Which milk is sweeter, almond or oat?

December 8, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Tastewise, consumers generally report that oat milk offers a more robust, naturally sweet flavor than almond milk. This natural sweetness is a key distinguishing factor, along with their texture, impacting how each milk is best used in coffee, cooking, and smoothies.

Quick Summary

Oat milk is typically sweeter than almond milk due to its higher carbohydrate content and natural starch conversion. Almond milk has a milder, nuttier flavor and a thinner consistency. Processing methods, including enzymes in oat milk, enhance its sweetness and creaminess, making it a favorite for lattes and baking.

Key Points

Oat Milk Is Naturally Sweeter: Oat milk's sweetness comes from the conversion of natural oat starches into simple sugars during production, giving it a sweeter flavor than almond milk.
Oat Milk Is Creamier: The enzymatic process also gives oat milk a richer, thicker, and creamier consistency, making it superior for frothing and creating lattes.
Almond Milk is Nutty and Subtler: Almond milk has a milder, nutty flavor and a thinner, more watery consistency, making it ideal for applications that require a lighter liquid.
Best Uses Differ by Profile: Oat milk excels in coffee, baking, and creamy sauces due to its texture and flavor, while almond milk is better for smoothies, cereal, and as a low-carb option.
Oat Milk is Allergen-Friendly and Eco-Conscious: Oat milk is nut-free and has a lower environmental impact, particularly concerning water usage, than almond milk.
Check for Added Sugars: Both milks come in sweetened and unsweetened varieties, so checking the label is essential for managing sugar intake.

Taste and Flavor Profile: Oat vs. Almond

When comparing the sweetness of oat and almond milk, oat milk is generally considered sweeter. This is because the starches in oats are broken down into simple sugars like maltose during production, often with the help of enzymes. This enzymatic process enhances sweetness even without added sugars and contributes to a creamy texture similar to dairy milk.

Almond milk offers a subtler, nutty flavor. While it contains natural sugars, its sweetness is less pronounced than oat milk. Almond milk is often described as mild, light, and refreshing, with a thinner consistency. The flavor can also vary between brands. Sweetened versions do contain added sugars, but the base flavor is less sweet than oat milk.

How Production Affects Sweetness

Oat Milk Production: Oats are soaked, blended, and strained. Enzymes are often added to break down starches into simple sugars, increasing sweetness and preventing sliminess.
Almond Milk Production: Almonds are soaked, ground with water, and strained. This results in a liquid with the subtle sweetness and nuttiness of almonds, but without the intense sweetness created in oat milk processing.

Culinary Applications: Choosing the Right Milk

Their distinct characteristics make each milk suitable for different uses.

Best Uses for Oat Milk

Coffee and Lattes: Oat milk's creaminess and slight sweetness make it excellent for coffee drinks. It froths well for lattes and cappuccinos and its mild flavor complements espresso.
Baking: Its natural sweetness and creamy texture make it a good dairy milk substitute in baked goods.
Creamy Dishes: Oat milk works well in soups, sauces, and savory dishes where a mild flavor is desired.

Best Uses for Almond Milk

Smoothies and Cereal: The lighter, thinner consistency is ideal for smoothies and cereal.
Savoury Cooking: Unsweetened almond milk is best for savory recipes due to its subtle flavor.
Low-Carb Diets: Unsweetened varieties are lower in carbohydrates.

Comparison Table: Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk


Feature	Oat Milk	Almond Milk
Sweetness	Naturally sweeter due to enzymatic conversion of starches.	Subtly sweet with a more nutty flavor.
Texture	Thicker, creamier, and smoother consistency.	Thinner, more watery consistency.
Nutritional Profile	Higher in carbohydrates, fiber (beta-glucans), and calories; often fortified.	Lower in calories and carbs, higher in healthy fats and Vitamin E; often fortified with calcium and Vitamin D.
Best For	Coffee, lattes, baking, and creamy sauces.	Smoothies, cereal, and low-carb diets.
Allergens	Nut-free, making it safe for those with tree nut allergies.	Contains tree nuts, not suitable for nut allergy sufferers.
Environmental Impact	More sustainable choice, requiring less water and land than almonds.	High water usage, particularly when produced in drought-prone regions.

Conclusion: Which is the right choice for you?

Oat milk is generally sweeter and creamier, making it excellent for coffee and baking. Almond milk is lighter with a nutty flavor, suited for smoothies and cereal, and a good low-carb option. Consider allergies (oat milk is nut-free) and environmental impact (oat milk uses less water) when choosing. Both are great plant-based options, but your personal preference and intended use will guide your decision.

The Oat vs. Almond Taste Challenge

To determine your preference, conduct a taste test. Try unsweetened versions of each plain and then in a beverage like coffee or a smoothie. Pay attention to texture, sweetness, and flavor. For further comparisons in specific uses like hot chocolate, resources like Tasting Table offer insights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Oat milk is naturally sweeter than almond milk. The production process for oat milk uses enzymes to break down the oats' starches into simple, naturally occurring sugars, resulting in a distinctively sweet flavor.

For coffee, oat milk is generally preferred because its creamier texture and ability to froth well create a smoother and more luxurious latte or cappuccino. Almond milk, being thinner, can sometimes separate when heated.

Unsweetened oat milk typically has a higher carbohydrate and sugar content than unsweetened almond milk due to the enzymatic process that converts oat starches into simple sugars. However, both milks are available in sweetened versions with additional added sugars.

Almond milk is generally lower in calories and carbohydrates than oat milk. This makes unsweetened almond milk a popular choice for those watching their calorie or carb intake.

The healthier choice depends on your specific needs. Oat milk is higher in fiber and iron, and is nut-free, making it safer for those with nut allergies. Almond milk is lower in calories and carbs and is a good source of Vitamin E. Both are often fortified with calcium and Vitamin D.

Oat milk's natural sweetness and creamy texture make it an excellent substitute for dairy milk in most baking recipes. Almond milk can be used, but its watery consistency might affect the final texture of the baked good.

Yes, oat milk is generally considered more environmentally friendly. Oats require significantly less water and land to grow compared to almonds, which are notoriously water-intensive to produce.