Ingredient Spotlight: The Benefits of Oat Milk Powder
Heart-healthy, fiber-rich, and delicious — see why oat milk belongs in your cup.
Oat Milk Benefits: Why This Vegan Drink Is Transforming Healthy Lifestyles
Vegan milks are leading the plant-based movement transforming the food industry. In fact, plant-based milk sales rose 33% in just three years, hitting $2.6 billion in 2021. And among them, oat milk has quickly become a star — rising to second place among dairy alternatives. But why is this grain-based milk such a favorite, and what are the oat milk benefits you should know about?
What Is Oat Milk?
Commercially produced oat milk is made by blending rolled oats with water and then straining the pulp to create a creamy beverage. Some brands add oils, enzymes, or fortifying vitamins, but the core process remains simple. Feeling adventurous? Try making oat milk at home.
What’s in it?
The USDA nutrition label for one cup of Oatly oat milk includes:
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 5g
- Sodium: 101mg
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1.9g
- Sugars: 7g
- Protein: 3g
- Calcium: 350.4mg
- Vitamin B12: 1.2mcg
- Vitamin B2: 0.6mg
But what do these numbers mean? Let’s break down the oat milk benefits compared to dairy and other plant-based milks.
Why Oat Milk Is Better Than Dairy
1. Intolerance-Friendly
Oat milk is lactose-free, nut-free, and (often) gluten-free — making it an inclusive option for those with dietary restrictions. Just remember to check packaging carefully; some oats are processed in facilities with gluten or nuts.
2. Heart Healthy
Oat milk stands out for cardiovascular health in three ways:
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Zero Cholesterol: Dairy milk contains up to 12 g of cholesterol per cup. High cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis, but oat milk contains zero cholesterol.
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Zero Saturated Fats: Saturated fats solidify in the arteries; oat milk contains none.
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High in Soluble Fiber: Oat milk’s beta-glucan fiber binds to cholesterol in your digestive tract and helps remove it, supporting heart health.
3. Lower Sugar Load
Oat milk tastes sweet but contains about 7 g of sugar per cup versus dairy’s 12.5 g. Beta-glucan fiber also regulates how your body absorbs carbohydrates, avoiding dangerous blood sugar spikes.
4. High in Plant-Based Protein
With 3 g of protein per cup, oat milk beats almond, coconut, rice, and cashew milks — and is second only to soy milk (8 g).
5. Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
Oat milk is often fortified with calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and folate, which support healthy bones, red blood cell formation, and energy production.
Oat Milk and Functional Mushrooms
At Daybreak Cacao, we love oat milk so much we use it in all of our blends.
Why? Because oat milk’s creamy base perfectly complements cacao and functional mushrooms like chaga, lion’s mane, and cordyceps — adding to the adaptogenic, stress-reducing benefits of our drinks.
How to Enjoy Oat Milk
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Use it as the base for smoothies or lattes
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Stir it into your morning cacao drink for a creamy texture
In Conclusion
Oat milk’s popularity has soared for good reason: its creamy texture, plant-based nutrition, and heart-healthy fiber make it a standout among alternative milks. Whether you’re vegan, lactose-intolerant, or simply looking for healthier swaps, oat milk offers a delicious way to nourish your body.