One wouldn’t expect something as innocent and mundane as coffee could cause such a stir, yet some social media influencers are incensed over oat milk’s growing popularity as a plant-based alternative to cow’s milk; pictures of decadent lattes topped with billowy foam are increasingly appearing at popular coffee shops. So is oat milk healthy to use in your morning coffee routine? We consulted MyFitnessPal registered dietitian Joanna Gregg to get answers about its potential health impacts.

Gregg states that oat milk may contain more sugar than other nondairy options because its production involves “liquefaction,” in which enzymes break down oat starch to create a high glycemic index food, including maltodextrin (a form of sugar) and canola or rapeseed oil as an emulsifier – adding maltodextrin helps give the creamy texture that people enjoy so much – “while its added ingredients may seem unusually healthy overall! While its ingredients may make some concerned, its nutritional profile actually looks pretty impressive when taken together as part of its nutritional profile overall!

Oat milk contains not only soluble fiber from oats but is also packed with important vitamins and minerals such as copper, manganese, vitamin B1, iron, magnesium, zinc, phosphorus and phosphorus – as well as being shown to lower cholesterol levels significantly and reduce heart disease risk as well as chronic illnesses such as arthritis or chronic kidney disease. When compared with low-fat milk varieties it offers more dietary fiber and calcium but less vitamin D, A, riboflavin folate content.

Oat milk does come up short when it comes to protein, however. With only 4g per cup compared to 8g in low-fat milk, this could prove especially troublesome for anyone trying to manage their weight or blood sugar, particularly those living with metabolic conditions like diabetes.

However, when combined with meals or snacks that contain high levels of protein, drinking oat milk may help mitigate any sudden spikes in blood sugar. Furthermore, more plant-based options such as hemp milk which boasts omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids may provide another option to consider.

Overall, oat milk can make an excellent addition to your morning coffee ritual. Depending on your individual needs and dietary restrictions, oat milk might even be smarter choice than regular or almond milk due to its lower sugar content and greater nutrient density. Just ensure your oat latte forms part of a larger meal or snack with protein and fiber-rich foods and read labels closely for additional sugars or oils added for additional calories.