Is oat milk a healthy milk alternative? Oat milk is a dairy-free milk replacement that has a number of unique health benefits linked to its beta glucan content. One of the things that make oat milk so popular is that it has the closest texture and taste to dairy milk compared to any of the non-dairy milk substitutes on the market. Oat milk has a distinctive sweet taste and is lactose-free, but has a similar consistency to milk, and can even be steamed for lattes just like real cow’s milk. Oat milk is made from strained oats, and a lot of the nutrients contained in the oats don’t make it into the mixture. This oat milk is a great all-around pick and is our number one choice. Can you heat oat milk in the microwave? Best oat milk for adding sweetness to recipes: Pacific Foods Organic Oat. "For individuals who don't tolerate dairy products, oat milk is a suitable milk alternative," says Hoover. No, cow milk offers more nutritional balance than oat milk. Not every RD is on the anti-oat milk train—here’s what one nutritionist says about the trendy bev:  2. Best oat milk with vitamin D: Oatly Oat Milk Original. Oats are also extremely high in fiber, which slows down the release of sugar into the bloodstream, making Oat Milk a healthy alternative for those with diabetes. With their vanilla flavor, Pacific Foods puts a sweeter twist on the standard oat milk taste. Oatly, for example, contains vitamin D … Most people, however, specifically enjoy oat milk because it does not require any added sugar to have a sweet taste to it, unlike non-dairy milk from almonds or flax. There's a new dairy milk alternative in town, and it's made from one of the cheapest and most common pantry staples in existence: rolled oats. Research published by researchers at the Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2013 in the journal Bioactive Carbohydrates and Dietary Fibre indicates that beta glucans are also useful food sources for beneficial bacteria in your gut, which have a wide range of benefits ranging from better immune function to better digestion (3). Not only that, it also provides 25% of your daily intake for calcium, too—providing both of these micronutrients is essential for optimal bone health. Along with other choices like flax milk, almond milk, rice milk, and soy milk, oat milk provides a liquid beverage that has some protein content, very little fat, and (when unsweetened) not much in the way of sugar either. Before determining how healthy oat milk is for you, let’s first take a look at its nutritional value versus other plant-based milks. Like all plant-based “milks,” some contain too much added sugar or other unhealthy additives, and it’s also currently hard to find an organic version. Though oat milk seems like it would be made of a perfect combination of only the most gorgeously filtered water on the planet and the healthiest organic oats in existence, the second … Plus, Magryta points out that the unsweetened variety contains seven grams of fat from inflammatory sunflower oil. "No oils, gums, or stabilizers! Aside from those who are lactose-intolerant or have another kind of intolerance to milk, oat milk is another great milk substitute for individuals who follow a vegan diet. Calories: 90-120. Try baked oats, overnight oats, and porridge bowls, plus homemade granola and muesli. Here's what you need to know. that are naturally present in dairy product. Oats absorb water more easily than nuts, which gives it a creamier texture than other nut milks. A review article published in 2012 cited further studies indicating that beta glucans from oats lower bad cholesterol levels, raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol levels, and help with weight maintenance (. Best oat milk for protein shakes: Oatsome Organic Oat Milk. It also provides 46% of your recommended daily value of Riboflavin, 22% of the recommendation for Phosphorus, and 18% of your recommended daily dosage of vitamins A and D (4). It’s made by soaking oats in water, and then blending and straining them which results in a thicker texture. Oatly is free of added sugars, which is important for keeping kids healthy. One issue that you’ll often run into when looking for replacements for cow’s milk is a beverage that preserves the nutritional value of real milk. Is oat milk safe for allergies? But the process isn't actually that mysterious. Aside from the vanilla flavoring, it’s the same kind of oat milk you’d expect from Pacific Foods, with no sugar added and fortified with calcium and vitamin D. If you’re getting oat milk to add to your coffee to make a latte, why not cut out the middleman? Although product recommendations are only our opinions, this research-backed page has been fact-checked and reviewed by a certified nutritionalist or health specialist. milk is made from gluten-free oats, is certified … It does contain more fiber, though, so it’s a decent trade-off. Products like Oatly Organic Creamy Oat ranked highly for using healthier potions to like palm oil to thicken up their oat milk. As I talked about in a previous post, almond milk is placing a strain on the environment due to the amount of water needed to grow them.Now I’m hooked on it’s nutty, slightly sweet flavor – especially in overnight oats! Oatly makes a super-simple and delicious oat milk that’s only got a few ingredients. Now you've got a creamy liquid to use as a substitute for cow's milk in many recipes (or, just as a cold glass at breakfast). Oat milk and almond milk are both popular right now, but which is healthier? Longer chain beta glucans, which are not digestible by your body, are an excellent food source for the beneficial bacteria that live in your stomach and intestines; indeed, beta-glucans are occasionally found as ingredients in prebiotic supplements for exactly this reason. Can oat milk cause gut issues? Oat milk contains beta- glucans which can improve heart health. On top of that, it’s certified organic and has no added sugar. We preferred oat milk made from certified gluten-free oats to minimize any potential allergy issues. Just because everyone is drinking oat milk doesn't mean just any oat milk brand will do. All Rights Reserved. “Oat milk also retains some of the healthful fiber found in oats, although it only supplies about 2 grams per cup,” said Sass. Infographic: Eating Under Quarantine… It’s a source of fibre, vitamin E, folate and riboflavin. Once you have strained and prepared it, you will want to store it in your refrigerator. Best oat milk overall: Oatly Oat Milk Original. This has a lot to do with the reduced fat content that occurs naturally by using healthier ingredients – as well as the extensive filtration system. In principle, you could make oat milk with just two ingredients: oats and water. However, all are less than cow’s milk… It complements any type of plant-based protein source extremely well, helping to add some sweetness and smoothness to the otherwise-chalky taste of protein. One of the biggest advantages of drinking is all the antioxidants it provides. Do you need to refrigerate oat milk? Oat milk also has one of the highest heart-healthy fiber content of all milk products, says Gans, with more fiber than 1 cup of 1% cow milk, which has no fiber at all. Yes, you can make homemade oat milk. Aside from the obvious (oatmeal and water), it has rapeseed oil for a creamier texture as well as calcium and vitamin D, which are nutrients you’d get in standard fortified milk that also need to be added to oat milk. Thrive Market Organic Original Unsweetened Oat Beverage, Mooala's Organic Unsweetened Coconut Oatmilk. Why does Rueven recommend the Elmhurst brand? Oat milk is fortified with calcium and vitamin D, the two essential nutrients that help in building strong, dense bones. Although not organic, the original version of Planet Oat's oatmilk is fortified with nutrients and low in fat. It tends to taste like sweet, creamy cereal milk. The container might be puffed out at the seams, it will probably smell bad, and it might be different in color than it should be. Oat milk is a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk made from 100% whole grain oats and water, so has health benefits for everyone. As such, its potential for side effects is essentially zero, setting aside people with rare allergies to oats. … Oat milk and almond milk are both popular right now, but which is healthier? You will see some similar signs and symptoms when your oak milk goes bad. It uses canola oil for additional frothiness and ability to be steamed. It can be used in all the same ways one would use almond milk… Best oat milk for coffee: Oatly Barista Edition. Another reason it’s a great choice is for what’s. It even has 6% of your daily value of Potassium and 2% of the amount of iron you should consume daily. It’s made by soaking oats in water, and then blending and straining them which results in a thicker texture. Like other milk products, oat milk will expire. Magryta agrees, adding that it's also not organic and made with sunflower oil. One of the usual drawbacks to dairy milk alternatives is that it isn’t going to be as close to the rich and creamy texture of actual dairy. 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