Last Updated on December 27, 2021
Oat milk is a new trend in the world of non-dairy milk. It has been gaining popularity because it tastes great and offers many health benefits that other types of milk don’t offer. If you are curious to know what oat milk is, then keep reading!
What is Oat Milk?
So, let’s take a closer look at why you should be drinking oat milk.
Oat milk is a type of plant-based milk that provides a source of calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Oat milk can be used in place of cows or soy milk for drinking straight up on its own, adding to your coffee or tea, or using as an ingredient in recipes.
Oat milk is made by grinding up oats and soaking them in water. Then, the mixture is strained to remove any pieces of solids that remain. Oftentimes additional flavorings are added and it is also heat-treated to increase shelf life. If you want to know for sure what is in the oat milk you are drinking, be sure and read the label. Just sayin’.
Oat milk has a similar consistency to that of cows’ or soy milk, making it an excellent substitute in recipes like pancakes, muffins, and bread. Oat milk can also be used as the main liquid ingredient for different types of soups or stews because it helps thicken them up!
Oats are naturally gluten-free, making oat milk an excellent option for anyone with celiac disease or who is looking to avoid gluten in their diet. One caution, however, is to make sure that the oat milk you are purchasing is certified as such. Why? Well, sometimes oats are cross-contaminated with gluten during production. It pays to be safe and make sure the oat milk is labeled as gluten-free.
Oatmeal also contains beta-glucan which reduces cholesterol levels and can help lower high blood pressure risk.
If you need to eat lactose-free, then oat milk will also be a great choice.
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How to Drink Oat Milk?
Oat milk is typically packaged in shelf-stable cartons that can be stored unrefrigerated until they are opened, similar to how you would buy almond milk from the grocery store.
Once oat milk has been opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within a few days.
Oat milk is available in different flavors, such as vanilla and chocolate which can be added to your coffee or tea for an extra treat! However, if you are looking for more of a savory option that still contains the same health benefits found in oat milk then it’s best to try and make it yourself.
Here is a simple DIY recipe for making oat milk at home:
Why You Should be Drinking Oat Milk
Here are two reasons why you should be drinking oat milk:
#1: It is packed with nutrients
One cup of unsweetened oat milk is a wonderful source of fiber, minerals, and a number of vitamins.
Let’s take a look at the nutritional value of a cup of unsweetened, enriched oat milk that is from Oatly:
- Calories: 120
- Protein: 3 grams
- Fat: 5 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Dietary fiber: 2 grams
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Riboflavin: 45% of the DV
- Calcium: 25% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 20% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 20% of the DV
- Potassium: 8% of the DV
- Iron: 2% of the DV
You can make some simple and very tasty drinks with oat milk, like this berry banana smoothie. Simple, delicious, and oh-so-good for you!
However, if you are looking for something with a little more kick, be sure to check out this turmeric latte recipe. Turmeric is a spice used in many medicinal traditions because of its anti-inflammatory properties. A delicious way to drink your anti-inflammatory medicine!
#2: Oat milk may help you lose weight
If you’re searching for an alternative to whole cow’s milk, oat milk might be the perfect choice.
Although unflavored oat milk has the highest calorie content of the varieties of plant milk, it still is a lower calorie choice from cow’s milk. And, it’s high in protein as well as fiber so it will keep you feeling fuller for longer.
So if you’re counting calories, fat, and sugar, oat milk of the unsweetened variety may be what you need.
Oat milk, like any other beverage, should be part of an overall healthy lifestyle and diet. If you’re unsure about whether oat milk is the right choice for you, always consult with your health care professional.
Oat milk is a dairy alternative that can be used in many different ways. It’s versatile enough to drink straight, pour over cereal or coffee, use as an ingredient in recipes, or even bake with it! The best thing about oat milk? You can make it at home in just a few minutes.
Oat milk is so easy to purchase and store until you need it. Here are the current best selling oat milk brands:
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