And how do these two plant-based options compare to dairy milk?
Now oat milk and almond milk are among the most popular options.
But do these two compare in terms of theirnutrients and health benefits?
Photo:Diana Vyshniakova/Getty Images
Does either offer a similar array of nutrients to cows milk?
Both options are dairy free, which is helpful for anyone with sensitivities to dairy.
Plus, as plant-based products, both oat and almond milks offerplant compounds.
However, its helpful to see the nutritional comparison between fortified and unfortifiedplant-based milks.
Some fortified oat and almond milk brands even contain bonus nutrients like protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
But homemade versions of either [plant] milk will not contain much nutrition at all, she adds.
The soaking process ends up pulling more nutrients out of the oats than almonds.
Further, oats may be an anti-inflammatory product, Hadley explains.
“Oats contain lignans and phenols, which can have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
A nondairy product, this is a solid choice for people who are lactose intolerant.
Additionally, some brands may include added oils like canola oil to increase creaminess and mouthfeel.
Which One Is More Sustainable?
There are sustainability considerations to take into account for both almond and oat milks.
Based on this information, oat milk tends to be the more sustainable option.
When it comes down to it, both oat milk and almond milk are healthy choices.
Choosing unsweetened varieties can help minimize some of these trade offs, says Carli.
Frequently Asked Questions
There isn’t one plant-based milk that’s best for everyone, explains Hadley.
“Each milk has a unique set of nutrients, and one isn’t necessarily healthier than another.
Regardless of the punch in you choose, Hadley recommends looking for products labeled unsweetened to limit sugar intake.
Again, the answer to this depends on the individual’s health needs.
