Is Oatsome a Good Brand? The Verdict
Ultimately, whether Oatsome is a "good" brand depends on your priorities, but for many, it presents a compelling case. The brand's oat milk is widely praised for its simple, organic, and gluten-free ingredients, as well as its smooth and creamy texture. It successfully avoids the gums, thickeners, and artificial flavors found in many competitors, appealing to health-conscious consumers and those with sensitive systems. Its barista blend is particularly well-regarded for its frothing capabilities, making it a favorite for coffee drinkers.
However, some reviews mention a natural sweetness from the enzymatic process that might limit its versatility for those who prefer an unsweetened profile across all uses. For some, especially new oat milk drinkers, the initial taste and texture can be an acquired preference, though many report growing to love it. Overall, Oatsome's commitment to clean, organic ingredients and its strong performance in popular uses like coffee and baking make it a solid choice in the dairy-free market.
Origins and Brand Philosophy
Oatsome was launched by BetterBody Foods, a company focused on healthy, plant-based products. The brand emphasizes simplicity, sustainability, and taste. Its oat milk uses organic oats from England, processed in Italy, before being packaged and sold in the U.S., among other regions. The brand's focus on a short, clean ingredient list—often just oats, water, and salt—is a core part of its appeal. Beyond oat milk, some markets feature Oatsome-branded yogurts and overnight oats, expanding its healthy, oat-based offerings.
Oatsome Products: A Closer Look
Oatsome Oat Milk
Oatsome's flagship product, the oat milk, comes in several varieties, including Original, Barista, and Chocolate.
- Original: Praised for its clean taste and creamy, smooth texture that complements cereal and smoothies well.
- Barista Blend: Specifically formulated to froth effectively, making it a top choice for lattes and cappuccinos. Customers and reviewers highlight its excellent performance in coffee, where it adds a velvety texture without overpowering the coffee's flavor.
- Chocolate: Offers a flavored option for those seeking a richer, sweeter taste.
Other Oatsome Offerings
While oat milk is their most visible product, Oatsome's portfolio varies by region. In some areas, offerings include:
- Overnight Oats: Convenient and flavor-focused, with varieties like Maple Earl Grey, Triple Pistachio, and Acai Berry reported. These often come with added seeds like chia, flax, and hemp for a nutritional boost.
- Yogurts and Desserts: In some markets, Oatsome offers yogurt parfaits and other healthy desserts, which are often well-received for their creamy texture.
- Coffee Creamer: A thicker, richer plant-based creamer is also available, designed for an indulgent coffee experience.
Oatsome vs. the Competition
When considering a plant-based milk, Oatsome often competes against giants like Oatly and newer players like Oatside. Here is a comparison of how Oatsome stacks up against some popular alternatives.
| Feature | Oatsome Oat Milk | Oatly Oat Milk | Oatside Oat Milk | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ingredients | Clean, Organic, Gluten-Free; No Gums/Thickeners | Contains some additives like dipotassium phosphate in some versions | Less clean label in some flavors (e.g., mocha) | Oatsome excels with its minimal and clean ingredient list. |
| Taste Profile | Natural sweetness from oats; smooth, often creamy | Distinctly sweet in many versions | Varies by flavor; Chocolate praised, Mocha criticized | Oatsome's sweetness comes naturally from the oat processing. |
| Creaminess | "Fantastically frothable"; praised in barista blend | Offers a creamy mouthfeel, especially the Barista blend | Generally thick and creamy, excellent for coffee | All three brands offer creamy options, but Oatsome's no-gum formula stands out. |
| Sustainability | Marketed as eco-friendly, using sustainable oats | Strongly emphasizes sustainability in branding | Also highlights sustainable sourcing | Most oat milk brands have a strong sustainability focus, and Oatsome is no exception. |
| Price | Generally affordable and good value, found at retailers like Walmart | Often on the pricier side due to brand recognition | Marketed as a budget-friendly option | Oatsome offers good value, though pricing varies by location and retailer. |
Is Oatsome for You? Considerations Before Buying
While Oatsome has many strengths, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are a few things to consider:
- Taste Preference: If you prefer a completely neutral or unsweetened oat milk for savory dishes, the natural sweetness from Oatsome's enzymatic process might be a consideration. However, for coffee, cereal, and baking, this sweetness is often a benefit.
- Texture: Oatsome's texture is a point of debate, with most finding it pleasantly creamy and smooth, but a few finding it too thin. If you desire a very thick milk, you might need to experiment.
- Product Availability: The full range of Oatsome products, such as the overnight oats and yogurts, is not available everywhere. Your experience will depend on which products are available in your region.
- Allergen Sensitivity: While certified gluten-free, some highly sensitive individuals might remain cautious about cross-contamination, a concern for many products containing oats. The brand is praised for its lack of common thickeners, a plus for those with sensitivities.
Conclusion
In summary, is Oatsome a good brand? For those seeking a clean, organic, and delicious plant-based milk without gums or artificial additives, Oatsome is an excellent choice. Its barista blend is a standout product, delivering rich, creamy lattes that rival dairy versions. The brand's focus on sustainability and wholesome ingredients resonates with many consumers. While taste preferences and texture opinions vary, the positive reception and clean ingredient list position Oatsome as a reliable and high-quality player in the plant-based beverage market. It's a great option for both plant-based veterans and those just starting their dairy-free journey.
For more information on their ingredients and products, you can visit their parent company's website, BetterBody Foods.