When it comes to non-dairy milk alternatives our shelves are oversaturated with options. Each one with its own long list of benefits.
Coconut milk is known for its healthy fats, flax milk for its high fiber content, hemp milk for high protein, almond milk for its low calories and then there’s oat mylk.
Oat mylk has taken the market by storm offering a dairy free option to consumers at a very low price. What are the benefits to drinking oat mylk?
What are the downsides? Is this the healthiest mylk on the market and should we be consuming it as often as we are? There are hidden secrets to your favorite mylk. In this article I will discuss the Good, the Bad, and the Ugly truth.
Key Takeaways
Oat Mylk
There are loads of alternative mylks on the market. All promising vegans and plant based customers alike, a delicious and lactose free alternative to add to their coffees, smoothies and granola bowls. Oat mylk in particular has taken off with competing brands and catchy artwork on the cartons.
You can find oat mylk just about anywhere as it is commonly used as the milk alternative in your local coffee shop. It’s inexpensive and now there are even different varying degrees of creaminess.
So what's the harm if any at all? I’m here to share with you why you should potentially reconsider your oat mylk option when ordering your chai latte and why you should definitely be making your own mylk at home.
The Good
Being vegan doesn’t mean you can’t have that frothy and creamy latte art. There are a number of alternative mylks on the shelves and oat milk promises a decadent consistency. Oats are high in fiber and vitamin B and offer an allergy free alternative to those who can’t tolerate nuts. The taste is neutral and the mylk can be added to baked goods, coffee or even soups!
The Bad
Of all plant-based alternatives, oat mylk is the highest in carbohydrate count due to the starchy nature of oats. This can be an issue in the potential for spiking blood sugar, especially in the case of someone who already has high levels of blood sugar.
Another drawback to oat mylk is the lack of protein it contains, especially when compared to other mylk alternatives on the market. Another common trend among oat mylk options you’ll find in the grocery store is the added sugar. Typically one cup of oat mylk will contain around 7 grams of added sugar. With its higher glycemic index it’s an option we should all be mindful about consuming regularly. Especially if you are adding a sugary syrup to your concoction.
The Ugly
Here’s where things really get ugly.
Many of the popular oat mylk brands on the shelves contain glyphosate, an active ingredient found in the herbicide, RoundUp, which is commonly sprayed on oats.
Consuming high amounts of pesticides can pose a number of health concerns such as higher cancer risks and acting as endocrine disruptors. Not to mention the negative impact these sprays have on the environment.
Another ugly side of oat mylk one can commonly find is the addition of toxic seeds oils such as rapeseed or sunflower oil. Both oils are known to cause inflammation in the body. These oils are known to be highly processed and genetically modified posing a risk to our health if consumed in excess.
The Alternative
If your heart is set on oat mylk there are alternative methods you can take to ensure you’re reaping some of the healthier benefits. The first is to read your labels. Opt for Organic oat mylk to avoid those pesky glyphosates and try to find a brand that doesn’t contain added seed oils.
The best option still, is to make your own oat mylk at home. Not only will this method save money but you can guarantee what you’re making at home is a safer option than what you’ll find on the shelves. Not only that, it’s incredibly simple. Here’s how:
Oat Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Final Thoughts
The beauty of making your own oat mylk at home is you have the option here to get creative. Add vanilla extract or for a more nutrient dense version, a handful of hemp hearts or pumpkin seeds, add a tsp of turmeric powder for a golden milk or cinnamon and maple syrup of a fall version.
Not only does this option allow you to be as creative as you’d like but the entire process will only take you a few minutes. Additionally you can continue to consume your favorite non-dairy milk alternative at a fraction of the cost and with a fraction of the ingredients.
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