Is Oat Milk Good For You?

Ever wondered if Oat milk is good for you? Oat Milk is a lactose-free, dairy-free, soy-free, vegan-friendly alternative to cow’s milk made from oats that have been soaked in water, blended then strained. The result? A creamy milk with a similar texture to cow’s milk that can be used for anything from fruit smoothies to baking. It is also particularly popular with baristas since its higher carbohydrate content helps to create lattes, flat whites and cappuccinos as frothy as ones made with cow’s milk. Not only is oat milk on-trend right now, it also has many benefits for your overall health.

Oat Milk Nutrition

Rich in essential nutrients and minerals to enhance your health, in addition to being low calorie, here’s what you can expect from 1 cup of Plenish Gluten-Free Oat Milk. 

Is Oat Milk Good For You?

Oat milk is particularly beneficial for those with allergies since it is free from dairy, nuts, soya and lactose. Combined with its simple ingredients list, this popular plant-based milk has health benefits for everyone. 

Here are a few health benefits of oat milk:

Source of B Vitamins. B vitamins are essential for optimal health and are linked to various health benefits. Oat milk provides a great source of vitamin B2, which helps convert food into energy and acts as an antioxidant, and vitamin B12 is essential for neurological function and the product of red blood cells and DNA.

High levels of dietary fibre. Oat milk has a higher fibre content than other popular plant-based milks, such as almond milk, which aids in healthy digestion. 

Lower cholesterol. Oat milk is high in beta-glucans, a soluble fibre, which binds to cholesterol, lowers levels of bad LDL cholesterol in the body and supports overall heart health. A study found that over a 5-week period, drinking 3 cups of oat milk reduced total cholesterol by 3% and bad LDL cholesterol by 5%.

Zero saturated fats. Compared to cow’s milk, oat milk contains less saturated fat. It often has zero saturated fat and instead has the equivalent in unsaturated fat (i.e. healthy fats).

Are all oat milks the same? What should I look for in oat milks?

There is a lot of variability in the alternative milk market, which is why it is essential to check the nutritional label before you buy. When it comes to oat milk, many brands pack in lots of added sugar, oils, stabilisers, gums, and flavourings like chocolate or vanilla. Contrary to popular belief, oats do not require stabilisers or gums since oats already have a naturally gummy texture when combined with water. 

Another common issue is gluten – if you are celiac or have a gluten intolerance, make sure that your oat milk is certified gluten-free and the other ingredients are gluten-free. 

Plenish Gluten-Free Oat Milk is deliciously creamy and made from just three natural ingredients: gluten-free oats, filtered water and a pinch of sea salt. It’s also free from added sugar, stabilisers and gums. Plus, our team conducts complete testing throughout the production process and on finished products to certify its gluten-free status. 

Key takeaway: look for a clean nutritional label with only ingredients you can pronounce.

Who Should Avoid Oat Milk?

Most people with gluten intolerance or sensitivity should avoid oat milk, except for certified gluten-free brands like Plenish Gluten-Free Oat Milk. If you’re looking to cut down your sugar intake, we recommend opting for unsweetened varieties or switching to unsweetened nut-based milks such as Almond, Cashew or Hazelnut, which are all lower in sugar. 

How To Use Oat Milk?

You can almost always swap regular milk for oat milk in your favourite breakfasts, baking and hot drinks. Double up on oats for the creamiest porridge or overnight oats, or blend into smoothies for a light and refreshing pick-me-up.