Oat milk has become a staple for those seeking dairy alternatives, but not all brands live up to the hype. A recent blind taste test of 14 popular oat milks reveals clear winners and losers, based on texture, flavor, and overall drinkability. The goal? To find oat milk that rivals dairy in richness and enjoyment, not just as a substitute but as a satisfying beverage in its own right.
The Key to Great Oat Milk: Texture and Flavor
The best oat milks achieve a delicate balance of sweetness, oat flavor, and a creamy mouthfeel. Too many brands fall short, either by being overly watery, grainy, or relying too heavily on artificial stabilizers. The most successful formulas mimic the luxurious texture of whole milk by using oils and additives that replicate the natural fat content found in dairy.
Oatly Full Fat: The Overall Winner 🏆
Oatly Full Fat Oatmilk emerged as the top choice, praised for its exceptional creaminess and balanced oat flavor. Testers described it as “thick, viscous, and ultra-smooth,” with a subtle sweetness that didn’t taste artificial. Unlike some competitors, Oatly delivers a genuinely enjoyable drinking experience, making it a viable everyday option.
“It’s warm and cereal-like,” said one editor. “The texture is milky and smooth. I’d actually buy this.”
Oatly’s success isn’t accidental: the brand has patented its production process, which involves breaking down oat starches into sugar using enzymes before filtering and heat-treating the beverage. This yields a richer, more naturally sweet product.
365 by Whole Foods: A Close Second 🥈
365 by Whole Foods Original Oatmilk came in as the runner-up, distinguished by its natural oat flavor and thick consistency. Some testers noted a slight graininess, which one editor found appealing, suggesting minimal processing. Others praised its “milk texture” and suitability for cooking.
“This has a lot of body,” commented one taster. “It might be too thick for some, but it’s a fine option.”
The Importance of Fat and Additives
The test confirms that a simple oat-and-water formula doesn’t cut it. The best oat milks leverage fat (typically rapeseed or sunflower seed oil) and stabilizers like gellan gum to achieve dairy-like richness. Brands that rely too heavily on gums without balancing them with fat often end up with a gluey or slimy texture.
Why Oat Flour Matters
Oat flour as a base ingredient can lead to a gritty, raw-flour flavor, which was a common flaw in some of the lower-performing samples. The key is to strike the right balance between natural oat flavor and a smooth, creamy mouthfeel.
Testing Methodology: Blind and Impartial 🧪
The taste test was conducted blind, with testers sampling brands in random order to eliminate bias. Participants filled out detailed tasting sheets, ranking samples based on texture, flavor, and overall preference. Data was tabulated without editorial input to ensure an impartial representation of the results.
In conclusion: Oatly Full Fat Oatmilk stands out as the clear winner, delivering the most satisfying dairy alternative. However, 365 by Whole Foods is a strong contender for those who prefer a slightly more natural, less processed flavor. The key takeaway? High-quality oat milk isn’t just about ingredients; it’s about how those ingredients are processed to mimic the texture and richness of dairy.
