Oat milk is often touted as a healthier alternative to dairy milk. But have you ever stopped to wonder just how much sugar is lurking in your oat milk? A recent study conducted by the non-profit organization, Change London, found that some brands of oat milk can contain just as much sugar as soda.
Oat milk is made by blending soaked oats with water, and then straining the mixture to produce a creamy, dairy-free milk alternative. While oat milk does contain some beneficial nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, it can also be high in added sugars, especially in flavored varieties. In addition, gram for gram, oat milk is worse for your blood sugar than soda.
A serving of flavored oat milk, such as vanilla or chocolate, can contain up to 13 grams of sugar per cup. That’s almost the same amount of sugar as a can of soda! And even plain, unsweetened oat milk can have up to 7 grams of natural sugar per cup.
So, what’s a better alternative to oat milk? The answer is simple: plain, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk. Almond milk and soy milk have significantly less sugar than oat milk.
A serving of unsweetened soy milk contains only 1 gram of sugar per cup, while unsweetened almond milk has no sugars at all! Both almond milk and soy milk are also rich in protein, making them a great alternative to dairy milk.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free milk alternative that’s low in sugar, go for plain, unsweetened almond milk or soy milk. These options provide all of the benefits of oat milk without the added sugars.
But if you really love the taste of oat milk, there are a few things you can do to make it healthier. First, look for unsweetened varieties of oat milk. Brands like Oatly and Pacific Foods offer unsweetened oat milk options that are low in sugar. Additionally, you can make your own oat milk at home to control the ingredients and sugar content.
So to be clear, while oat milk might seem like a healthy alternative to dairy milk, it can be high in added sugars, especially in flavored varieties. To make the healthiest choice for your body, opt for unsweetened almond milk or soy milk instead. And if you just can’t resist the delicious taste of oat milk, stick to unsweetened versions or make your own at home with low-sugar ingredients.