The first time I had oat milk was about a week ago when I was grabbing coffee with my boyfriend. A coffee connoisseur, he's always one to try something new. He ordered an oat milk vanilla latte and curious to try it, I did too. One sip and I was on the oat milk train! Creamy and no tummy-ache afterward, I was sold on oat milk and wanted to get some ASAP, the only problem was that I didn't know which oat milk brand to get.
What is Oat Milk?
Unlike cow's milk, oat milk is a vegan dairy-free alternative made by soaking steel-cut oats in water, blending it, then straining through a cheesecloth. Because of the protein in the oats, the non-dairy milk is extra creamy without the added stabilizers you normally find in almond milk or soy milk. It doesn't add too much of a nutritional punch, however, it is a great alternative if you are allergic to dairy, soy, and nuts.
This dairy alternative has been popping up in grocery stores, with more brands adding oat milk to their repertoire. Coffee shops are adding it to their menu too. In fact, Starbuck's Oatmilk Honey Latte is a delicious blend of oat milk combined with espresso, honey, and a toasted honey topping.
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Most brands offer a "barista edition" of their oat milk which is foamable and creates a beautiful froth. Oatly Barista Edition contains rapeseed oil as well as dipotassium phosphate, calcium carbonate, tricalcium phosphate, sea salt, dicalcium phosphate, riboflavin, vitamin A, vitamin D2, vitamin B12. While the ingredients list may seem overwhelming, Oatly Oat Milk assures customers the additives are only there to prevent the oat milk from separating when frothing.
Oat Milk Brands to Try
Thrive Market Organic Original Unsweetened Oat Beverage
When it comes to oat milk options, this one is as simple as it gets: oats and water. No added sugar, this milk alternative is not fortified, meaning it doesn't pack vitamin D like cow's milk does.
Oatly! Original Oat Milk
Made with gluten-free oats, this non-GMO beverage is creamy and sweet.
Califia Farms Unsweetened Oat Milk
Created with sunflower oil and added minerals, this vegan drink is perfect in smoothies and takes the place of whole milk in bowls of cereal.
Mooala's Organic Unsweetened Coconut Oatmilk
Non-perishable, this organic oat beverage is pantry shelf-stable until you open the bottle.
Elmhurst Milked Oats
Made with 5 ingredients, this oat milk contains over 20 grams of whole grain per serving.
Pacific Foods Organic Oat
This organic oat milk contains 4 grams of protein per serving. Be aware this brand uses gellan gum to help with the consistency.
Planet Oat Oatmilk Original Unsweetened
Walmart
Fortified with vitamins, this cholesterol-free beverage is great for baking and drinking.
Silk Oat Yeah! Chocolate Oat Milk
Vegan and dairy-free, this delicious oat milk is great in a tall glass.
