I don't know how Christmassy this oat beverage is, but there is a buzz about it on social media, and it's totally new to me. It seems each year, there's a new type of "milk" on the market. When I was a kid, there was, of course, the classic cow's milk, which I had sensitivities to as a child. Then they started pushing fake milks like Similac and other animal milks like goat's milk.
In recent years, they discovered they could milk soybeans, almonds, cashews, coconuts, and now, apparently, oats. Trader Joe's Non-Dairy Oat Beverage is a drink made of nothing but water and hydrolyzed oats. Simple enough.
Its consistency is similar to any of the above-named nut milks—that is, it's thinner than cow's milk and slightly thicker than water. Flavor-wise, it reminds me of milk left over from a bowl of Quaker Oat Squares.
I always loved that cereal. Always loved the milk that remained in the bowl. It tastes like that: lightly sweet, oat-flavored milk. The carton mentions there's an innate sweetness to oats, and this beverage lets that flavor shine in a way regular oat grains can't for some reason—something about breaking down starches into sugars.
I could see this as off-putting to dairy milk purists or people who don't like the flavor of oats. I didn't mind it one bit. I was, in fact, pleasantly surprised. I was fine sipping on it plain, it worked well on cereal, and it made a decent base for hot chocolate, too.
I haven't seen any other brands in mainstream grocery stores, but then again, I haven't really been looking. I'm sure it's just a matter of time until we see Oat Silk on the shelves of the local HyVee or Piggly Wiggly. Until then, I have nothing to compare this oat beverage to.
Sonia liked it as well, and she says she could see it replacing almond and dairy milk in our household. $2.29 for 32 fl oz. Four stars from her. Three and a half from this guy.
Bottom line: 7.5 out of 10.
It's nice offering for vegans. They should do a chocolate oat variety or even a cinnamon oat.
ReplyDeleteGreat ideas.
Delete'Zat you, Alek?
Yes that's me! Not sure why it is written down as unknown.
DeleteHaven't had the milk yet, but So Delicious brand oatmilk ice cream is amazing! I'm not even a vegan or vegetarian and normally eat real ice cream. Just like to try new things and it's the best I've had of the 'alternative' ones. I'd imagine the milk is good too. I want to try Oatly, which I've heard is the best brand, but will try making it since it's so easy.
ReplyDeletePS, There are several brands of oat milk out there now, including Silk. And some chocolate versions.
ReplyDeleteThanks, I had no idea! I'll have to pay more attention :-)
DeleteTry the oat milk in the refrigerator section- this "oat beverage" tastes like water in comparison. The oat milk is very good with cereal and coffee. Oatly is the best one in my opinion but the TJs version is a good alternative.
DeleteI've tried all brands of oat milk, and think the trader joe's version is one of the WORST! The best one is Oatly, hands down. I recommend the full fat and the barista blend if you are adding to coffee.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, it looks like the protein content is quite low so it can't be a milk substitute for our kids. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteWe are oat milk converts. I usually get this for school since it's a smaller container than the refrigerator one. I see no real flavor difference from this and the oatly and silk varieties, but I also dont drink it straight.
ReplyDeleteHow does this have water and hydrolyzed oats as the only ingredients and still have 4 g added sugar? How do they not have to list sugar in some form as an ingredient. Hydrolysis does not imply adding sugar, and if their process adds sugar it doesn't indicate that.
ReplyDelete