There was a time when lactose intolerance or veganism meant that certain foods were off the menu.
Now, thanks to an influx of dairy-free alternatives such as oat milk, we can once again enjoy the great taste of some of our favorite foods.
Whether or not you live a dairy-free lifestyle, you should try oat milk in your cereal at least once.
Thanks to the oaty flavor, it complements a bowl of cereal particularly well while balancing out the corn flavors. In addition, oat milk offers an extremely similar texture to its dairy alternative and provides a nice balance to your bowl.
Continue reading to explore several reasons you should try adding oat milk to your cereal today.
Nine Benefits of Oat Milk For Cereal
From its smooth, creamy taste to the fortification of essential vitamins and minerals, there are several health benefits associated with oat milk.
1. The Taste Compliments Your Cereal
Thanks to the oaty flavor of this dairy-free milk, the taste perfectly compliments a bowl of cereal.
In addition, it balances out the sometimes overwhelming corn flavor of cereals to provide you with a perfectly palatable bowl of nutrition.
Related: What Does Oat Milk Taste Like?
2. It Has A Similar Texture To Dairy Milk
Sometimes, the texture of a dish can affect how you perceive the taste; if you replace a regular bowl of dairy milk with something that is either too watery or too thick, it can seriously hamper your eating experience.
That's why oat milk is an excellent alternative to dairy milk, especially if you're just making the change.
This plant-based milk offers a smooth texture and is one of the best dairy milk imitations in terms of its consistency.
3. Oat Milk Is A Good Source Of Fiber
Oat milk can provide an excellent boost of fiber to a bowl of cereal, particularly those brands which retain their whole-grain nutrition during the manufacturing process.
Fiber is an essential element of our diet to help us process waste and keep our guts healthy.
A good dose of fiber can also regulate the amount of LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad cholesterol" in our blood.
Related: Is Oat Milk Healthy?
4. Oats Are An Excellent Addition To Your Diet
Oats are 100% whole grain, so they're packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as calcium and iron.
In addition, scientists have proven that beta-glucan (one of the fibers contained in oats) can control blood sugar and improve cholesterol levels.
And the benefits don't end there. Studies have also shown that beta-glucan can improve our gut health and immunity.
5. It Can Help Lower Your Cholesterol
Several studies, such as this one and this one, have demonstrated the positive impacts of oat milk on an individual's cholesterol.
Plus, the fiber boost in these products helps reduce the risk of heart disease or heart attacks by regulating the amount of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) in our blood.
Opt for an unsweetened version to maximize the effect of these benefits.
Related: Is Oat Milk Good For Cholesterol?
6. Oat Milk Is A Great Calcium Alternative
When switching from dairy to non-dairy options, many of us worry that we're sacrificing a vital source of calcium which is essential for maintaining our teeth and bones.
But oat milk packs a hefty dose of calcium, with around 350mg in the average cup.
An adult requires somewhere between 1000-1300mg on an average day, so adding a cup of oat milk to your morning bowl of cereal is a great way to start the day.
Our bodies also use calcium to carry messages between our brain and the rest of our body, move the blood through our vessels and release essential enzymes and hormones.
7. Oat Milk Possesses Several Beneficial Properties
Along with being an excellent source of fiber and calcium, there are several other vitamins and minerals that this smooth beverage provides.
On average, one cup of oat milk contains 20% of the daily value of phosphorus for an adult.
This mineral works alongside calcium to maintain strong bones while providing energy to the body and accommodating essential chemical processes.
On average, one cup of oat milk contains 45% of the daily values of riboflavin for an adult.
This vitamin is essential in the growth and development of cells; it helps convert your food into energy.
In addition, oat milk can provide a dose of vitamin B12, which keeps your nerves and blood cells healthy.
And many brands fortify their products with vitamins such as A, B, and D.
On top of all of that, oat milk is also good for your hair and skin!
8. Oat Milk Is A Great Milk Alternative If You Suffer From Nut Allergies
Many types of dairy-free milk are nut-based, which is a problem if you have nut allergies.
Oat milk is made from whole grains, making it nut-free and dairy-free. In addition, these products are an excellent choice for people who are allergic to lactose or soy.
Related: Is Oat Milk Gluten-Free?
Best Oat Milk For Cereal
Willa's
Willa's Oat milk provides you with a boost of fiber, protein, and minerals by retaining the nutrition of the whole grain through its unique milling approach.
This milk has a smooth texture and versatile taste that complements cereal, enhancing your flavors with its smooth and silky goodness.
Thrive Market Oat Milk
Thrive Market oat milk is one of the best "clean" dairy milk made simply from only oats and water. Even though it's unsweetened, Thrive Market Oat Milk possesses a natural sweet taste to complement cereal.
This oat milk has a slightly thinner texture than many of its competitors, so if you're sick of the thick, gloopy dairy alternatives, this product could be the one for you. And its price tag won't break the bank either.
Rise
Rise oat milk is an organic dairy-free milk substitute, free from colors and preservatives with natural sweeteners released from the oats during production. The brand prides itself on having only four ingredients - water, oat flour, sunflower oil, and sea salt, and it's an excellent product for people who want to know precisely what they're consuming.
While its ingredients may be simple, Rise oat milk still packs a creamy and delicious flavor punch that will perfectly complement the oaty goodness of your bowl of cereal.
Elmhurst
Another oat milk brand with simple ingredients is Elmhurst. Elmhurst oat milk is made from whole grain oats, filtered water, and salt. Thanks to the absence of any thickeners, emulsifiers, or oils, this milk provides 20 grams of whole grains per serving to boost the nutrition in your cereal.
This oat milk mixes well with an array of dishes and offers a subtle flavor to enhance the taste of its surrounding ingredients.
Oatsome
Oatsome is dairy-free, gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, and vegan, making it the perfect pick for anyone on a restricted diet.
Its creamy consistency pairs well with a bowl of cereal, while its sweet taste enhances the oaty flavor of your dish. Oatsome is a versatile product that you can use in various sweet and savory dishes to improve the texture and flavor while keeping the dish dairy-free.
FAQ
Is Oat Milk Good in Cereal?
Oat milk is an excellent option for cereal, thanks to its creamy texture and mild flavor. The taste allows you to enhance the oaty goodness in your bowl and is one of the best dairy milk imitations, thanks to its smooth consistency and sweet flavor.
Can I Use Barista Blend Oat Milk With Cereal?
Plain, unsweetened oat milk is your best option for cereal. Barista blends tend to have added ingredients and are primarily intended for coffee drinks.
Conclusion
Oat milk is an excellent option for a dairy-free bowl of cereal, thanks to its smooth, creamy texture and sweet flavor.
Whether you're lactose intolerant or vegan, this dairy substitute allows you to enjoy the taste of your favorite dishes without compromising your health or preferences.