Understanding Which Brands of Oat Milk are Gluten-Free

November 10, 2025 •

5 min read

Despite oats being naturally gluten-free, a 2022 Canadian study revealed that a high percentage of regular oat samples were contaminated with gluten, making the choice for those with celiac disease challenging. This crucial risk of cross-contamination is why consumers must be aware of which brands of oat milk are gluten-free.

Quick Summary

This guide provides a comprehensive list of certified gluten-free oat milk brands available in the US. It clarifies the potential for gluten cross-contamination in regular oat products and explains how to confidently identify safe options.

Key Points

Cross-Contamination is Key: Oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross-contamination with gluten-containing grains is common during farming and processing.
Look for Third-Party Certification: The most reliable way to find safe oat milk is to look for a third-party certification seal, like GFCO, on the packaging.
Oatly is Certified (US Market): In the United States, Oatly is a widely available and certified gluten-free brand across its entire product line.
Beware of Uncertified Claims: Brands like Califia Farms and Planet Oat may state their products are gluten-free, but without third-party testing, they may not be suitable for a strict diet.
Homemade is an Option: For guaranteed safety, consider making your own oat milk at home using certified gluten-free rolled oats and dedicated equipment.
Not All Chobani Oat is Certified: While some Chobani Oat products may be gluten-free, always check the specific carton for a certification seal, as not all varieties are confirmed.

The Gluten-Free Label: Why It's Critical for Oat Milk

For individuals with celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, understanding the difference between naturally gluten-free oats and certified gluten-free oats is vital. While the oat grain itself does not contain the gluten protein, the way it is grown, harvested, and processed creates a significant risk of cross-contamination. Oats are often grown in fields that rotate with wheat, barley, and rye, and may be handled using the same equipment and facilities that process gluten-containing grains. This widespread practice means that most standard oat products, including many oat milks, are not safe for a strict gluten-free diet unless explicitly verified.

To ensure a product is genuinely gluten-free, the most reliable indicator is a third-party certification seal, such as the Gluten-Free Certification Organization (GFCO) logo. This confirms the manufacturer has undergone rigorous testing and follows strict protocols to ensure the final product contains less than 20 parts per million (ppm) of gluten, which is the FDA's standard for a gluten-free claim. Simply having a “gluten-free” claim without a third-party certification is less reliable for those with serious sensitivities, as it does not guarantee the same level of testing and production separation.

Certified Gluten-Free Oat Milk Brands (US Market)

For those seeking assurance, several brands in the United States offer certified gluten-free oat milk products. These brands take extra steps to source and process their oats to avoid cross-contamination.

Oatly (All US Products)

Oatly is perhaps the most well-known brand offering certified gluten-free oat milk across its entire US product line. This commitment to using certified gluten-free oats makes it a trusted choice for those with celiac disease. Oatly offers a variety of products, including Original, Low-Fat, Full-Fat, and Barista Editions.

Oatsome

Oatsome offers an Organic Oat Barista Blend that is certified gluten-free and non-GMO. The product is a favorite for coffee and baking due to its creamy texture, and the certification provides peace of mind for those with gluten sensitivities.

Malk Organics

Malk Organics offers a simple, shelf-stable oat milk that is certified organic, certified gluten-free, and contains no gums, fillers, or oils. Its minimalist ingredient list appeals to those looking for a clean, reliable option.

Chobani Oat (Some Products)

Chobani produces several oat milk products, but not all of them are certified gluten-free. Chobani's Extra Creamy Plant-Based Oatmilk is listed as gluten-free on some retailers, and the Barista Edition is also offered as a gluten-free option. Always check the specific carton for the certification seal, as product offerings can change.

Brands That Require Closer Inspection

Some popular oat milk brands use labeling that can be confusing for those with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance. While they may state “gluten-free,” they may not have the third-party certification that indicates rigorous testing and dedicated production facilities.

Califia Farms

Califia Farms is a well-known name in the plant-based milk aisle, and their oat milk products are often labeled “gluten-free”. However, they do not hold a third-party certification, meaning they may not be suitable for the strictest gluten-free diets.

Planet Oat

Planet Oat is another widely available brand that states its oat milk is gluten-free. Similar to Califia Farms, it lacks third-party certification, so careful consideration is needed for those with higher sensitivity to cross-contamination.

Elmhurst

Elmhurst 1925 states that its Milked Oats products are gluten-free, but also lacks official third-party certification. As always, a diligent label check is necessary to confirm suitability for your dietary needs.

Choosing the Right Oat Milk for Your Diet

Choosing the right oat milk involves more than just checking the flavor. If you must follow a strict gluten-free diet, prioritize brands that carry a third-party certification. If your sensitivity is mild or you are simply avoiding gluten as a preference, brands that label their products as gluten-free might suffice. For the most secure option, especially if you have celiac disease, certified products are the only way to go. Consider visiting a reliable resource like the Gluten Intolerance Group for more information on safe practices.

Gluten-Free Oat Milk Comparison Table (US)


Brand	Certification Status	Notes
Oatly	Certified Gluten-Free (GFCO)	US products are certified. Offers multiple varieties, including Original and Barista.
Oatsome	Certified Organic and Gluten-Free	Specializes in Barista blends. Non-GMO and vegan.
Malk Organics	Certified Organic and Gluten-Free	Simple ingredient list with no gums or fillers.
Chobani Oat	Certified Gluten-Free (on specific products)	Not all products are certified. Check individual cartons for the seal.
Califia Farms	States 'gluten-free,' lacks 3rd-party certification	Widely available, but may not be safe for those with high sensitivity.
Planet Oat	States 'gluten-free,' lacks 3rd-party certification	Offers a variety of flavors, but lacks third-party verification.
Elmhurst	States 'gluten-free,' lacks 3rd-party certification	Offers clean, simple ingredients but no third-party guarantee.

The Best Practice for Buying Gluten-Free Oat Milk

Look for the seal: The most important step is to look for a third-party certification seal on the packaging, such as the GFCO mark.
Read the ingredients: Always read the ingredients list to check for any hidden sources of gluten, such as "malt" or other potential additives.
Verify production: If a brand isn't certified, check their website to see if they use a dedicated gluten-free facility or if they provide lab test results.
Research region-specific rules: Be aware that gluten-free labeling can differ by country. For example, some brands considered gluten-free in the US may not be certified in the UK.
Consider homemade: For ultimate control, make your own oat milk at home using certified gluten-free rolled oats.

Conclusion: Navigating Your Gluten-Free Choices

While the search for a safe oat milk can feel overwhelming, knowing what to look for makes the process straightforward. The key takeaway is to always prioritize a third-party certification for true peace of mind, especially for individuals with celiac disease. Brands like Oatly (US), Oatsome, and Malk Organics have invested in this certification, making them reliable choices. However, for those with less severe sensitivities, or for those who simply prefer oat milk, other brands may work, but extra caution is advised. By being a vigilant consumer and checking for the official seals, you can confidently include oat milk in your gluten-free diet and enjoy its creamy, versatile benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, not all oat milks are gluten-free, even though oats themselves are naturally free of gluten. Many oat milks are made with standard oats that are at high risk of cross-contamination with wheat, barley, and rye during production.

Naturally gluten-free refers to the inherent absence of gluten protein in the oat grain. Certified gluten-free means the oats were grown, harvested, and processed in a way that prevents cross-contamination and have been tested to contain less than 20 ppm of gluten, as verified by a third-party organization.

Yes, in the United States, all Oatly oat milk products are certified gluten-free. They use certified gluten-free oats and follow strict protocols to prevent contamination.

While Planet Oat states that its oat milk is gluten-free, it does not hold a third-party certification. For those with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, certified brands are the safer option.

For a celiac diet, you should only purchase oat milk that has a third-party certification seal, such as the GFCO mark, on the packaging. This is the only way to ensure it has been tested and meets strict gluten-free standards.

Yes, you can make safe, homemade oat milk by using certified gluten-free rolled oats as the base ingredient. Following the right process and using dedicated equipment can help prevent any cross-contamination.

Besides Oatly, other certified gluten-free oat milk brands in the US include Oatsome and Malk Organics. Some Chobani Oat products may also be certified, so it is important to check the specific carton.