Is Oat Milk Gluten Free? TOP 10 Brands of Gluten Free Oat Milk
Oat Milk is gluten free. It is made up of only two ingredients: oats and water. Both ingredients are gluten free ensuring that oat milk is also gluten. But companies also add preservatives, flavours and additives which contaminate oat milk. So adhere to certified gluten free brands.
Is oat milk gluten free? This is a common concern for people having celiac disease and gluten intolerance.
Oat milk is a popular alternative to cow milk. Although oat milk is gluten free in its pure form, it may be contaminated with gluten. So, you should choose a certified gluten free brand of oat milk or you can also make your own homemade oat milk.
In this article, we’ll introduce you to oat milk, its benefits, about its gluten status and what are the brands that recommend certified gluten free oat milk. So keep reading to learn more!
What is Oat Milk?
Many of us prefer plant based milk rather than dairy milk now-a-days. Oat milk is a dairy free and vegan drink that is extracted from oats that are naturally gluten free. This drink is very popular among a lot of people, especially those who have lactose intolerance. Oat milk is one of the widely used plant based milk.
Oats are small grains like wheat, barley or rye. However unlike them, oat is gluten free grain and is safe for celiacs. How to make oat milk? Let’s look at its ingredients and how to process those ingredients to make oat milk.
The main ingredients of oat milk are oats and water only. Many store-bought brands also add other ingredients than oats such as vitamins, minerals, and thickeners. Some also add sweeteners or flavors.
So, you should choose certified gluten free oat milk brands if you have severe gluten sensitivity.
Is Oat Milk Gluten Free?
Oats are naturally gluten free grain. So, oat milk is also gluten free, but only in the absence of any cross contact.
So, it is safe for people with Celiacs to consume oat milk. During its journey from field to production units, oats are often contaminated with gluten. This can cause gluten to mix in. So, even though oats themselves don’t have gluten, the final oat milk product might have gluten in it. That’s why it’s important to be extra careful while consuming oat milk.
If you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, it is better to look for certified gluten free oat milk brands. These brands take extra steps to make sure that no contamination occurs. They also test their products before marketing and selling. You should also check the label for a “gluten free” certification.
10 Gluten Free Oat Milk Brands
If you’re celiac and gluten intolerant, let’s explore some safe options of oat milk. Here are ten oat milk brands that offer gluten free choices.
1. Oatly: This is a certified gluten free company in the US, that offers various oat milk products which are gluten free. They choose gluten free oats to produce milk.
2. Chobani: provides certified gluten free oat milk, including original and flavored options.
3. Silk: They offer oat milk that doesn’t have any gluten, dairy, and nuts.
4. Mooala: Mooala is famous for coconut oat milk without sugar as well as gluten free oats. Mooala is an excellent choice for celiacs and lactose intolerants.
5. Natural by Nature: They sell organic oat milk made with 100% gluten free oats.
6. Califia Farms: Their gluten free Oat Barista Blend is made with oats harvested in North America. Oat milk doesn’t contain any gums or stabilizers. It’s also free of carrageenan, sugar, and dairy.
7. Oatsome: Offers organic, gluten free oat milk without added sugars.
8. Planet Oat: Planet goat’s milk is usually called “just right”. Their oat milk is not only gluten free but also doesn’t have lactose, soy, preservatives, artificial colors, artificial flavors and nuts. It also comes in various delicious flavors such as extra creamy, vanilla, original, and dark chocolate.
9. Elmhurst : It’s a New York’s dairy company which was founded in 1925. They offer oat milk in various flavours as plain, chocolate, and unsweetened. All favored oat milk is simply made by using five ingredients as whole grain oats, filtered water, natural flavors, salt, and cane sugar.
10. Rise Brewing Co.: They claimed that they use certified organic gluten free oats in their oat milk.
These brands make it easier and safer to find a gluten free oat milk that perfectly fits your needs. You can enjoy oat milk without being worried about celiacs.
Which are Oat Milk Brands to Avoid?
You should avoid brands that are not certified if you have a severe gluten allergy. Here are some brands that you should avoid:
- Pacific Foods
- Costco (Kirkland Signature Organic)
- Thrive Market
Always prioritize certified gluten free labels oats milk brand for safer and guilt free oat milk consumption.
What are the Benefits of Oat milk?
Oat milk is a useful source of nutrients and energy for people with Celiacs. It’s also a dairy free choice for milk lovers.
Rich in protein sources: Oat milk has higher protein content than any other plant based milk such as almond milk.
Regulates the blood sugar levels: Oat milk also has a soluble fiber called beta-glucan which slows down the absorption of nutrients in the gut reducing sugar level. It is important for diabetic patients.
Maintains healthy bones: Oat milk contains various minerals such as calcium, potassium, and zinc which are very important for strong bones.
Improves digestion: High fiber content aids in improving digestion and gut health. Oat milk has higher content than any other plant based milk.
Reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases: Beta-glucan present in oat milk also helps to reduce cholesterol which is important for a healthy heart.
B vitamins: Oat milk is a rich source of B vitamins for people who follow vegan diets. B vitamins boost energy, maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve cells.
For healthy eyes: Oat milk is a natural source of vitamin A, which aids to prevent macular degeneration and also reduce oxidative stress in the retina.
Helps lose weight: Oat milk has lots of fiber which keeps you full for a long time. It’s also avoiding food craving that helps you in losing weight.
Oat milk is a complete food for people with Celiacs. As they can enjoy oat milk and its health benefits without worrying about celiacs.
How to Prepare Oat Milk at Home?
Oat milk that is manufactured commercially is at higher risk of contamination. Oats are usually processed at places where wheat, rye were processed previously.
You can make your own 100% oat milk at home simply by using two ingredients which are certified gluten free oats and water by following the steps:
- Soak certified gluten free oats in enough water to cover the oats for 15 minutes
- Drain the water and wash the oats two to three times
- Blend the oats with four cup of water for 30 seconds
- Strain the mixture and your homemade oat milk is ready!
Gluten Free Recipes with Oat Milk
If you’re celiac then Oat milk is a fantastic choice for gluten free recipes due to its creamy texture. Oat milk can add delicious flavors in baking, blending and cooking. Here are some gluten free recipes options to enjoy without being worried about celiacs!
- Gluten free pancakes: You can use oat milk for extra fluffiness.
- Smoothies: Blend oat milk with fruits and veggies for a creamy drink.
- Dairy-free sauces: Oat milk adds richness to sauces and soups.
- Baked goods: You can add oat milk in cakes and muffins for a moist texture.
- Vegan desserts: If you’re vegan you can enjoy creamy puddings and custards with oat milk.
Oat milk’s versatility shines in all these gluten free dishes, making it a valuable ingredient for any gluten free recipes. So you should enjoy it without being worried about celiacs.
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The Bottom Line
So, is oat milk gluten free? The answer is simply yes. Oats are naturally gluten free, but there may be chances of cross-contamination during processing.
You should always look for certified gluten free labels to ensure your oat milk is totally safe to consume. You can also make oat milk at home to fully ensure that your oat milk is gluten free and completely safe for celiacs.
Oat milk is a substitute for dairy milk, perfect for various recipes. Just make sure to check the certified gluten free label before oat milk consumption.
