Everything You Should Know About Oat Milk

Being lactose-intolerant and having just spent about a month overseas, I noticed a strange trend while frolicking between European coffee shops and bakeries. Soy milk was a rarity. Almond milk was practically nonexistent. And let’s not even talk about coconut milk. But you know what was in every single cafe? Oat milk.

Oatly is a Swedish-based company that does one thing really well—makes oat milk. Oatly was in almost every coffee shop and grocery store that I entered. And you know what? I get it. Oat milk is delicious. But the benefits of drinking oat milk extend well beyond taste and texture. Here’s everything you need to know.

  

IT’S SUPER AFFORDABLE.

Since store-bought oat milk is way cheaper to buy than other non-dairy and dairy alternatives (you can buy a lot of organic oats for only a few bucks), it makes sense that it’s even cheaper to make. And it doesn’t require all that pesky soaking that almonds and cashews require. Just put your oats in a blender with some water (and any sweetener you desire), blend and strain. Or you can follow a different variation that’s outlined below. Super fast, super easy and it lasts for about 3 days in the fridge. (When using homemade oat milk, be cautious about heating it on the stove or baking with it. It has the unique tendency to gel up.)

IT’S MORE SUSTAINABLE.

Oat milk also has a significantly lower environmental impact than its more popular American cousin, almond milk. We all know that nuts are an especially intensive crop and, in these times of Californian drought and the decline of bees, blending them into a milk can seem like a bit of a waste. Oats, on the other hand, are much less water intensive and much easier to grow. And, of course, oat milk is way easier on the environment than traditional cow milk, which has gotten environmentally out of hand. In Sweden, Oatly is using oat milk as a way for farmers to transition out of environmentally-intensive, nonsensical livestock farming and start using their land to produce clean foods for human consumption. Switching over to oat milk is a move in a more sustainable direction.

IT’S NUTRITIOUS.

Oat milk is a plant-based drink that is rich in soluble fiber, protein and nutrients like manganese, potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin A. It is vegan, dairy-free and can even be raw-friendly if made at home. Plus, oat milk has a creamy, earthy, neutral flavor that easily compliments other flavors, unlike other milks that rather aggressively stand out (I’m looking at you, coconut milk).

IT MAY NOT BE CELIAC OR PALEO FRIENDLY.

Be aware that oat milk is not necessarily for everyone. It’s not Paleo-friendly, since oats are a grain. Those with Celiac disease may not be able to handle the proteins in oats, even if they are certified gluten-free. And for those of you watching carb consumption, oat milk is way denser in carbohydrates than nut milks. So, it’s not perfect for everyone. But if you don’t have any of the above limitations, go ahead and give an oat milk latte a try.

Oat milk is becoming increasingly more popular here in the States. Look for it at your local coffee shop or grocery store, or try making some at home. It’s nutritious. It’s delicious. If you’re anything like me, it’s probably going to be your new favorite thing.

The oat milk recipe below is easy and delicious. If you want to make a thicker, richer oat milk, try Melissa Breyer’s recipe, which uses quick oats and does not call for straining.