land that is hundreds of square miles smaller and uses 1/8 the amount of water use.
#5. Fortified With B Vitamins
Most commercial oat milk is fortified, just like most other dairy and nondairy milk products. B vitamins are particularly abundant in this plant milk, which helps the body stay active and also supports heart health.
Which Is Better, Almond or Oat Milk?
That depends on your dietary requirements and preferences. Both oat and almond milk has unique flavors. Compared to oat milk, almond milk has fewer carbohydrates by nature. Compared to oat milk, almond milk is often thinner and less creamy. They both function similarly as substitutes for milk, though.
Both oat and almond milk is deficient in natural protein. Some products, however, have extra protein, calcium, and vitamin D added to them so that they are more nutritionally comparable to cow’s milk.
How Is Oat Milk Made?
Making oat milk involves mixing oats and water, then filtering off the oat solids. This can be done at home. But most manufacturers also add oils, stabilizers, and sometimes sweeteners to improve the taste and texture of the finished product.
How to Choose a Healthy Oat Milk
Examining the ingredient list is crucial when looking for a nutritious oat milk product. Also, choose a product that has few ingredients and is free of thickeners, stabilizers, gums, artificial flavorings, and colors, as well as added sugar.
Remember that because oats’ starches are broken down by enzymes during the manufacturing process, many oat milk products contain natural sugars
Finally, if you are allergic to or intolerant of gluten, only select items that have received the gluten-free certification. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but there is still a chance that they could be contaminated with gluten from other grains.
How to Make a Homemade Oat Milk
Here are the steps you need to follow to make your own oat milk:
#1. Pick Your Oats
As opposed to, say, steel-cut oats, old-fashioned or rolled oats will probably blend more readily. If you have a gluten intolerance or Celiac disease, you might want to make sure the oats you use are labeled gluten-free. Although people claim that oats are naturally gluten-free, there is a chance of cross-contamination if wheat or rye are processed in the same machinery or environment, where there is a high likelihood of grain dust in the air.
#2. Let the Oats Soak
Soak them in the refrigerator for three to four hours if your blender is on the weak side. If you’re using a high-speed blender, this isn’t necessary.
#3. Squeeze and Strain
Pour the mixture into a strong container like a mason jar and strain it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
#4. Utilize Any Leftovers
You can either compost the oat pulp or utilize it as a fiber-rich mulch once there is no longer any liquid coming from the nut bag or cheesecloth. You can also use it as a filler in meatloaf, veggie patties, or tuna or salmon burgers.
#5. Ready to Drink
To provide a smoother texture, shake the mixture well before using. You can add vanilla extract or your favorite sweetener.
#6. Preserve It Carefully
When opened, store-bought products remain shelf stable for seven to ten days in the refrigerator (depending on the package expiration date). However, homemade oat milk should be used as soon as possible because it only stays for two to three days (at most) in the fridge.
Is Oat Milk Healthier Than Almond Milk?
Each serving of oat milk and almond milk has about the same number of calories and is similar in terms of nutrition. There are a few slight variations between the two drinks, though. For instance, oat milk has more carbs and iron than almond milk, but almond milk has a little greater fat and calcium content.
Is There a Downside to Oat Milk?
Yes, there is a downside to oat milk. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity should avoid oat milk. Unflavored oat milk has the most calories and carbs of all the plant-based milks. Even though the sugar in oat milk is natural, it has a lot of carbohydrates.
Which Is Healthier Coconut Milk or Oat Milk?
Oat milk differs from coconut milk in that it has more fiber, protein, and fiber while having less saturated fat. However, coconut milk has more vitamins and minerals and fewer calories as well as fewer carbs.
Does Oat Milk Cause Bloat?
Oat milk contains soluble fiber in the form of beta-glucan, which may cause you to feel bloated. This soluble fiber may have negative side effects like gas and bloating.
Conclusion
Oat milk is a well-liked plant-based beverage that has a creamy texture and a mildly sweet oat flavor. There are many possibilities, but the healthier ones usually include a few additives and sugars. Making oat milk at home is also surprisingly simple and affordable.
With the best oat milk these brands have to offer, you may enjoy the ideal cup of coffee, smoothie, protein shake, cereal, baked goods, and a glass of milk.
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