Nearly half of all Canadians are lactose intolerant, and almost 2 million Canadians are vegan.
These things have led to the rise of milk substitutes, like almost milk, soy milk, and oat milk. Millions of people use these milk alternatives to drink, put in their coffee, and cook with. But what are they really made of?
In this post, we'll look specifically at one of them and ask the question, "What is oat milk?". Whether you're going vegan yourself or you've recently found yourself with a lactose issue, keep reading, and we'll explain some of the uses and benefits of oat milk.
What Is Oat Milk?
Your first question about oat milk is probably going to be: "How is oat milk made?"
Homemade oat milk is made by soaking whole oats in water, then blending them, and straining the mixture to get rid of the pulp. Commercially, there may be larger equipment and ingredients used to break down the starch. Either way, the end result is the creamy beverage we all know and love.
Common oat milk additives include oils to make the milk creamier, as well as sugar and other sweeteners to add flavour. Some oat milk companies will also fortify the milk with vitamins and nutrients to add to the oat's already nutritious configuration.
Benefits of Oat Milk Vs. Cow Milk
Oats come with a wide variety of health benefits. They're high in fibre and protein, which promotes digestive health - something that you don't get with cow milk. Oats are also a significant source of Vitamin B, so it helps eliminate bodily stress and oxidative damage while giving you healthy skin.
Oat milk nutrition doesn't stop there. Unlike other lactose-free beverages, oat milk is great for lowering bad cholesterol and promoting bone health, much like cow milk.
How to Use Oat Milk
Unlike cow's milk, you may not want to drink straight-oat milk every day. That said, it can be a creamy, tasty beverage all on its own.
Beyond that, you can use oat milk in much the same way as you would with cow's milk. It makes a great addition to coffee, but you can add it to smoothies, make pancakes with it, and put it in baked goods as a vegan replacement.
The sheer number of uses for oat milk is responsible for its gigantic rise in popularity. Nowadays, you can ask for oak milk in almost any coffee shop and there are countless brands available in grocery stores.
Get Your Oat Milk from Us
What is oat milk, and why is it so popular?
It's easy to see why oat milk has become so popular in the last decade or so. With people becoming more conscious of their health and dietary restrictions, oat milk has filled the void created by cow's milk.
Whether you're a cafe owner or you run a convenience shop, stocking oat milk is a wise move. Getting a great oat milk supplier in Toronto doesn't have to be hard either. With 25 years of experience as a milk supplier in the city, you can rely on us at Mr. Dairy and Food Distributing for all your oat milk needs.