There are a lot of milk substitutes available for those who either can’t drink dairy or choose not to drink it. These “milks” have been available for years and include soy, almond, and coconut. While these options are common to find, more recently, oat milk has burst into the scene as a popular alternative.
There are a lot of milk options on the market now, so it can be challenging to determine what will work best for you. You first need to choose the type of milk alternative you want and then choose the brand or brands you prefer.
If you’re seeking oat milk for your daily coffee or latte, we’ve got you covered! Here’s what you need to know about oat milk for coffee, along with the five best brands we encourage you to try so you can see what you like best.
Why Is Oat Milk So Popular?
Oat milk has been increasing in popularity in recent years for a number of great reasons. Many people have shifted from cow’s milk due to dairy sensitivity or lactose intolerance, but some of the same people (and others!) have issues with nuts as well. Many milk substitutes are made from nuts — almonds, coconuts, cashews, and others —so, until recently, that really only left soy as a dairy substitute. If you didn’t like the taste or texture, you had to learn how to enjoy black coffee.
Then came oat milk.
Oat milk has the rich and creamy taste of cow’s milk with some improved health benefits. The taste and texture make it a perfect substitute for dairy in everything from smoothies to lattes and more. You can substitute oat milk 1:1 for cow’s milk and know you’ll be happy with the result. It’s even more sustainable than other dairy-free alternatives, so you can feel extra good about drinking it.
Learn more: What is a Latte? And How to Make One?
Benefits of Oat Milk
Oat milk not only tastes great, but it’s also good for you. Here are some of the health benefits of oat milk:
- Dairy-free — Since oat milk contains none of the lactose found in cow’s milk products, it can be enjoyed by people with a sensitivity to animal dairy products.
- Better fat profile — This milk substitute has no saturated fat and a total of 2.5g of fat per serving. That’s less than you’ll find in the dairy it replaces.
- Cholesterol-free — Oat milk is not only low in fat, but it’s also cholesterol-free. What’s more, it has actually been found to lower cholesterol levels.
- High in vitamins — Oat milk contains B vitamins thiamine and folate, which support the breakdown of carbs for energy and red blood cell function. However, you should check to make sure it has been supplemented with vitamin D, vitamin A, and calcium, as cow’s milk typically is. Also, look for riboflavin, found naturally in cow’s milk.
- Higher in fiber — Oat milk has twice the dietary fiber of cow’s milk, so it’s a great addition to any diet. It also includes beta-glucan, a soluble fiber that has been found to strengthen the immune system, improve gut health, and help with blood sugar control.
What Makes Oat Milk Great for Coffee Drinks?
Oat milk provides a rich and creamy flavor to coffee drinks, so it’s a great dairy alternative. Best of all, it froths up nicely, just like cow’s milk. Not all dairy substitutes are the same in that regard. All things considered, if you want to go non-dairy, oat milk is the perfect alternative.
5 Best Brands of Oat Milk for Coffee
There are many readily available oat milk options. Here are what we consider the best oat milk brands for coffee and which types of coffee beverages they work best in.
1. Oatly Barista Edition
Image credit: Oatly
Coffee nerds will be thrilled to try this oat milk, which is made with the barista in mind. It has no added sugar and is rich in unsaturated fat, so it contains all the best qualities of whole cow’s milk. It creates a lovely foam that coats the tongue like cow’s milk does and goes down easily. It’s a bit pricier than the other offerings, but if you’re looking for the best barista oat milk for coffee, it’s this one, hands down.
2. Califa Farms Oat Milk Barista Blend
Image credit: Califia Farms
Califa Farms makes a solid oat milk, and they also created this barista blend made specifically for coffee. We use this brand of oat milk at each of our locations. It foams easily and makes great cappuccinos, lattes, or whatever you’re in the mood for. This option does contain a bit of added sugar and would be appropriate for those who like to sweeten their coffee. It comes in a handy 32-ounce six-pack and is affordably priced.
3. Silk Oat Yeah
Image credit: Silk
Silk is a big player in the cow’s milk substitute market, so it’s no surprise to see it on this list. Silk’s oat milk has a touch of sweetness and a nice, smooth texture that’s great for hot or cold drinks. It has a distinct but pleasant oat flavor, and many people compare its texture to that of soy milk. It rates highly for its creaminess, but if you want even more, you can opt for Silk Extra Creamy Oat Milk. This oat milk is average for its price, and our one complaint is its additives like cane sugar, sunflower oil, and natural flavors.
4. Thrive Market Organic Oat Beverage
Image credit: Thrive Market
If you’re looking for a simple, clean oat milk with limited ingredients, this one is your pick. It’s made from just oats and water, so it’s not sweetened and doesn’t include any other ingredients. It’s pretty thin relative to the others on this list, so it’s great for hot coffee and iced coffee, but don’t expect it to froth up in a cappuccino. It has a natural, pleasant sweetness and blends beautifully without separating like some other milk alternatives do.
5. Oatsome Organic Oat Milk
Image credit: Oatsome
This brand offers three versions of oat milk: original, chocolate, and barista. If you’re looking for a partner for your coffee, go for the barista. It’s creamy and has a really great taste. It froths up nicely, and best of all, it’s certified organic. You can get it in a 1-liter six-pack for a surprisingly affordable price.
Goodbye Dairy, Hello Oats
We’re always looking for ways to make our coffee healthier and more distinct, and using oat milk is a great way to do just that. For many, oat milk’s health benefits outweigh those of dairy milk, plus it tastes great and froths up beautifully. Why not give it a try and see what you think?
Methodical Coffee and oat milk are the perfect pairing. Try an oat milk latte next time you’re at our shop, or grab some coffee beans to try one at home.
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