Oat drink is by far the best plant-based alternative to dairy (for legal reasons, apparently it’s not allowed to call any dairy-free drink ‘milk?) Many people are choosing to make the switch, whether it be for animal welfare, environmental or health reasons.
Whereas there are many plant-based dairy alternatives on the market, oats are one of the few ingredients that can be locally-grown. Almonds can be grown in Europe (but most almond drinks are from brands abroad where there is controversy over farming methods, which impact bees and other wildlife). Same with cashews.
And coconut milk again is not local. And it’s very strong in taste, so some people are not keen to use it in hot drinks. Or even recipes.
Oat drink is not a substitute for formula. Always talk to your GP and midwife about dairy alternatives, for babies and weaning.
Keep plantmilks away from pets (due to nuts, chocolate etc). Read more on food safety for people & pets.
Read more below on Overherd oat drink powder online that you mix with water. Use code NATURALLY10 for 10% discount for first-time buyers.
Oat Drink Makes Creamy Drinks!
By far, oat drink is the best choice if you like a creamy cappuccino or hot chocolate. It’s naturally thick and creamy, which is why it’s often the plant-based beverage of choice for coffee shops.
Most brands offer ‘barista’ versions that are designed to work with coffee machines.
Oat Drink Has Healthy Fibre
No animal foods have fibre. But oat drink does. Just like porridge, it contains soluble fibre, that kind of ‘sweeps out your insides’ of bad cholesterol.
Naturally cholesterol-free, it’s a great alternative if you like creamy drinks (or carbonara-style creamy pasta dishes).
Oat Drink is High in Protein and Calcium
We are often told that we must drink dairy for calcium. But in fact, many plant foods are high in calcium and protein, and oats are one of them. As part of a balanced diet, they are packed with nutrients.
Oat Drink Supports Local Farmers
Organic oats can be locally grown. So it’s a great way to produce income for local organic farmers, and keep money circulating within communities.
Where to Buy Good Oat Drink
ReRooted is the main brand. It was co-founded by an ex-dairy vet and an ex-Manchester United footballer, who with his wife founded England’s first zero waste shop (in Totnes, Devon).
This brand is made with organic oats (they also make other organic plant drinks) and sold in reusable glass bottles, which are delivered by electric vehicle, then washed and used again.
Everything’s rich and creamy, made with organic oats, filtered water, a little sunflower oil and Cornish sea salt. There is also a barista version, and cold coffee brew (sweetened with date syrup).
Visit the site above to find stockists. These include Abel & Cole (screw dry lids firmly back on, then leave next to empty organic veg boxes).
Oato is the other main brand. This was born in Lancashire and sold online at Milk & More. The milks locally are still in glass bottles. It’s also available in strawberry, coffee and chocolate flavours.
This brand has recently gone on sale in Waitrose. Due to logistics, the supermarket version is in plastic bottles (easily recycled at kerbside).
Toats Mylk (Hampshire) is another oat drink sold in returnable glass bottles, ordered via a veg box scheme, with taps on wholesale boxes.
Oat Drink Powder
The other alternative (a good one if you don’t live near anywhere that sells good oat drink) is to buy Overherd oat drink powder online. You can then mix this with water, to make your own oat milk.
Use code NATURALLY10 for 10% discount for first-time buyers.
If making homemade oat drink (oats, vanilla, salt and dates), sterilise jars, before bottling:
Run glass bottles on the highest dishwasher setting or wash in hot soapy water, then dry (no tea towel) in the oven. Sterilise rubber seals, by soaking in a jug of boiling water.
Reusable Silicone Milk Bottle Tops
Milk Topz makes milk bottles (and orange juice bottles) from food-grade silicone. These are airtight and leakproof, to keep any milk fresher for longer. There are also lids to cover yoghurt or cream.
The family business was started by people who did not like the ‘fridge smell’ of opened bottles of milk.
Why Are People Giving Up Dairy?
No-one denies that a small organic dairy farmer treats his cows well. But the big dairy industry (from where most dairy milk is produced – especially for all the by-products used in ready-meals etc) has huge welfare concerns.
In the UK, most male calves (of no financial use to the dairy industry – separate from beef industry) are shot dead, soon after birth.
Many cows spend their entire lives in factory farms, being inseminated and giving birth, then having their calves taken from them. Cows and calves form incredibly strong relationships, and will cry out loudly for weeks, if separated.
Some organisations are helping dairy farmers to transfarm over to growing more profitable oats, giving seeds and training. Remaining animals are then left to live out their lives in peace, akin to farm sanctuaries.
