What is the taste difference between almond milk and oat milk?

December 24, 2025 •

3 min read

According to a 2018 Oxford University study, oat milk has a lower carbon footprint than almond milk, but when it comes to flavor, the preference is entirely personal. The taste difference between almond milk and oat milk is primarily characterized by oat milk's creamier, slightly sweeter profile and almond milk's lighter, nuttier flavor.

Quick Summary

This article explores the distinct flavor and texture profiles of almond milk and oat milk, discussing their characteristics, culinary uses, and how processing methods influence taste. We compare their unique attributes to help you decide which plant-based milk is best for different applications, from coffee to baking.

Key Points

Flavor: Almond milk offers a light, subtle nutty flavor, while oat milk is naturally sweeter with a mild, oaty taste.
Texture: Oat milk is significantly creamier and thicker, closer to dairy milk, making it ideal for lattes and frothing. Almond milk has a thinner, more watery consistency.
Best for Coffee: Oat milk is favored by baristas for its frothing ability and neutral flavor that doesn’t clash with coffee.
Best for Smoothies: Almond milk's lighter body makes it a great, refreshing base that won’t weigh down smoothies.
Best for Baking: Oat milk's creaminess and natural sweetness can enhance the texture and moisture of baked goods.
Nutritional Difference: Unsweetened almond milk is typically lower in calories and carbs, while oat milk contains more fiber.
Environmental Impact: Oat milk is generally considered more sustainable, requiring less water and land than almond milk production.
Brand Variation: The final taste can vary widely between brands due to different processing methods, ingredient ratios, and additives.

The world of plant-based milks offers a variety of choices, and two of the most popular are almond milk and oat milk. While both serve as excellent dairy alternatives, they offer fundamentally different sensory experiences. Understanding the key taste and texture variations is crucial for anyone looking to optimize their recipes or simply find their new favorite morning beverage.

The Flavor and Texture of Almond Milk

Almond milk is produced by blending soaked almonds with water and then straining. This process gives it a distinct taste and texture.

Characteristics of Almond Milk

Light, nutty flavor: Almond milk typically has a light, subtle nutty taste that varies in intensity depending on whether it's sweetened or unsweetened.
Thin, watery texture: Compared to oat milk, almond milk has a thinner, more watery consistency.
Versatile: Its mild flavor and light body make it suitable for various uses without overpowering other ingredients.

Best Uses for Almond Milk

Smoothies: Its light texture blends well without making smoothies too heavy.
Cereal: A common pairing for breakfast.
Savory dishes: The subtle taste doesn't interfere with savory recipes.

The Flavor and Texture of Oat Milk

Oat milk is made from oats blended with water and strained. The natural starches in oats contribute to its texture.

Characteristics of Oat Milk

Creamy and slightly sweet: Oat milk is known for its creamy texture and a naturally sweet, oat-like flavor from the breakdown of starches.
Thicker mouthfeel: Its consistency is closer to dairy milk, providing a richer, smoother feel.
Milder flavor: While it has an oat flavor, it's generally less pronounced than almond milk's nuttiness.

Best Uses for Oat Milk

Coffee and lattes: Its creaminess and frothing ability make it excellent for hot drinks.
Baking: Its higher fat and carb content can improve moisture and texture in baked goods.
Soups and sauces: A good dairy-free option for creamy bases without significantly altering flavor.

Comparison Table: Almond Milk vs. Oat Milk Taste and Texture


Feature	Almond Milk	Oat Milk
Flavor Profile	Lightly nutty, subtle, sometimes slightly sweet.	Naturally sweet, mild, oaty.
Texture	Thinner, watery consistency.	Creamier, richer, smoother mouthfeel, akin to dairy.
Body / Viscosity	Very light body.	Fuller, more viscous body.
Taste Intensity	Flavor is more pronounced, with a distinct nuttiness.	Milder overall flavor, less likely to overpower other ingredients.
Best For	Smoothies, cereal, savory sauces.	Coffee, lattes, baking, creamy soups.
Main Advantage	Lower in calories and carbs.	Great for frothing; creamy texture.
Main Disadvantage	Thinner texture not ideal for all uses.	Can be higher in calories and carbs.

Factors that Influence Taste

Beyond the main ingredients, several factors can affect the taste.

Processing and Additives

Sweeteners: Both come in sweetened and unsweetened varieties, impacting taste. Oat milk's sweetness is natural, while almond milk often has added sugar.
Emulsifiers and Stabilizers: Additives are often used to improve texture and shelf life. Barista blends contain oils for frothing.
Fortification: Adding vitamins and minerals usually doesn't affect taste but enhances nutrition.

Brand Variations

Ingredient Ratios: The amount of oats or almonds used affects richness.
Preparation: Roasting almonds or toasting oats can alter the flavor.

Conclusion

The choice between almond and oat milk depends on personal preference and how you plan to use it. Oat milk is preferred for coffee and baking due to its creaminess and milder flavor. Almond milk is better for smoothies and cereal because of its lighter body and distinct nutty taste. Many people find having both options useful for different culinary needs. Ultimately, the "best" milk is the one you enjoy most for a particular use.

Rude Health Almond Milk Range is one resource for different types of almond milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oat milk is notably creamier and thicker than almond milk due to the natural properties of the oats and its processing. This rich texture is a major reason it's so popular for lattes and other coffee drinks.

While oat milk is derived from oats, its flavor is generally much milder and sweeter than plain cooked oatmeal. The natural sugars released during production give it a pleasant, subtle sweetness that isn't overpowering.

Almond milk's lighter, more watery texture is a natural result of its production process, where ground almonds are blended with water and strained. The high water-to-almond ratio gives it a thinner consistency compared to oat milk.

For coffee, especially lattes and cappuccinos, oat milk is often considered better. Its creamy texture froths exceptionally well and its milder flavor allows the coffee to remain the dominant taste.

While both can be used as dairy alternatives, they are not always interchangeable. Oat milk's creaminess is better for rich sauces and baking, while almond milk's lighter, nuttier flavor is ideal for smoothies and cereal.

Oat milk tends to have a more noticeable natural sweetness because starches from the oats are converted to sugar during production. Sweetened versions of both milks, however, will have sugar added.

Almond milk typically has a more pronounced, specific nutty flavor, especially in higher-quality versions. Oat milk has a milder, more neutral taste that is less likely to dominate other ingredients.