Oat milk is popping up at coffee shops and grocery stores alike, quickly becoming one of the trendiest plant-based milks. jacqueline / CC by 2.0
By Kelli McGrane
Oat milk is popping up at coffee shops and grocery stores alike, quickly becoming one of the trendiest plant-based milks.
In its simplest form, it’s made by soaking oats, blending them with water, and straining out the oats. Yet, many companies add ingredients like sweeteners, oils, thickeners, and stabilizers to alter the product’s taste, texture, and shelf life.
Since many people prefer to avoid these additives, Healthline evaluated the healthiest oat milks based on the following criteria:
- quality of ingredients
- few — if any — added ingredients, such as stabilizers, thickeners, gums, sugars, colors, and flavors
- taste and texture
Here are the 14 best oat milks of 2020.
Pricing Guide
General price ranges are indicated below with dollar signs ($ to $$). One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas three dollar signs indicate a higher cost.
Generally, prices range from
Pricing guide
- $ = under
.10 per ounce (30 mL) - $ =
.10– .50 per ounce (30 mL) - $$ = over
.50 per ounce (30 mL)
1. Best Overall: Oatly Original Oatmilk
Price: $
The Swedish company Oatly, considered the original oat milk manufacturer, has become increasingly popular in the United States.
Its thick, creamy texture, slight sweetness, and versatility for baking and drinking alike make it the best overall option on the market.
Its Original Oatmilk product owes its rich consistency to non-GMO, expeller-pressed rapeseed oil, also known as canola oil in the United States.
As it’s less processed than most seed oils, Oatly’s rapeseed oil likely retains more of its beneficial nutrients, including vitamin E and omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Oatly Original Oatmilk provides:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 25% of the DV
The vitamin B12 content is particularly notable, as this essential vitamin is sometimes lacking in vegan and vegetarian diets.
While Oatly doesn’t add sugar to its products, oat milk contains small amounts of natural sugars from oat starches that are broken down during the manufacturing process.
This is true for many other oat milk products on this list.
Shop for Oatly Original Oatmilk online.
2. Best Budget Option: Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk (Plain)
Price: $
Silk’s Oat Yeah Oatmilk is one of the cheapest oat milk products that’s widely available.
Its balanced flavor isn’t overly sweet, and its smooth texture resembles that of soy milk. Thus, it’s great for drinking on its own, as well as using in cooking and baking.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) of Silk’s plain Oat Yeah Oatmilk offers:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 35% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 100% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
As you can see, a single serving packs all of your daily vitamin B12 needs. What’s more, its ratio of calcium and vitamin D is similar to what’s found in fortified dairy milk.
While Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk harbors more ingredients and additives than many other products on this list, it’s still one of the best options for the price.
Shop for plain Silk Oat Yeah Oatmilk online.
3. Best Gluten-Free: Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk
Price: $
While several oat milk companies claim to be gluten-free, Oatly is currently the only major brand in the United States that’s been certified gluten-free by the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO).
What’s more, their low fat oatmilk has a relatively short ingredient list that’s free of added gums and thickeners. Unlike other Oatly products, it doesn’t contain added oils.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 91
- Fat: 1 gram
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 16 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 7 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Calcium: 20–25% of the DV
- Phosphorus: 20–25% of the DV
- Vitamin A: 20–25% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 50% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20–25% of the DV
Unlike Oatly’s Original product, their low fat option is thinner and closer in consistency to low fat dairy milk.
Shop for Oatly Low Fat Oatmilk online.
4–5. Best Organic Oat Milks
While all types of oats are nutritious, whole grain foods, some people are concerned about chemical pesticides and fertilizers used on conventional oat crops.
Levels of chemical residues on oats regularly test below the safety limits set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Still, organic oats are less likely to contain high levels of these residues.
4. Oatsome Oat Milk Original
Price: $
Oatsome Oat Milk Original is not only organic but also free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 3 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 21 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 13 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the DV
- Riboflavin (vitamin B6): 40% of the DV
- Vitamin B12: 40% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 10% of the DV
While lauded for its creamy texture, it’s one of the more expensive options on the market.
Shop for Oatsome Oat Milk Original online.
5. Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar
Price: $
Pacific Foods is a respected food company that uses as many locally sourced and organic ingredients as possible.
Their organic, reduced sugar oat original plant-based beverage is certified organic and non-GMO. Additionally, it has a minimal ingredient list that’s free of added sugars.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 23 grams
- Fiber: less than 1 gram
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 4 grams
This organic oat beverage also has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s a bit thinner than other oat milk options. As a result, it’s best enjoyed on its own as a beverage or used in cooking and baking.
While one of the lowest sugar options, some reviewers find the beverage to have a slightly gritty texture.
Shop for Pacific Foods Original Oat Plant-Based Beverage, Reduced Sugar online.
6–7. Best Oat Milks for Drinking
The best oat milks for drinking are creamy — but not too thick — and aren’t overly sweet.
6. Planet Oat Original
Price: $
If you like the consistency of 2% milk, Planet Oat Original is a great choice because it’s free of added oils and quite low in natural sugars.
A single cup (240 mL) offers:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 25% of the DV
- Vitamin D: 20% of the DV
Like Oatly, Planet Oat uses a stabilizer called dipotassium phosphate that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) deems safe.
However, frequent intake of foods containing this additive may harm kidney health, especially in people with pre-existing kidney disease.
While small amounts of dipotassium phosphate shouldn’t be concerning, you may want to choose a different oat milk if you have kidney issues.
Shop for Planet Oat original oatmilk online.
7. Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk
Price: $
Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk isn’t overly sweet and strikes the right balance between smooth and creamy.
As it tends to separate when added to coffee, it’s best consumed on its own or with cereal.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated fat: 1 gram
- Carbs: 15 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
- Calcium: 20% of the DV
Although this oat milk is free of gums and stabilizers, it’s higher in fat than many other products.
This fat comes from sunflower oil, which is high in omega-6 fatty acids.
Research suggests that diets high in omega-6s but low in omega-3s may increase chronic inflammation in your body. Over time, this may raise your risk of chronic ailments like heart disease, arthritis, and diabetes.
If you choose this oat milk, you may want to limit your intake of other vegetable oils high in omega-6s, such as soybean, safflower, cottonseed, and corn oil.
Shop for Califia Farms Unsweetened Oatmilk online.
8–9. Best Oat Milks for Coffee
Many oat milk brands offer barista blends designed to steam and froth for drinks like lattés and cappuccinos.
These products are often creamier than regular oat milks to provide a gourmet, coffee-shop quality.
8. Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend
Price: $
While Califia Farms’ unsweetened product isn’t the best for coffee, its Barista Blend gets great reviews for its frothing ability and sweet, oaty flavor.
Notably, it’s also free of gums and stabilizers.
One cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 130
- Fat: 7 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 3 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
Shop for Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend online.
9. Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista
Price: $
Created by baristas in London, Minor Figures Oat Milk Barista is designed to be great for foaming or steaming.
It works well for your morning latté but can also be used in baking and even poured over cereal, as its texture isn’t overly thick.
Additionally, it’s free of gums, thickeners, and stabilizers.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) offers:
- Calories: 116
- Fat: 5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 23 grams
- Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugar: 11 grams
- Protein: 0.5 grams
10–11. Best for Cooking and Baking
While most oat milks can be used for cooking and baking, some are better than others due to their thickness and flavor.
10. Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats
Price: $
Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats is a low sugar, mild oat milk that’s made with just filtered water, oats, and salt.
It’s not ideal for drinking or adding to coffee since it’s thinner than many other oat milks. Keep in mind that some consumers mention a slight gritty texture.
Still, it’s one of the best options if you’re used to baking or cooking with skim or low fat dairy milk.
Only 1 cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 14 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Protein: 4 grams
Shop for Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats online.
11. Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk
Price: $
Unlike Elmhurst’s product above, Chobani’s Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk has a consistency much closer to whole milk.
Its slightly sweet taste and thick, creamy texture add a rich mouthfeel and flavor to baked goods. It can also help thicken soups.
While it contains a small number of additives, it uses organic oats and doesn’t have artificial flavors or preservatives.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 9 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 11 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 8 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Shop for Chobani Plain Extra Creamy Oat Milk online.
12–13. Best Flavored
Flavored varieties like chocolate or vanilla oat milk can make nice treats or desserts, though you should keep in mind that they’re often high in sugar.
These flavored options are lower in sugar than many of their competitors.
12. Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate
Price: $
Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate is your best bet if you’re looking for a plant-based chocolate milk.
One serving offers just 4 grams of sugar from natural cane sugar.
Elmhurst’s chocolate product doesn’t contain any added gums, thickeners, or stabilizers. Instead, it’s made from just six basic ingredients — water, oats, cane sugar, cocoa powder, natural flavors, and salt.
Just 1 cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 110
- Fat: 2 grams
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
Shop for Elmhurst Milked Oats Chocolate online.
13. Planet Oat Vanilla Oatmilk
Price: $
Plant Oats Vanilla Oatmilk has a distinct vanilla flavor without any added sugars — just naturally occurring oat sugar.
One cup (240 mL) contains:
- Calories: 90
- Fat: 1.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 0 grams
- Carbs: 19 grams
- Fiber: 2 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Protein: 2 grams
Keep in mind that this product has a few additives, such as gellan gum and dipotassium phosphate.
14. Best Blended Option: Mooala Organic Coconut Oat Milk
Price: $
Mooala is a Texas-based company with a line of dairy-free milk alternatives, including their Coconut Oat Milk.
Its consistency is similar to 2% milk, and its hint of coconut differentiates it from most products on the market. It’s also one of the only sugar-free options available.
Moreover, the product doesn’t need any added oils to make it rich and smooth because it contains coconut cream.
Organic oats, organic cinnamon, sea salt, calcium carbonate, and gellan gum are also on the ingredient list.
One cup (240 mL) provides:
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 3.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 3 grams
- Carbs: 5 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Sugar: 0 grams
- Protein: 1 gram
- Calcium: 30% of the DV
Shop for Mooala organic coconut oat milk online.
A Note on Availability
As of this article’s publication, the product above is sold out. If you’re interested in this oat milk, continue to check the link above for the latest availability information from the retailer.
How to Choose a Healthy Oat Milk Product
When looking for a healthy oat milk product, it’s important to take a look at the ingredient list.
Ideally, opt for a product with a short ingredient list that’s low in both added sugar and additives like thickeners, stabilizers, gums, and artificial flavorings and colors.
Keep in mind that many oat milks contain natural sugars because oats’ starches are broken down by enzymes during the manufacturing process.
Finally, if you have a gluten allergy or intolerance, only choose products that are certified gluten-free. While oats are naturally gluten-free, there’s still a risk of cross-contamination with other grains.
The Bottom Line
Oat milk is a popular plant-based beverage that’s enjoyed for its slightly sweet, oaty flavor and creamy consistency.
While numerous options abound, the healthiest ones tend to be low in sugar and additives.
It’s also surprisingly easy and inexpensive to make oat milk at home.
Reposted with permission from Healthline. For detailed source information, please view the original article on Healthline.
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