A Closer Look at Bettergoods Oat Milk: Quality for the Price
Bettergoods, Walmart's own premium house brand, has quickly expanded its offerings to include a variety of plant-based options, with their oat milk being a prominent feature. Available in both Extra Creamy and Original varieties, it's positioned as an affordable and accessible alternative to more expensive oat milk brands. But does the lower price translate to a compromise in quality? The answer is nuanced and depends heavily on individual preferences for taste, texture, and application.
Taste and Texture: Comparing the Original and Extra Creamy Varieties
Customer feedback on Walmart's website and on platforms like Reddit suggests a generally positive reception for both versions of Bettergoods oat milk.
- Original Oat Milk: Many users describe the original version as having a pleasant, subtly sweet flavor without being overpowering. Its texture is noted as creamy but lighter than the 'Extra Creamy' option, making it a solid choice for things like cereal or drinking straight.
- Extra Creamy Oat Milk: This variety receives high praise for its lush, smooth, and very creamy texture, which makes it particularly well-suited for coffee and lattes. Some long-time oat milk drinkers have even declared it the best they've tried, preferring its performance to more established brands.
Nutritional Profile and Ingredients
Both Bettergoods oat milk varieties are fortified with essential vitamins and minerals, which is a key advantage of many commercial plant-based milks.
A look at key ingredients:
- Oatmilk (Water, Oats): The simple base for all oat milk products.
- Vegetable Oil (High Oleic Canola and/or Sunflower Oil): This is a key ingredient, especially in the Extra Creamy version, to create a smooth, rich mouthfeel. It's also a source of fat.
- Fortified Vitamins: Both versions include fortification with Calcium, Vitamin A, Vitamin D2, and Vitamin B12, making it a more nutritious choice than homemade oat milk.
It is important to note that Bettergoods Original Oatmilk contains more total fat and calories per serving than some competitors like Planet Oat Unsweetened. Some reviews also mention the potential for gluten contamination, and it's confirmed that the standard versions are not certified gluten-free, which is crucial for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Is Bettergoods a Good Alternative to Brand Names?
Bettergoods oat milk stands out primarily for its competitive price point and accessibility as a Walmart-exclusive brand. But how does it measure up against giants in the market like Oatly and Chobani? The following table compares Bettergoods with these popular alternatives based on general consumer consensus from online reviews.
| Feature | Bettergoods (Extra Creamy) | Chobani (Extra Creamy) | Oatly (Original) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taste Profile | Subtly sweet, distinctly oaty. Well-balanced for most uses. | Often described as mild, oaty, and pleasantly neutral. | Strong, distinct oaty flavor. Can be more overpowering in certain applications. |
| Creaminess | Very creamy, excellent for lattes and coffee. | Noted for its excellent, rich creaminess, especially in coffee. | Standard creaminess, but Oatly offers specific 'Full Fat' versions. |
| Price | Typically the most affordable option among the three. | Mid-range price point. | Often the most expensive option. |
| Performance in Coffee | Creates a smooth, creamy texture without separating. | Praised for frothing beautifully and adding a luxe texture. | Performs well, but some find it a bit oily compared to others. |
| Availability | Exclusively at Walmart and its affiliates. | Widely available at most major grocery stores. | Widely available at most major grocery stores. |
The Bottom Line
Based on consumer sentiment and ingredient analysis, Bettergoods oat milk offers significant value, particularly the Extra Creamy variety. Its performance in coffee and rich, smooth texture make it a strong contender for those seeking an affordable alternative without sacrificing creaminess. While not certified gluten-free, its minimal ingredients and lack of carrageenan are seen as benefits by many. For budget-conscious consumers or those looking for a reliable, creamy option for their coffee, Bettergoods is a very good choice. However, those needing a certified gluten-free product or who prefer a less oily or higher-protein option might need to look elsewhere.
Considerations Before Buying
- Ingredients: While minimal, check the ingredient list for vegetable oils if that's a concern.
- Gluten: The standard product is not guaranteed gluten-free, so check labels carefully if you have an intolerance.
- Nutrition: Compare the nutritional panel, particularly sugars and fat, to other brands to align with your dietary goals.
- Use Case: Your purpose for the milk matters; the Extra Creamy is ideal for coffee, while the Original is fine for cereal and general use.
Ultimately, the value of Bettergoods oat milk comes down to a balance between cost, flavor, and individual dietary requirements. For many, its impressive performance for the price makes it a genuinely great buy.
Learn more about oat milk's broader health benefits in this study from the U.S. National Library of Medicine: Oat milk analogue versus traditional milk.
