In a world of supermarket shelves full of 'milks' that aren't actually milks, the newest kid on the milk block is oat milk, and people seem to be going crazy for it.
For fear of sounding like an absolute w*nker, it does actually taste pretty good. I steer clear of dairy milk (*it does not in any way agree with me, It never has*) so have made my way through all of the alternatives. Oat milk is thicker and creamier than other 'milks' (without that nutty flavour you get from nut mylks) - but what's the hype all about and is it actually any good for you???
What's to like about oat milk?
Dietary milk alternative. It's a great alternative if you've got specific dietary restrictions against dairy milk, such as lactose intolerance or are vegan, making it a good substitute for gluten free, nut free or soy free diets.
Provides iron. Oat milk helps is a relatively good source of iron. One cup of oat milk has about 10% of the daily required intake of iron.
Contains high amounts of fibre and protein. While oat milk does not have as much protein as dairy milk, it does contain more than other nut milks such as almon, cashew milks. Oats are also a good sources of fibre. Oat mik contains a fibre known as beta-glucan which may promote regulr bowel movements and increase satiety.
What's not to like about oat milk?
May contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives. With oat milks increasing popularity, it’s no surprise that store-bought varieties are often fortified with added nutrients, but they can also contain added preservatives and sugars which can weaken the health benefits that oat milk can provide.
May be processed in the same facilities as gluten-containing products. For those that choose to drink oat milk due to dietary restrictions of gluten, there is a risk of cross-contamination as many oat milk brands produce their product in the same facility they produce products with gluten. To avoid cross-contamination, it is important to find a brand of oat milk that is labeled “certified gluten-free”.
Not as nutrient dense as dairy milk products. Oat milk does not naturally contain the same nutrients that milk does naturally.
Has a lot of calories and carbohydrates. Oat milk may be higher in calories and carbohydrates than other nut milks. Oats have a high glycemic index, which can spike insulin levels (so might be worth while skipping it if you're suffering from acne).