What Is Oat Milk? Benefits, Nutrition & How To Make It

Once the new alternative milk in town, oat milk has quickly become one of the most popular nondairy beverages. By now, you've likely seen it make appearances in your coffee shops, grocery stores, and even Instagram feed.

Whether or not you've jumped on the oat milk craze, you may still have a few lingering questions about this popular product (Is it healthy? How is it even made?).

Like other nondairy beverages, oat milk is a vegan alternative to cow's milk. Similar to its nut-based counterparts, oat milk is made by blending water and oats together, then straining the mixture to produce a creamy liquid that looks a fair amount like the milk you drank growing up. 

"That depends. You want to make sure you're going for a minimally processed, unsweetened product," says Jessica Cording, M.S., R.D., CDN. "Keep an eye out for preservatives and stabilizing agents on labels, as well."

Oat milk nutrition varies depending on the brand, and whether or not the product is sweetened or flavored. "Some store-bought oat milk is also fortified with many of the same vitamins and minerals as cow's milk, such as calcium, vitamin D and B12," says Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D.

"For people who thrive on a dairy-free diet, it's a great alternative thanks to its versatility," says Cording. "It does offer more protein than almond, coconut, and rice milk but a little less than pea protein or soy milk."

That said, "if you get plenty of protein from elsewhere—and most Americans get more protein than they need—oat milk can be a healthy swap, especially if you have trouble digesting cow's milk, are looking to eat more plants, or just prefer the taste of oat milk," says Moon.

"I like oat milk compared to other nondairy milks because it has a natural sweetness, so even the unsweetened varieties taste good," says Frances Largeman-Roth, RDN.

"It's a great nondairy alternative for people who are lactose intolerant or avoiding dairy for other reasons," says Cording. 

"Oat milk is also a good choice for people who are allergic to tree nuts or soy and are looking for a plant milk that they can use in multiple ways, such as in their coffee and in recipes," says Largeman-Roth. "I recommend it to clients who find other plant milks to be too thin and watery tasting."

"It can also be a gluten-free option if the oats are certified gluten-free," says Moon. "Perhaps the most unique benefit of oat milk is that the special fiber in oats, beta-glucan, is also in oat milk," she adds. "Beta-glucans help lower cholesterol to improve heart health."

Another draw of oat milk? Its ease of preparation at home. Unlike nut milks, it requires no soak time, and the base ingredients are much cheaper than almonds or cashews. Making your own oat milk allows you to have the freshest product and lets you avoid any undesirable ingredients.

One great quality of oat milk is its versatility. "Because it has a nice mild flavor and smooth texture, it works very well in coffee and tea beverages, in smoothies, and in baked goods where you'd normally use milk," says Cording. "Unsweetened varieties can also be used in savory dishes."

"It's my go-to for overnight oats because it provides a ton of creaminess," says Largeman-Roth. "If you want to use regular milk, it's a simple swap."

For anyone who can't consume dairy, soy, or nuts, oat milk is a fantastic alternative to other nondairy options or cow's milk.