What is the Healthiest Brand of Oat Milk? A Comprehensive Nutritional Guide

November 6, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a 2025 taste test by Food & Wine, Oatly Original Oatmilk was rated highly for its creamy texture, but the answer to what is the healthiest brand of oat milk? depends on your individual nutritional priorities, as brands differ significantly in ingredients and fortification.

Quick Summary

This guide compares oat milk brands based on ingredients, fortification, and added sugar to help you choose the best nutritional option for your diet. Learn what to look for on labels to avoid unhealthy additives and find your ideal plant-based milk.

Key Points

Prioritize Low Added Sugar: Choose unsweetened oat milks and be mindful that some brands list processed oat sugars as 'added sugar' on nutrition labels.
Look for Whole Grain Oats: Select brands that use whole grain oats, which retain more fiber and offer a slower release of carbohydrates than refined oat products.
Check for Fortification: Especially for vegan diets, look for brands fortified with essential nutrients like calcium, Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12, as these are not naturally high in oats.
Avoid Unnecessary Additives: Be aware of products with extra oils, thickeners, or gums (like carrageenan or gellan gum), which can cause digestive issues in some people and increase processing.
Consider Organic Options: For peace of mind regarding pesticide residues like glyphosate, choose organic oat milk brands.
Evaluate Personal Needs: The 'healthiest' choice depends on individual goals, whether it's minimal ingredients (Elmhurst), maximum fortification (Oatly), or budget-friendly options (Silk).

Understanding What Makes Oat Milk 'Healthy'

Choosing the "healthiest" oat milk is not a one-size-fits-all answer. It requires understanding the key nutritional and processing factors that distinguish products on the market. Unlike making your own oat milk from just oats and water, commercial brands use various ingredients and methods that significantly affect the final nutritional profile. Evaluating an oat milk's healthiness means looking beyond the front-of-package marketing claims and examining the nutrition facts panel and ingredient list closely.

Key Health Considerations

To make an informed decision, consider these factors when selecting an oat milk:

Whole Grain Oats: Opting for oat milk made from whole grain oats is generally superior. Whole grains retain more of their natural fiber, which helps slow down the digestion of carbohydrates. Many brands use refined oat flour or concentrates, which strip away these beneficial properties. Look for a statement indicating "whole grain oats" on the packaging.
Added Sugars: Oat milk can contain two types of sugar: naturally occurring sugars from the breakdown of oats during processing and added sugars like cane sugar. The processing of oats breaks down starches into simpler sugars, which the FDA now requires to be listed as added sugar. It is crucial to check the label for low or zero grams of added sugar, as excessive sugar intake is linked to inflammation and weight gain.
Fortification: Plant-based milks are often fortified with essential nutrients that are naturally lacking compared to dairy milk. For individuals, especially vegans, fortification with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 is vital for bone health and nerve function. Always check the % Daily Value (%DV) to ensure you are getting a significant amount of these micronutrients.
Additives and Emulsifiers: Many commercial oat milks contain additives like gums (xanthan, gellan gum) and emulsifiers (lecithin, carrageenan) to enhance creaminess and extend shelf life. While often deemed safe in small amounts, these highly processed ingredients can cause gastrointestinal discomfort in some individuals. Carrageenan has also been linked to inflammatory processes in the intestines. Choosing additive-free options is best for those with sensitive digestive systems.
Contaminants: Glyphosate, a common herbicide, is sometimes sprayed on oat crops to dry them before harvest. To minimize potential exposure to pesticide residues, look for oat milk certified as organic or Glyphosate Residue Free.

Comparing the Healthiest Oat Milk Brands

This table compares several top-rated oat milk brands based on their ingredients, fortification, and sugar content per 1-cup serving. Remember that specific nutritional facts can vary between product versions (e.g., original vs. unsweetened vs. barista).


Feature	Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats	Planet Oat Unsweetened Original	Oatsome Organic Oat Milk	Oatly Low-Fat Oatmilk
Calories	100	90	130	91
Added Sugars	0g	0g	0g (made with natural sugars)	7g (from processing)
Fat	2g (no oils)	0.5g (no oils)	4g (sunflower oil)	1g (rapeseed oil)
Ingredients	Water, whole grain oats, salt	Oat milk (filtered water, oats), fortifications, gums, sea salt	Oat milk (organic oats, water), sunflower oil, salt, fortifications	Oats, water, fortifications, salt
Fortification	Minima

Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats

Renowned for its simplicity, Elmhurst Unsweetened uses only three ingredients: filtered water, whole grain oats, and salt. This minimalist approach appeals to those who prioritize whole, unprocessed ingredients. The trade-off is minimal fortification compared to other brands, so it's essential to get your vitamins and minerals elsewhere if you choose this option. The HydroRelease™ method used by Elmhurst yields a naturally creamy texture without the need for added oils or thickeners.

Planet Oat Unsweetened Original Oatmilk

Planet Oat offers a well-rounded and affordable unsweetened option. It is free of added oils and contains zero added sugar, deriving its sweetness from the natural processing of oats. It is also fortified with key vitamins and minerals. The inclusion of gellan gum, a common stabilizer, is a minor consideration for those with sensitive digestive systems, but it helps ensure a consistently smooth texture.

Oatsome Organic Oat Milk

For those who prefer organic ingredients, Oatsome is a strong contender. It boasts a short, clean ingredient list, free from added sugars, gums, thickeners, and stabilizers. The richness is derived from organic sunflower oil. It also includes fortification with vitamins B12 and D. While slightly higher in calories than some unsweetened counterparts, it's a solid organic, minimally-processed choice.

Oatly Low-Fat Oatmilk

Oatly, often credited as the original oat milk brand, provides a low-fat option with an impressive fortification profile, particularly for B vitamins. While it contains some added sugar from the oat processing, its simple list of ingredients is a plus. It's also one of the few brands certified gluten-free by the GFCO. The presence of an acidity regulator may be a minor concern for some consumers.

Choosing the Right Oat Milk for Your Needs

Your personal health goals and dietary requirements should guide your decision:

If you prioritize minimal ingredients: Brands like Elmhurst and Oatsome, with their focus on simple, clean labels, are excellent choices. They are best for those who want to avoid any processed oils or additives.
If you need maximum fortification: Brands like Oatly provide robust fortification with essential vitamins like B12, which is critical for those following a vegan or plant-based diet.
If you are concerned about added sugar: Look for unsweetened versions of any brand, like Elmhurst or Planet Oat Unsweetened, and check the nutrition label carefully. Remember that sugars derived from oat processing must be declared as 'added sugars'.
If you are budget-conscious: Brands like Silk often provide a good balance of nutritional fortification and value.
If you want a barista-style product: Consider that barista blends often contain added oils to improve foaming capabilities. If latte art isn't a priority, you might opt for a standard version to avoid the extra fat.

Conclusion: The Best Choice is Personal

There is no single winner for the title of what is the healthiest brand of oat milk? The best choice is the one that aligns with your specific health priorities, budget, and taste. For those seeking the purest option, minimally processed brands like Elmhurst or Oatsome are ideal. If robust vitamin fortification is key, Oatly offers a compelling profile. The most important action is to read and compare labels, specifically checking for added sugars, synthetic oils, and unnecessary additives. With a little research, you can find a nourishing and delicious oat milk that fits perfectly into your nutrition diet and personal health journey.

Visit Healthline for a deeper dive into the best oat milks for every use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oat milk can contain naturally occurring sugar because the manufacturing process uses enzymes to break down the oats' starches into simple sugars. For this reason, the FDA requires some of these processed sugars to be listed as 'added sugar' on the label.

Oat milk is known for its creamy texture and heart-healthy beta-glucan fiber, which can help lower cholesterol. It is also an excellent option for people with nut or soy allergies, and it generally has a lower environmental footprint than dairy milk.

Barista blends typically contain added oils to help them froth better, which increases the fat and calorie content compared to standard versions. If you are not making coffee, a regular or unsweetened option is often the healthier choice.

Some people may experience digestive discomfort, gas, or bloating from the additives often found in commercial oat milks, such as gums (like gellan gum) and emulsifiers. Choosing a brand with minimal additives is a good way to avoid this.

Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products. For individuals on a plant-based diet, choosing fortified oat milk is an important and easy way to ensure adequate intake of this essential vitamin.

To avoid potentially harmful additives like carrageenan and excessive oils, check the ingredient list for minimally processed brands that use simple ingredients like water, oats, and salt. Organic options can also help reduce exposure to pesticides.

Homemade oat milk offers maximum control over ingredients, allowing you to avoid all additives and excess processed sugar. However, it lacks the fortification of vitamins and minerals typically added to commercial brands.