The Rise of Oat Beverage: Why We Can’t Get Enough of It
- The Economic Botanist
- Apr 21
- 9 min read
Oat beverages, sometimes call oat milk, has quietly (and quickly) become a star in the many countries around the world. A few years ago, it was a niche option tucked away in health food shops. Now? It’s everywhere—your local café, your friend’s fridge, and probably even in your own morning coffee.
So what’s behind the boom? In short, oat beverage checks a lot of boxes: it’s better for the planet, easy on your body, and often made from locally-grown ingredients. Let’s take a closer look at why oat beverage is having such a moment—and what it means for the future of plant-based drinks.
Table of Contents
First Things First: What Is Oat Beverage?
Oat beverage is made by blending oats with water and then straining out the solids. The result is a smooth, creamy drink that works well in coffee, cereal, smoothies—you name it.
Most brands add a few extras like calcium, vitamin D, and B12 (which is especially helpful if you’re vegan or dairy-free). Some even have extra protein or are designed to froth perfectly for barista-style drinks.
Is It Correct to Call it Oat Milk As Well?
The term "oat milk" has become widely accepted in everyday language, but there's ongoing debate about whether it's technically correct to call it "milk" since it's not derived from mammals. Here's a breakdown of the key issues:
Legal Considerations: In some regions, like the European Union, the term "milk" is legally reserved for dairy products. As a result, oat milk and other plant-based beverages are often labeled as "oat drink" or "oat beverage" to avoid confusion and comply with regulations. While these restrictions aren't as strict in places like the U.S. and Canada, the term "milk" still raises concerns among dairy advocates, who argue it could mislead consumers about the nutritional content of plant-based drinks.
Consumer Understanding: For many people, calling it "oat milk" simply makes sense. It’s easy to understand that oat milk is a creamy, dairy-free alternative to cow's milk, especially when used in coffee, baking, or smoothies. The term helps consumers quickly identify the product and its intended use. Plus, it has become so widely accepted that changing the name could lead to confusion.
Nutritional Differences: One of the arguments against using "milk" is that plant-based alternatives like oat milk don’t have the same nutritional profile as cow’s milk, particularly in terms of protein content. While many oat milks are fortified with calcium and vitamins, they typically have less protein than dairy milk. This can lead to confusion for consumers who might expect the same health benefits from oat milk as they get from traditional milk.
In short, while there are legal and nutritional arguments against calling it "oat milk," the term has become so popular and widely understood that it's unlikely to change anytime soon. Whether or not it's "technically correct," it’s a term that helps people make sense of what the product is and how it fits into their diets.
In this blog post, we will use the term "oat beverage" because it aligns with current legal regulations in certain regions and better reflects the fact that oat-based drinks are not nutritionally identical to dairy milk, ensuring clarity and transparency for all readers.
Is Oat Beverage Actually Healthy?
For most people, yes—oat beverage is a great choice.
Here’s why:
It’s high in fibre, thanks to beta-glucans, which are good for your heart.
It’s usually low in saturated fat and has no cholesterol.
It’s lactose-free, which is helpful if dairy doesn’t sit well with you.
Many oat beverages are often fortified with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
Oat Beverages and the Planet: A Cleaner Choice
One of the biggest reasons people are switching to oat beverages? It’s much better for the environment than dairy—and even most other plant-based beverages.
Here’s the deal:
Oats grow in a variety of climates, but they thrive best in cool, temperate regions. With the right care and attention, they can even be grown in warmer climates. This ensures local ingredients for beverage manufacturers.
It uses way less water than almond beverages, for example (like, a lot less).
It produces fewer greenhouse gases than cow’s milk.
It also doesn’t contribute to deforestation, unlike some soy crops grown overseas.
Why People in the World Are Loving Oat Beverages
There’s more to this than just health and sustainability. Oat beverages are winning hearts (and taste buds) across the globe for a few simple reasons:
It’s great in tea and coffee—it doesn’t split or curdle like some other alt-milks do.
It’s widely available, from your local supermarket to coffee shops and corner stores.
It’s often cheaper than almond or coconut milk, and getting closer in price to regular dairy.
And let’s be honest—it just tastes good.
Younger shoppers, in particular, are paying more attention to where their food comes from and how it affects their health, animals, and the planet. Oat beverages fit right into that mindset.
What This Means for the Future of Plant-Based Drinks
The rise of oat beverage isn’t just a passing trend. It’s part of a bigger shift in how we eat and drink—more plant-based, more sustainable, and more thoughtful.
We’re already seeing:
Supermarkets rolling out own-brand oat milks at lower prices.
Coffee shops defaulting to oat beverages in certain drinks (Pret, Starbucks, and others are already doing this).
New products popping up like oat-based yoghurts, ice creams, and creamers.
A surge in investment in oat startups, especially ones focused on sustainability.
If this keeps going (and it probably will), oats might go from breakfast staple to plant-based powerhouse.
How to Make Oat Beverages at Home
Making your own oat beverage at home is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to enjoy a healthy, plant-based alternative to dairy. Not only does homemade oat beverage taste incredibly fresh, but it’s also customizable to suit your preferences—whether you like it sweet, unsweetened, creamy, or light. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly option since it reduces the need for packaging and transportation.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make the perfect oat beverage at home:
Ingredients:
1 cup rolled oats (use certified gluten-free oats if needed)
4 cups water
Sweetener (optional): 1-2 tbsp maple syrup, agave syrup, or honey (or adjust to taste)
Vanilla extract (optional): 1 tsp for a hint of flavor
Pinch of salt (optional, but it enhances flavor)
Steps:
Rinse the Oats: Rinse your oats under cold water to remove any excess starch. This helps to avoid a thick, gooey texture in your beverage.
Blend the Oats: Add the rinsed oats and water to a blender. If you want sweeter or flavored oat milk, add the sweetener and vanilla extract now. Blend on high for about 30 seconds until everything is fully combined and the mixture looks creamy.
Strain the Milk: Pour the oat milk through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or a fine mesh strainer into a clean bowl or pitcher. If you don’t have one of these, a clean kitchen towel can also work in a pinch. Squeeze or press the mixture to extract as much liquid as possible.
Store: Transfer the freshly made oat milk into a sealed container or bottle and store it in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Give it a shake before use, as it can naturally separate over time.
Tips for Perfect Oat Beverages:
Consistency: For thicker beverage, use less water (e.g., 3 cups instead of 4). If it’s too thick for your liking, just add more water when blending.
Avoid Over-blending: Don’t over-blend the oats, as it can make the beverage a bit slimy. 30 seconds is usually enough.
No Sweetener Needed: If you want plain, unsweetened oat beverage, just skip the sweetener and vanilla extract.
Straining: Some people choose not to strain oat beverage, especially if they like the extra fiber. If you don’t mind the texture, leave it as is for a creamier consistency.
How to Use Homemade Oat Beverages:
In coffee or tea
With cereals or oatmeal
In smoothies or baking
As a base for creamy sauces or soups
Top 5 Great Oat Beverage Brands to Try
Here's a list of popular oat milk brands in key markets around the world:
Canada
Oatly: A well-known Swedish brand that’s widely available in Canada.
Silk: Offers oat milk in a variety of flavors and is a go-to plant-based drink in Canada.
Earth’s Own: A Canadian brand that makes oat milk using Canadian oats.
Chobani: Known for its yogurt, Chobani also offers a popular oat milk in Canada.
So Delicious: Offers a variety of dairy-free alternatives, including oat milk.
United States
Oatly: A market leader in oat milk, known for its Barista blend perfect for coffee.
Califia Farms: Offers a rich, creamy oat milk with a range of flavors.
Planet Oat: A popular brand that provides a variety of oat milk options.
Elmhurst 1925: Known for its minimal ingredients, Elmhurst makes a creamy oat milk.
Silk: A top name in plant-based beverages, Silk also produces oat milk in different variations.
United Kingdom
Oatly: One of the most popular oat milk brands in the UK.
Alpro: Offers oat milk as part of its extensive range of dairy-free beverages.
Minor Figures: A UK-based company that produces a creamy oat milk, often used in coffee.
Rude Health: Known for its natural ingredients, Rude Health offers oat milk with a clean, creamy taste.
M&S (Marks & Spencer): A retailer that also sells its own-brand oat milk, often with a local sourcing emphasis.
Australia
Oatly: Widely available in supermarkets across Australia, this Swedish brand is a market leader.
Vitasoy: This brand offers an oat milk that’s popular in Australia.
MooVita: A plant-based drink company from Australia offering oat milk.
So Good: Known for almond milk, So Good also has a popular oat milk in Australia.
Pure Harvest: This Australian brand is committed to organic ingredients and offers oat milk options.
France
Oatly: A major player in France, especially in coffee shops and supermarkets.
Bjorg: A well-known organic brand offering oat milk as part of its range of plant-based drinks.
Alpro: Popular across Europe, Alpro is also a top choice for oat milk in France.
Sénia: A French brand offering oat milk with an emphasis on quality and natural ingredients.
Isola Bio: An Italian brand with a strong presence in France, offering high-quality oat milk.
Brazil
Nude: A popular Brazilian brand that offers a variety of oat milk, including with added cacao, condensed milk and a thicker version of oat cooking cream.
A Tal da Castanha: known for its vegan and organic products, this brand offers an option that is gluten-free.
Naveia: A Brazilian brand of oat beverages also strongly engaged on social, environmental and ethical issues.
Do Bem: A popular Brazilian brand offering oat milk as part of its plant-based drink range.
Tao: Brazilian oat milk brand with a focus on sustainable production.
Vida Vegan: Offers oat milk as part of a growing line of vegan alternatives in Brazil.
VeganWay: A local Brazilian brand offering oat milk with a variety of flavors.
Italy
Oatly: Available in Italian supermarkets and coffee shops, Oatly is very popular in Italy.
Isola Bio: One of the top brands in Italy, offering organic oat milk made with Italian oats.
Alpro: A strong presence in the Italian market, offering various plant-based milk options, including oat.
Senza Lattosio: A well-known Italian dairy-free brand offering oat milk options.
Provamel: This organic brand is another option for oat milk in Italy.
Germany
Oatly: A market leader in Germany, Oatly’s Barista blend is especially popular in coffee shops.
Alpro: Widely available in Germany, Alpro offers oat milk in various flavors and formulations.
DM Bio: A German organic brand offering oat milk in their range of plant-based beverages.
Rewe Bio: A store-brand option available at Rewe, one of the largest supermarket chains in Germany.
Kult Oat Milk: A German brand offering oat milk with a focus on high-quality, locally-sourced ingredients.
Denmark
Oatly: Oatly, as the home country brand of Sweden, has a significant market share in Denmark.
Arla: Known for dairy, Arla also offers oat milk products in Denmark.
Naturli’: A Danish brand producing plant-based drinks, including oat milk with a focus on organic ingredients.
Samsø: A Danish brand offering oat milk as part of its range of plant-based beverages.
Planti: A popular plant-based drink company in Denmark offering oat milk made from local ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Switch?
Oat beverages are more than just a trendy milk alternative—it’s a sign of where things are heading. It’s healthy, gentle on the planet, and easy to find. And with so many world brands using local oats, it’s a simple swap that can make a real difference.
If you haven’t tried it yet, now’s the time. Start with your morning coffee and see how it feels. You might just make the switch for good.
Over to You!
Are you team oat milk yet? Got a favourite brand? Tried it in tea or baking? Let us know what you think—we’d love to hear your thoughts!
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