Oatly's Sourcing Strategy: Local and High-Quality Oats
Oatly has built a reputation for its focus on responsible sourcing and producing oat-based products with a minimal environmental footprint. A core part of this strategy is using high-quality oats that are sourced regionally whenever possible. For its European market, the company primarily uses European-grown oats. In contrast, for its U.S. market, the oats are sourced from Canada. This regional sourcing helps to reduce food miles and supports local agricultural systems.
The Oat Base: What Goes into Every Carton?
While Oatly does not specify a single cultivar or 'type' of oat (e.g., steel-cut or rolled), their process is key. The fundamental ingredient in all their oat drinks is an "oat base," created by combining oats with water and adding natural enzymes. This enzymatic process breaks down the oat's starches into simple sugars like maltose, which gives the finished product its natural sweetness and smooth consistency. It also retains the beneficial soluble fibers, known as beta-glucans, from the whole grain.
Geographic Sourcing and Oat Quality
The quality and variety of oats Oatly uses can differ based on the market. The company maintains strict standards for the purity of its ingredients regardless of location.
- For the US Market: Oatly utilizes 100% gluten-free oats from Canada for its U.S. product line. These products are certified gluten-free, providing a safe option for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- For the EU/UK Market: The oats are sourced from Europe. However, in these markets, Oatly cannot guarantee its products are entirely gluten-free due to potential cross-contamination, and therefore they are not labeled as such. The company states it minimizes cross-contamination as much as possible but advises caution for those with strict dietary needs.
A Look at Oatly's Organic Offerings
For those prioritizing organic ingredients, Oatly also offers a line of organic oat drinks. These products are made with 100% organic oats and fewer ingredients overall. A key difference to note is that, in some regions like the EU, the organic versions are not fortified with added vitamins and minerals like calcium, vitamin D, and B12. This is due to regulatory restrictions on fortifying organic-labeled products in certain markets. Customers must therefore choose between a fortified oat drink and an organic one.
Comparison Table: Oatly's Core Product Lines
| Feature | Fortified Oat Drink (EU) | Organic Oat Drink (EU) | Certified Gluten-Free Oatmilk (US) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oats Used | European Oats | 100% Organic European Oats | 100% Canadian Gluten-Free Oats |
| Fortified | Yes, with vitamins and minerals | No, due to organic regulations | Yes, with vitamins and minerals |
| Gluten-Free Status | Not guaranteed due to potential cross-contamination | Not guaranteed due to potential cross-contamination | Certified Gluten-Free |
| Best For | Everyday consumption, maximum nutrient intake | Conscious consumers seeking minimal ingredients | Individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity |
The Oatly Process: How Liquid Oats Are Created
Oatly's process for creating "liquid oats" is unique and protected by a patent. It's the reason their products have a distinct smoothness and creaminess. The steps involve:
- Milling: The raw oats are first milled into a fine powder.
- Mixing: The powdered oats are then mixed with water.
- Enzymatic Hydrolysis: Natural enzymes are introduced to break down the starches into sugars, which naturally sweetens the oat base. This step is crucial for achieving the characteristic creamy texture.
- Separation: The liquid portion is separated from the solid oat fibers, though Oatly retains some of the valuable beta-glucans.
- Finalizing: The liquid oat base is then combined with other ingredients, like rapeseed oil for added creaminess in some versions, and fortified with vitamins and minerals (unless organic).
The Role of Beta-Glucans
One of the most important aspects of the oats Oatly uses is their beta-glucan content. Beta-glucans are a type of soluble fiber naturally found in oats that have been linked to heart health by helping to maintain normal blood cholesterol levels. Oatly's patented process is specifically designed to retain these beneficial fibers in their finished oat drinks, which is a major nutritional advantage.
Conclusion
In summary, what kind of oats does Oatly use largely depends on the product and its intended market. The company sources high-quality, regionally grown oats—either European or Canadian. For its U.S. range, Oatly uses certified gluten-free oats, while its European products maintain strict purity standards but are not labeled gluten-free. Additionally, Oatly offers a separate organic line that utilizes 100% organic oats, with the key trade-off being the absence of fortification in many markets due to organic regulations. Oatly's proprietary enzymatic process is the crucial factor that transforms these raw oats into the creamy, naturally sweet, and nutritious liquid found in every carton.
Outbound Link: For additional reading on the health benefits of beta-glucans from oats, see the Cleveland Clinic's information here: Why Are Beta-Glucans So Good For You?
