What Is Oat Milk & Is It Really Good For Me?
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Oat milk continues to gain more and more popularity throughout grocery stores, restaurants, and cafes worldwide. It is becoming one of the most used ingredients to add to your breakfast, mixed with a tasty afternoon snack, and of course, everybody's favorite—coffee! But what is the big deal? Does oat milk even taste good? Is it really good for your health?
Oat milk is a tasty, plant-based milk and you do not need to be vegan or lactose intolerant to enjoy its benefits. It is a healthier alternative to dairy since its two main ingredients are oats & water and is a milk option that accommodates almost all dietary restrictions. Altogether, oat milk has a unique flavor and texture along with numerous health benefits worth trying.
So, What Exactly is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is made of whole oats that are soaked in water, blended, and then strained with a cheesecloth. After the pulp and starches are released, the product can be strained again to gather the liquid. This process is repeated until the thickness and creaminess of the milk are just right. There are various recipes to make oat milk in the comfort of your own home! This includes adding other natural flavors to the oat milk such as vanilla, honey, or even dates to create some sweetness. When produced in bulk, essentially the process is similar, but with larger factory equipment.
Is Oat Milk Really Good for You?
Yes, to answer the big question: oat milk is good for you. It not only tastes good, but it provides numerous health benefits. However, be mindful and continue to read nutrition labels! Some brands are known to be high in sugar or not certified vegan or gluten-free.
More Fiber Than Dairy Milk
Oat milk provides more fiber than dairy milk. Fiber is essential for proper digestion, heart health, and daily bodily functions. So, if you're looking to up your intake of fiber, choosing to buy oat milk is a great option. Every cup of oat milk provides at least 2 grams of fiber, which can easily add up when adding oat milk to your breakfast or smoothies. Vegetables and whole grains are more obvious options to increase your fiber intake, but why not add oat milk to the mix for that fiber increase! In fact, more and more recipes are available that include oat milk, including savory dishes.
An Eco-Friendly Alternative
Drinking oat milk has its eco-friendly benefits as well. Firstly, since it is plant-based, it requires a lot less water and energy to create oat milk and produces far less waste than dairy milk. Basic oat milk contains all-natural ingredients and generally, the whole production process is more eco-friendly than dairy milk. Therefore, one can enjoy drinking oat milk, all while being kind to our planet!
Loads of Vitamins
Although oat milk is a healthier alternative to dairy, it still provides various vitamins and heart-friendly nutrients that can help keep your diet balanced and healthy. Registered dietician, Jamie Nadeau, shares that many types of oat milk are fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin C. All three help keep your teeth, bones, and muscles healthy and strong. Oat milk also has vitamin B, which is a natural mood booster and can help alleviate stress. Therefore, drinking oat milk not only has a great taste, but can also make you feel good, too!
Great for Many Dietary Restrictions
Dietitians and nutritionists continuously state that oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that is naturally lactose, dairy, soy, and nut-free, making it one of the most accommodating options! Sarah Levy, a vegan food blogger from This Dish is Veg, shares that oats are gluten-free, so oat milk is perfect for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Therefore, oat milk is inclusive and safer for people with severe allergies and dietary restrictions or preferences. It is a good idea to have some in your refrigerator, especially if you like to host friends and family in your home!
Assists with Weight Loss
Generally, oat milk is a healthier option. Since it consists of all-natural ingredients and fewer calories than other milk alternatives, it can assist with weight loss. Oat milk is easier on the digestive system and makes a perfect milk option if you're trying to lose weight or suffer from lactose intolerance. Levy also shares that oat milk is low fat and cholesterol-free. She includes, "It has zero grams of saturated fats, which makes it a good option for those who are trying to lose weight. It is also high in protein, making it a great post-workout drink or to recover after an injury.” If you have a weight loss goal or are interested in maintaining your weight through healthy eating, drinking oat milk could help you stay on track.
Lastly, Great Flavor
Why do you hear almost every other person ask at your local cafe: “May I have an oat milk latte?“ or "Can I have oat milk instead?” One main reason is that it tastes so good, besides its skyrocketing popularity. Simply, the creamy taste and texture of oat milk have been described similarly to dairy milk, but healthier. Choosing oat milk for your latte creates a frothy thickness and gives the drink a unique taste. Many people rave about the smooth texture and its distinct sweetness. Remember that oat milk is incredibly versatile and can be used to create hearty breakfasts and delicious desserts, too.
How Do I Make Homemade Oat Milk?
Here are a few easy to follow recipes to make oat milk from the comfort of your own home:
The Minimalist Baker: Easy and with only two ingredients and a blender!
Simple Vegan Blog: Includes other recipes to use leftover oat pulp, including chocolate truffles
Love & Lemons: Simple and (naturally) sweeter oat milk recipe
There are other milk alternatives, yet oat milk seems to be making its presence more apparent nowadays. Vegan or not, dieting or not, trendy or not, oat milk is worth a try, especially after learning more about its benefits. Whether or not oat milk becomes your new favorite item on your grocery list, you can’t say you don’t have more information on how it’s actually good for you!
