Oat milk has quickly become one of the most popular plant-based milk alternatives, making oat milk an increasingly common coffee shop order. Boasting creamy texture and natural sweetness without dairy, oat milk is environmentally-friendly while remaining deliciously creamy – two features touted by many nutritionists. Yet some nutritionists question its true health benefits, prompting us to consult a registered dietitian from MyFitnessPal to get to the bottom of it all. We learned from her that its impact depends on which oat milk you pick as well as your personal preferences for sweetener and additional ingredients added – it all depends on your choice in particular and your personal preferences with regard to sweeteners or added ingredients used within it!

Oat milk has many health advantages over regular cow’s milk, including being lower in both fat and calories than its dairy counterpart. Furthermore, it’s high in dietary fiber and contains beta-glucan that binds cholesterol before it enters the bloodstream – perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals looking to reduce sugar in their diet or those pursuing vegan or plant-based lifestyles.

Calorie-wise, unsweetened oat milk typically contains around 120 per cup. This compares favorably with whole cow’s milk but surpasses popular plant-based alternatives like almond and soy milk that offer 30 to 40 and 70 calories respectively. Calories may differ depending on whether oat milk has added vitamins and minerals – some brands will contain more than others.

Oat milk contains both saturated and unsaturated fats, which contain similar calories per gram; however, saturated fats tend to be more filling and heart-healthy than unsaturated ones. Furthermore, the type of fat present will impact how quickly its digestion and absorption takes place, helping prevent sudden spikes of glucose into the bloodstream.

Other dairy-free milks such as hemp milk may provide more omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids than oat milk; however, these varieties tend to have higher carbs, sodium levels, and calories than their oat counterpart. Furthermore, hemp milk tends to have less watery texture but still lack the creamy mouthfeel that many find satisfying in lattes.

Soy milk, the most popular non-dairy alternative, shares similar nutritional profile as oat milk. Though slightly less watery and with a more neutral flavor profile than its dairy counterpart, soy milk may not always be enjoyable when drunk alone. Still, soy milk provides essential calcium, vitamin D, and iron nutrients as well as some additional sodium levels than its dairy counterpart.