Considering a significant portion of people are lactose intolerant and/or vegan, it's not surprising that a bunch of alternatives to cow's milk have popped up over the years. You've probably heard of soy milk, almond milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. Now there's a promising new cow's milk alternative: oat milk!
What is oat milk, you ask? You take rolled or steel-cut oats, blend them with water, and strain the resulting mix to end up with a creamy milk-like drink.
What sets this new alternative milk contender apart?
Oat milk is:
- Dairy-free,
- Nut-free,
- Soy-free,
- Full of healthy fiber,
- Creamier in texture than some other alt milks,
- And it's fast and cheap to make at home.
On top of those reasons, oat crops are great for farmers and the environment. They're hardy and tolerant of all kinds of weather, so they can grow in many climates with less pesticides or fertilizers. Oat crops also help replenish soil nutrients. Does the buzz among healthy eating aficionados make sense now?