Oat Milk vs Almond

Find yourself regularly getting caught between oat and almond milk? While both can be delicious in different ways, there are different reasons people prefer one of the two. 

Each boasts a unique flavour profile, nutritional benefits, and environmental impact, making the decision anything but straightforward. 

Whether you're a barista crafting the perfect latte or simply someone deciding what to enjoy with your morning cereal, the choice between these two plant-based titans can significantly influence your diet. 

While we may be slightly biased out here at GF Oats, we do find there’s something to enjoy no matter what you end up choosing, whether it’s almond or oat milk. At the end of the day, it depends on the heart of individual dietary needs, environmental considerations, and personal likes.  

Nutritional Profile

Both oat milk and almond milk offer distinct nutritional benefits, making them popular choices among those looking for dairy-free alternatives. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences:

Oat Milk

Calories 

Oat milk typically has more calories than almond milk, due in part to its higher carbohydrate content. If you make your own oat milk, this will be lower since it will be free of added sugars. 100 ml of unsweetened oat milk is about 50 calories.

Carbohydrates 

It is higher in carbohydrates compared to almond milk, which can be an important consideration for those monitoring their carb intake. 100 ml of unsweetened oat milk has about 8g of carbohydrates.

Protein  

It has a moderate amount of protein, though not as high as soy or cow’s milk. 100 ml of unsweetened oat milk has about 1g of protein.

Fats 

Generally low in fats, though slightly higher than almond milk, with a mix of saturated and unsaturated fats. 100 ml of unsweetened oat milk has about 2g of fat.

Vitamins and Minerals 

Often fortified with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, Calcium, and sometimes Vitamin B12. It naturally contains B-vitamins, which are important for energy metabolism.

Almond Milk

Calories 

Almond milk is typically lower in calories than oat milk, making it a popular choice for calorie-conscious individuals. 100 ml of unsweetened almond milk is about 31 calories. 

Carbohydrates 

It has lower carbohydrates, which might be preferred by those on low-carb diets. 100 ml of unsweetened almond milk has about 3g of carbohydrates.

Fibre 

Almond milk contains very little to no fibre.

Protein 

Generally low in protein, especially when compared to dairy milk or oat milk. 100 ml of unsweetened almond milk has about 1g of protein.

Fats  

Contains healthy fats, primarily monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health. 100 ml of unsweetened almond milk has about 1.7g of fat.

Vitamins and Minerals 

Almond milk is often fortified with vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D and Calcium. It naturally contains Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

Taste & Texture

When it comes to taste and texture, oat milk and almond milk offer distinct experiences that cater to different preferences. The choice between oat milk and almond milk can significantly influence the flavour profile and texture of your culinary creations. 

Here's a closer look at the sensory qualities of each:

Oat Milk

Oat milk is known for its naturally sweet and mild flavour, with a hint of earthiness that mirrors the taste of oats themselves. This inherent sweetness makes it a popular choice for sweetening coffee, tea, and other beverages without the need for added sugars.

It has a creamy, rich texture that closely mimics the mouthfeel of dairy milk. This creaminess makes oat milk particularly well-suited for frothing in lattes and cappuccinos, as well as adding body to smoothies and baked goods.

Almond Milk

Almond milk tends to have a lightly sweet and nutty flavour, although it is generally more subtle and less pronounced than the taste of oat milk. Unsweetened varieties can be quite mild, while sweetened or flavoured versions enhance the almond taste. Almond milk is known to be not very sustainable because of the amount of chemicals and water used in the process. 

Oat milk's rich, creamy texture and sweeter taste make it ideal for those looking to add a smooth, velvety touch to their beverages and dishes. On the other hand, almond milk's light and refreshing consistency, coupled with its subtle nuttiness, offers a more understated option that complements rather than dominates the flavours of your meals and drinks.  

Taste the difference and start by making your own oat milk with GF Oats milk-making kit. The kit comes with an oat milk bag, a milk bottle and a recipe to help you through the process. Give it a shot from the comfort of home and let us know whether you prefer the creamy richness of oat milk or the smooth taste of almond milk.