Most commercial oat milk is more than just blended oats and water. To achieve the creamy, stable consistency that consumers expect and to ensure a long shelf life, manufacturers incorporate a variety of additives. Understanding these common ingredients helps consumers make more informed dietary choices.
Why are additives necessary in commercial oat milk?
Naturally, a simple mixture of oats and water would separate over time, with the heavier oat solids settling to the bottom. It would also have a thinner, less appealing mouthfeel. The primary reasons for including additives are to improve the product's texture, stability, and nutritional profile. Specific additives perform different functions within the finished product.
Stabilizers and Thickeners
Stabilizers and gums are used to prevent the separation of the liquid and solid components, ensuring a consistent texture with each pour. These additives create a homogeneous mixture and contribute to a richer, smoother mouthfeel.
- Gellan Gum: A gelling agent produced by bacterial fermentation that is commonly used to create a gel-like structure, keeping particles suspended.
- Xanthan Gum: Derived from fermented sugar, this is another popular thickener that improves viscosity and stability.
- Carrageenan: Extracted from red seaweed, it is a thickener and emulsifier. It has been a source of controversy due to animal studies linking it to inflammation.
Emulsifiers and Oils
Emulsifiers are crucial for blending ingredients that normally do not mix, such as oil and water. In oat milk, they prevent oil from separating and floating to the top. Many brands add oils like rapeseed (canola) or sunflower oil to further enhance creaminess. Lecithin, from soy or sunflower, is a common emulsifier.
Acidity Regulators
These are often added to 'barista' style oat milks to prevent curdling when combined with acidic beverages like coffee. Compounds like dipotassium phosphate help regulate the pH, providing a stable, smooth result in hot drinks.
Fortification
Most commercial oat milks are fortified with vitamins and minerals to match or even exceed the nutritional profile of dairy milk. This makes them a more nutritionally complete option, especially for those switching from dairy.
- Calcium: Added as calcium carbonate or tricalcium phosphate for bone health.
- Vitamins: Commonly fortified with Vitamin D, Vitamin A, and B vitamins like B12.
Sweeteners and Natural Flavors
Added sugars, cane juice, or natural flavors might be included to alter the product's taste. Consumers concerned about sugar intake should look for unsweetened varieties and a short, simple ingredients list.
How to choose a low-additive oat milk
To navigate the diverse market, always scrutinize the ingredient list. The number of additives varies significantly between products, from cheaper house brands with longer lists to premium or organic options that are more minimalist.
- Simple Ingredient List: Look for brands with a minimal ingredient list, ideally containing only oats, water, and perhaps a pinch of salt. Brands like Willa's and Rise Brewing Co. are known for this approach.
- Read the Labels: Check for ingredients like gellan gum, xanthan gum, lecithin, and oils. If you have digestive sensitivities, avoiding these might be beneficial.
- Choose Organic: Some organic varieties are less likely to contain a long list of additives, and the oats are less likely to be exposed to certain pesticides, such as glyphosate.
Comparison of Oat Milk Types
| Feature | Commercial Oat Milk (Standard) | Barista Oat Milk | Homemade Oat Milk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Oats, water, oil, gums, stabilizers, vitamins, minerals | Oats, water, oil, emulsifiers, acidity regulators, stabilizers | Oats, water, optional salt or sweeteners |
| Texture | Smooth, consistent, and creamy, but can vary by brand | Extra creamy, designed to froth well for coffee | Thinner, and more likely to separate over time |
| Shelf Life | Long shelf life, often shelf-stable until opened | Long shelf life due to processing | Short shelf life, must be refrigerated and used quickly |
| Additives | Typically contains oils, gums, and other functional additives | Specifically formulated with emulsifiers and stabilizers for froth | Additive-free, allows for full ingredient control |
| Nutritional Profile | Often fortified with vitamins and minerals | Often fortified with vitamins and minerals | Lacks fortification unless manually added |
The bottom line: How additives impact your health
For most people, the additives found in commercial oat milk are generally considered safe when consumed in moderation. However, some individuals might experience digestive issues from ingredients like gums (xanthan, gellan) or carrageenan. The added oils can increase the calorie content, and some concern exists regarding the use of specific oils, though others, like high-oleic sunflower oil, are considered healthy fats. Ultimately, reading the ingredient list is the best way to understand what you're consuming. Those seeking the purest form should consider brands with minimal ingredients or making their own at home. The presence of additives is a trade-off for the convenience, taste, and consistency of store-bought products.
Conclusion
Yes, there are additives in oat milk, and these are intentionally included by manufacturers to improve the product's quality, consistency, and shelf life. Common additions include stabilizers like gellan gum, emulsifiers such as lecithin, added oils for creaminess, and nutrient fortifications like calcium and Vitamin B12. For consumers concerned about a long list of ingredients, a number of brands offer simpler, more minimalist formulations, while making oat milk at home provides complete control. By becoming a careful label reader, you can choose an oat milk that best aligns with your personal health goals and dietary preferences.
