Oat Milk: Is It Just a Fad? What Are the Potential Health Benefits?

Every year or so it seems as if there is a new “milk fad” that everyone goes crazy over. In the past, it’s been soy, almost, and even coconut milk. Right now, oat milk seems to be in the lead, and some experts even think it’s here to stay. Part of its appeal is that it is plant-based, and therefore ideal for the dairy-averse folk. Not only is it dairy-free, oat milk is also nut-free and (sometimes) gluten-free. The number of coffee shops offering it is increasing every day, and DIY recipes are popping up for those who want to try and make it themselves.

Oat Milk Recipes

This is a very easy recipe that only requires to primary ingredients: oats and water.

• Typically, one cup of oats is enough to make one glass of milk.

• Add in anything you else you want (salt, sugar, or even cocoa powder for chocolate milk), and then put everything in a high-speed blender.

• Keep in mind the oats don’t have to be 100% pulverized. If you blend it too much, the texture will turn out to be slimy and gross.
  
  
• Once you get the ideal texture, pour the mixture over a pitcher or bowl covered in a thin towel or even a t-shirt for the straining.
  
  
• Transfer the oat milk to a sealed container and refrigerate (for up to 5 days).

• Shake well and drink cold. It’s recommended that you never heat it, as the texture may become too gelanitus.

• Feel free to add the blend to any dessert from granola bars to baked goods.

Oat Milk Health Benefits

Since it contains no dairy, nuts, or any other allergen, this blend is great for anyone who can’t stomach regular milk.

A few additional benefits of drinking oat milk:

• It’s high in protein, yet low in calories.
• Adding it to your daily diet will help you get closer to your daily fiber requirements.
• Fortified oat milk can help keep bones strong, since it provides high amounts of calcium.
• It is enriched with Vitamin D (depending on the brand).
• Oats contain folate and thiamin (B Vitamins), as well as magnesium, zinc, phosphorus, and copper (minerals).

So, are oat beverages just a “passing fad” or here to stay? Brands like Quaker are banking on the latter.