Coffee is a popular beverage worldwide, with millions of people enjoying it daily. It’s a versatile drink that can be enjoyed hot or cold and with various add-ins such as milk, cream, or sugar. However, with the rise of plant-based milk alternatives, more people are turning to oat milk as a healthier and more sustainable option. In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 reasons to switch to oat milk in your coffee drinks.
1. Health Benefits
Oat milk is an excellent source of nutrients, including vitamins B12, magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Unlike cow’s milk, it is naturally cholesterol-free, low in saturated fat, and easy to digest, making it an ideal choice for those with lactose intolerance or sensitivity. Additionally, oat milk contains beta-glucans, which is a type of soluble fiber that may lower cholesterol levels. For more about the pros and cons of oat milk, check out this article!
In addition to the health benefits for your body, oat milk may also provide benefits for your hair, skin, and nails. Here are a few ways in which oat milk can support your overall health and wellness:
Skin Health
Oat milk is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your skin against damage from free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative stress and contribute to the aging process. Antioxidants neutralize these molecules and prevent them from causing damage to your skin cells. Additionally, the beta-glucans in oat milk can help soothe irritated skin, making it a good option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Hair Health
The beta-glucans in oat milk may also help improve the health of your hair. Beta-glucans are known to strengthen hair follicles, which can reduce hair loss and breakage. Additionally, the vitamin B and iron in oat milk can help nourish your hair and promote healthy growth.
Nail Health
Oat milk is a good source of calcium, which is essential for strong, healthy nails. Calcium is a mineral that helps to build and maintain strong bones, teeth, and nails. Adequate calcium intake can help prevent brittle nails, which are more prone to breaking or chipping.
2. Environmental Impact
Compared to traditional dairy farming, oat milk production has a much lower environmental impact. Dairy farming is one of the most resource-intensive industries, requiring large amounts of land, water, and feed to sustain. On the other hand, dairy-free beverages like oat milk production require significantly less water and land and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, in a study by the University of Oxford found that producing a glass of oat milk requires less than half the greenhouse gas emissions of a glass of dairy milk. For more details on the environmental impact of oat milk compared to the popular soy milk, check out this article.
3. Taste and Texture
Oat milk has a creamy, slightly sweet taste that complements coffee well. It has a similar texture to cow’s milk, making it an excellent option for frothing and creating latte art.
My friend Sofia was craving an iced matcha latte on a hot day, and when she ordered it, the barista accidentally used oat milk instead of the usual dairy milk. Though hesitant at first, Sofia found that she loved the creaminess of the oat milk in her drink and made it her mission to go back to the same coffee shop and order the same drink with oat milk again. The happy mistake introduced Sofia to a new ingredient that she had never considered before, and she soon found herself buying oat milk for her coffee drinks at home.
If you want to read more about oat milk in coffee drinks, check out our list of coffee and oat milk pairings!
4. Accessibility
One of the great things about oat milk is how widely available it has become in recent years. Many coffee shops and cafes now offer oat milk as a standard option alongside traditional dairy milk and other non-dairy milk alternatives like soy and almond milk.
This increased availability is due in part to the growing demand for plant-based options among consumers. As more people choose to reduce or eliminate animal products from their diets, the demand for plant-based milk alternatives has grown, and coffee shops and cafes have responded by offering a wider range of options. Check out our list of popular coffee shops that carry oat milk here.
In addition to coffee shops and cafes, oat milk is also widely available at most grocery stores and supermarkets. You can find it in the dairy aisle or the health food section, depending on the store. It’s also relatively affordable compared to some other non-dairy milk alternatives, making it an accessible choice for those on a budget.
Overall, the accessibility of oat milk has made it an attractive option for many people, whether they’re looking for a healthier, more sustainable alternative to dairy milk or simply want to try something new. With so many options available, it’s easy to incorporate oat milk into your daily routine, whether you’re at home, at work, or on the go.
5. Ethical Considerations
Some people choose to switch to oat milk due to ethical concerns surrounding the dairy industry. Dairy cows are often subjected to inhumane living conditions, and their calves are taken away from them shortly after birth, causing emotional distress for both the mother and calf. By choosing a plant-based milk alternative like oat milk, you can avoid supporting these practices and promote a more compassionate approach to food consumption.
Give Oat Milk A Try In Your Favorite Coffee Drink
There are many reasons to start using oat milk in your coffee drinks. Not only is it a healthy and sustainable option, but it also offers a delicious taste and texture. With so many benefits to consider, it’s no wonder that oat milk is becoming an increasingly popular choice for coffee lovers!
Recent Posts
The Best Oat Milk To Use In Lattes, Iced Coffee, Baking, & More
Are you searching for the best oat milk to use in your coffee or recipes? There are a lot of choices on the market these days, but which one should you buy? With all the different editions, flavors,...
