A Primer on Europe’s Hippest Non-Dairy Milk
Being lactose-intolerant and having just spent about a month overseas, I noticed a strange trend while frolicking between?European coffee shops and bakeries. Soymilk was a rarity. Almondmilk was practically nonexistent. And let?s not even talk about coconut milk. But you know what was in every?single cafe? Oatmilk.
Oatly is a Swedish-based company that does one thing really well?makes oatmilk. Oatly was?in almost every coffee shop and grocery store that I entered. And you know what? I get it. Oatmilk is delicious. But the benefits of drinking oatmilk extend well beyond taste and texture. Here’s everything you need to know…
It’s super affordable.
Since?store-bought oatmilk is way cheaper to buy than other non-dairy and dairy alternatives (you can buy a lot of organic oats for only a few bucks), it makes sense that it?s even cheaper to make. And it doesn?t require all that pesky soaking that almonds and cashews require. Just put your oats in a blender with some water (and any sweetener you desire), blend and strain. Super fast, super easy and it lasts for about 3 days in the fridge. (When using homemade oatmilk, be cautious about heating it on the stove or baking with it. It has the unique tendency to gel up.)
It’s more sustainable.
Oatmilk also has a significantly lower environmental impact than its more popular American cousin, almondmilk. We all know that nuts are an especially intensive crop and, in these times of Californian drought and the decline of bees, blending them into a milk can seem like a bit of a waste. Oats, on the other hand, are much less water intensive and much easier to grow. And, of course, oatmilk is?way easier on the environment than traditional cow milk, which has gotten environmentally out of hand. In Sweden, Oatly is using?oatmilk as?a way for farmers to transition out of environmentally-intensive, nonsensical livestock farming and start using their land to produce clean foods for human consumption. Switching over to oatmilk is a move in a more sustainable direction.
It’s nutritious.
Oatmilk is a plant-based drink that is rich in soluble fiber, protein and nutrients like manganese, potassium, phosphorus, B vitamins, vitamin E and vitamin A. It is vegan, dairy-free and can even be raw-friendly if made at home. Plus, oatmilk has a creamy, earthy, neutral flavor that easily compliments?other?flavors, unlike other milks that rather aggressively?stand out (I’m looking at you, coconut milk).
It may not be Celiac or Paleo friendly.
Be aware that oat milk is not necessarily for everyone. It’s not Paleo-friendly, since oats are a grain. Those with Celiac disease may not be able to handle the proteins in oats, even if they are certified gluten-free. And for those of you watching carb consumption, oatmilk is?way denser in carbohydrates than nut milks. So, it’s not perfect for everyone. But if you don’t have any of the above limitations, go ahead and give an oatmilk latte a try.
Oatmilk is becoming increasingly more popular here in the States. Look for it at your local coffee shop or grocery store, or try making some at home. It’s nutritious. It’s delicious. If you’re anything like me, it’s probably going to be your new favorite thing.
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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.
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