Oat milk is several times more expensive than cow's milk. Is it oats or milk?

In the past two years, a "plant trend" has been blowing from the West, such as plant-based meat and plant-based milk.

The promotional points are very eye-catching, such as low fat, low calories, 0 cholesterol, rich in dietary fiber, high calcium content, etc., which are quite attractive.

In particular, the "oat milk" was once sold out in the United States.

In China, it is also marketed as a "high-end" drink, or even "exclusive to the middle class."

But if you tell me that oat milk is not milk and its nutritional value cannot compare with oats and milk, would you still be willing to pay for it?

1. Oat milk is not milk, nor is it oats. Although "oat milk" is called "milk", it has nothing to do with milk.

It’s just that its color and texture are more like milk, so it’s called “oat milk”.

▲The left picture shows milk, and the right picture shows oat milk

In fact, its real name is "oatmeal dew", which is similar to the "almond dew" we are familiar with.

Although the nutritional value of oats is recognized, it is not only rich in dietary fiber and B vitamins, but also has a low glycemic index.

However, during the production process of this "oat milk", the oats must first be hydrolyzed to produce natural glucose to give it a light sweet taste.

In addition, insoluble dietary fiber, vitamins and other nutrients must be filtered out.

At the same time, in order to ensure a smooth taste, vegetable oil and stabilizers are generally added.

Therefore, the nutritional value of "oat milk" cannot be compared with that of oats.

If you drink oat milk just for the oats, then I advise you to just eat oats.

▲The animated picture comes from soogif

2. Oat milk VS milk, nutritional value comparison. Since oat milk cannot replace oats, can its nutritional value be comparable to that of milk?

We selected two products with relatively high sales volume for comparison.

It turned out that the nutritional value of "oat milk" is much inferior to that of milk, but the price is twice that of milk.

First of all, in terms of protein content, milk has an absolute advantage.

Secondly, although the calcium content of the two is similar, the calcium in "oat milk" is added calcium carbonate and tricalcium phosphate, which are not as well absorbed and utilized as the native calcium in milk.

The main purpose of drinking milk is to consume high-quality protein and calcium.

Judging from these two nutrients alone, "oat milk" cannot replace milk.

Of course, "oat milk" also has some advantages of its own, such as low fat content, no cholesterol, trans fatty acids, etc.

However, soy milk, peanut milk, walnut milk, and almond milk plant protein drinks that have long been available in China also have these advantages.

3. Oat milk is more suitable for these people. So, who is suitable for drinking "oat milk" or this type of "plant milk"?

We have summarized that the following groups of people are most suitable.

1. People who need to lower cholesterol

Compared with animal milk such as cow's milk and goat's milk, "oat milk" has a low fat content and contains no cholesterol. It is indeed more beneficial for lowering cholesterol and is also more friendly to people with high cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

2. Vegetarian

"Oat milk" is a lactose-free vegan drink suitable for vegetarians, especially those who are lactose intolerant.

But if it is simply "lactose intolerance", you can replace milk with lactose-free milk or yogurt.

3. People who are allergic to milk protein

People who are allergic to milk protein should not only not drink milk, but also be careful about baked goods, desserts, drinks, etc. that contain milk ingredients. At this time, you can use "oat milk" instead of milk.

▲The animated picture comes from soogif

If you are curious about the taste of "oat milk", we also asked our colleagues in the office to taste it for you and unlocked two ways to drink it:

1. Drink directly

The taste is relatively light and the mouthfeel is quite smooth, but most people say they are not used to drinking it.

2. Add it to coffee as a companion

It can neutralize the bitterness of coffee. Overall, the taste and texture are good and more acceptable.

In addition, compared to traditional coffee companion (non-dairy creamer), "oat milk" is much healthier.

Many coffee shops now offer the option of replacing milk with "oat milk", but it costs an additional 5 yuan~

So, would you pay for such "oat milk"?

Source: Dad Review