The Untold Truths Of Oat Milk

Oat Milk Has Actually Been Around Ages

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Yes, it hasn't been hyped up for years but oat milk actually originated in Sweden nearly 30 years ago when a researcher was trying to find a way for those unfortunately unable to digest lactose to get around this problem! This eventually became Oatly, the most popular brand worldwide!

Oatly Was Too Successful In The US

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Prior to a factory opening in 2019, Oatly were unable to keep up with the US' demand for the product as it was all being made over in Europe. The time it took for the products to be made and then transported over here led to vegans and lactose intolerant Americans going without their new favourite alternative.

Oat Milk Is The New Almond Milk

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The popularity and rise of oat milk is similar to that of almond milk in the late 00's. Just as almond milk replaced soya milk as the better alternative, oat milk appears to be doing the same; it continues to increase in sales worldwide; and with brands like Oatly's advertising it can only improve further.

You Can Actually Make Your Own!

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Yes, brands like Oatly are probably going to make a processed, tastier oat milk than you will at home, but if you want to save your money homemade oat milk as just as healthy as the branded products. You can even add additional flavors like vanilla, coconut or any other flavor you see fit.

Soy Milk Has More Protein

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It might taste creamier, but oat milk lacks the protein of some of its competitors in the milk alternative market. Soy milk for example is a protein heavy alternative, similar to actual cows' milk, whereas oat milk contains about a third of the protein you'll find in the two mentioned milks.

The Calorie Count Is High!

 

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If you're on a diet and trying to keep your calorie count down then maybe you should be avoiding oat milk! This is only relevant for alternative milks however, as cows' milk is likely to contain more calories (unless you're using skimmed!). Stick to your almond or soy milk if you're counting your calories!

Oat Milk Is Carb Heavy

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As you're aware, oats are a grain, and so, they contain a considerably higher number of carbohydrates in comparison to its competitors. Typically, unsweetened oat milk will around 15 grams of carbs in a serving whereas soy milk is likely to have under 10 grams! It's not as bad as rice milk however which contains 0 protein and even more carbs!

It's Environmentally Friendly (ish)

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Due to the location that oat milk can be grown (cold) the process doesn't require a high level of deforestation unlike the coconut alternative. It's also considerably better than almond milk which is causing certain areas to start suffering from groundwater depletion as a result of excessive water usage.

Steamed Oat Milk Is Frothy

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For all you coffee lovers, if you aren't already on this then maybe you should be! Get yourself over to Starbucks and order an oat-milk latte and you'll see just how good the oat milk works in its frothy nature. Not forgetting that it also tastes great, it's smooth neutral flavour matching the coffee taste perfectly.

It's A Great Way To Introduce Fiber To Your Diet

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Oats can be composed of up to 10% dietary fiber, and one type known as beta-glucan has been suggested to assist in the lowering of cholesterol and even boost your gut flora. And we all know that fiber assists you and your body when it comes to the digestion of the food and drinks you're consuming!

It Might Be Able To Defend Against Cancer

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Now I'm not suggesting you go and drown yourself in oat milk, but some researchers have found the previously mentioned beta-glucan can actually have some advantageous effects on human melanoma cells! In other words it could affect cancer cells; but this needs more testing first.

It's Great For The Gluten Intolerant (Mostly)

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This might surprise some of you, but oats unlike many grain products is actually gluten-free! However, it is important you check the individual brands labels to make sure, as some oat milks can be made in the same factories that ingredients like wheat and barley can be found!

It Might Be Killing The Dairy Industry

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Oat milk can't be fully to blame for this, we have to look at the other alternatives as well! However, companies such as Dean Foods have seen their sales decrease due the wider availability of alternatives; Dean Foods even had to declare bankruptcy in 2019 as a result of their dip in sales.

It's Annoying Farmers!

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Dairy farmers really aren't fans of oat milk and its friends in the alternative scene! This has obviously led to them earning less money, and so they have taken this in to their own hands trying to get the authorities involved! They have been attempting to stop manufacturers titling products as milk unless they come from a hooved animal!

It Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

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If you're wary of raising your blood pressure to high, then make sure you're drinking unsweetened oat milk! This is due to the enzyme Maltose being added to the milk during its production, although this can be mitigated if you mix the milk with a nutrient dense food like fiber-high cereal.

Mixing Your Alternatives Is Better For You

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As long as you aren't allergic to any of the alternatives it is probably better to mix up your oat, almond and soy milks to get a varied nutrient intake! Almond milk has low calories, Soy Milk has high protein and even Hemp milk contains omega-3! You'll definitely need protein elsewhere if you're vegan!

It Can Help Prevent Anemia!

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Those who struggle with their iron levels may already know that oat milk can have some positive effects on your body! Some researchers have found that one cup of oat milk can actually contain around 10% of your recommended daily intake! Maybe combine it with your favorite iron fortified cereal.

Oat Milk Can Strengthen Your Bones

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We all know that dairy, particularly milk, is a crucial component when it comes to supplying your body with calcium. So those who are lactose intolerant or vegan may be worried they aren't getting enough by drinking milk alternatives; fortunately, oat milk is often rich in calcium!

It Could Be Ruining Your Teeth

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Despite being good for your bones, oat milk can actually be detrimental to your dental health. Some sweetened oat milks contain such a high amount of added sugar and preservatives that it may actually be damaging your teeth. Maybe alternate your sweetened and unsweetened options!

It's Not Good For Babies

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As mentioned before, oat milk isn't a particularly nutritious milk alternative and therefore it is not a suitable alternative to assist a baby in its development. It would be a good idea to stick to baby formulas that are readily available on the market.

It's Very Expensive

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If you're recently adapting to start introducing milk alternatives to your diet, you will have realised it's quite expensive! This is because of the difficult process during the production. It's not just cows' milk that's cheaper than oat milk but most alternatives (depending on your brand of choice).

It May Contain Pesticides

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You'll be able to find this information online, so if you want to avoid pesticide covered oats give it a Google. The USDA found multiple pesticides on oats that were being used to make oat milks. Oatly, the most popular brand, have come out since and claimed that they use pesticide free oats!

You Can Get Flavoured Milk Now

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Gone are the days when vegans and lactose intolerant people were unable to enjoy the pleasures of a milkshake or other dessert/flavourful option. These days, most oat milk brands also offer a range of milkshakes in flavours like chocolate and vanilla for you to enjoy.

There Are Barista Versions Available

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Coffee again! Yes, brands like Oatly are also now providing oat milk specifically titled as the barista version, and after testing, baristas have fund that the specific version IS actually a more passable frothy alternative than the original oat milk! If you're a home barista maybe you should invest that little more.

It Could Stop Your Hair From Going Grey

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Yep, oat milk could possibly reduce cell damage in your hair follicles and potentially even encourage its rapid repair. This is due to its high amount of Vitamin B12 which could prevent your hair from going grey too early or maybe even prevent your hair from falling out altogether.

It Might Upset Your Stomach

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If you are new to oat milk, you might not be able to consume fiber as well as accustomed oat milk drinkers. Due to the high amount of fiber you'll consume it may lead to you getting stomach cramps and being bloated until you are more comfortable with the fiber rich diet. Maybe start slow and increase your intake as you go.

Your Stool Will Pass Through Easier

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This can be both a positive and a negative, as oats are packed with fibers you will be able to pass stool more efficiently through your intestines; however if you introduce the fiber to your diet too quickly then you might cause yourself to begin suffering from diarrhea (which we all know isn't good!)

It May Contain Oils

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Those barista style iterations of oat milk might not be as good as we first thought! A number of brands, not naming names, use canola oil amongst others in order to allow the milk to achieve that creamy, frothy texture that we're all looking for in our coffees. This isn't all brands though so be sure to check your labels.

High In B Vitamins

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Oat milk high amount of B vitamins like B2 and B12 mean it is a good way to introduce them to your body. For those that don't know, these B vitamins are instrumental in assisting your body with: alleviating stress, promoting healthy skin care and protecting your nails. Maybe you could add oat milk to your skincare routine.

It'll Keep You Full For Longer

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There's a reason that oatmeal is such a popular breakfast item not just here in the US but worldwide. Not only is it delicious, but the high fiber amount will ultimately help you improve your appetite control and also reduce the urge to start snacking in between your meals. I wonder what happens when you have oatmeal with oat milk?