Are you a fan of oat milk?
It’s become a popular alternative to dairy milk in recent years, touted for its creamy texture and health benefits.
But have you ever wondered what’s really in your oat milk?
You might be surprised to learn that many brands contain more than just oats and water.
In fact, some oat milks even include sunflower oil as an ingredient.
But is this a cause for concern?
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients in oat milk and explore whether sunflower oil is something you should be worried about.
So grab a glass of your favorite non-dairy milk and let’s dive in!
Does Oat Milk Contain Sunflower Oil?
Yes, some oat milks do contain sunflower oil as an ingredient. Sunflower oil is often used as a thickener and to improve the texture of oat milk, making it more similar to dairy milk.
While sunflower oil is high in oleic acid, a healthy fat that can have anti-inflammatory effects, it’s important to note that oat milks that contain sunflower oil are often blends with other ingredients. These blends may include less healthy ingredients to add flavor or texture.
Additionally, sunflower oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory when consumed in excess. Most Americans already consume too many omega-6s, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake.
What Is Oat Milk And How Is It Made?
Oat milk is a dairy-free milk alternative that is made from plant-based ingredients, using oats as its base. It’s a creamy and delicious substitute for dairy milk that’s becoming increasingly popular among people who are lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a healthier option.
To make oat milk at home, you can blend oats with water and then strain the liquid to remove the pulp. This will result in a creamy, plant-based milk substitute that’s perfect for adding to coffee, smoothies, or cereal.
Commercially, oat milk is made by combining oats with water and milling them into a fine consistency or straining them. Different brands may formulate their oat milk using varied ingredients, such as enzymes to break down oat starch, sea salt, and/or plant-based oils. Common oils used include sunflower, canola or rapeseed oil to give a creamier texture and act as an emulsifier.
Some companies also add in sugar, sweeteners or flavorings to create a range of oat milk beverages, such as vanilla or chocolate. Brands may also fortify oat milk with vitamins and nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and B12.
It’s important to note that most store-bought oat milks include canola or rapeseed oil as an ingredient, which is a low-quality omega-6 oil that can be inflammatory. Sunflower oil is another common ingredient in oat milk blends, which can be beneficial on its own but may be mixed with less healthy ingredients.
Ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to check the labels and choose oat milks without added oils (or sugar, gums or preservatives) if they prefer a healthier option. Making your own oat milk at home is also an easy and delicious way to ensure you know exactly what’s going into your milk alternative.
Common Ingredients Found In Oat Milk
Oat milk is a dairy-free milk alternative that is derived from plant-based ingredients, using oats as its base. While homemade oat milk can be made by blending oats with water and straining the liquid, commercial oat milk is often made by combining oats with water and milling them into a fine consistency or straining them.
Different brands may formulate their oat milk using varied ingredients, such as enzymes to break down oat starch, sea salt, and/or plant-based oils. Common oils used include sunflower, canola or rapeseed oil to give a creamier texture and act as an emulsifier. Some companies also add in sugar, sweeteners or flavorings to create a range of oat milk beverages, such as vanilla or chocolate.
It’s important to note that most of the oat milk on the market includes canola oil (also known as rapeseed oil) as an ingredient. Canola oil is a low-quality omega-6 oil that can be inflammatory, so rapeseed oil in oat milk isn’t an ideal ingredient. While we need omega-6 oils, there’s a delicate ratio of omega-3s to omega-6s, and most Americans are getting much more omega-6 oils than necessary to keep that balance.
Some oat milks may also contain sunflower oil as an ingredient. While sunflower oil is high in oleic acid, a healthy fat that can have anti-inflammatory effects on people with autoimmune conditions or even with wound healing, it’s important to be mindful of your intake as it is also a source of omega-6 fatty acids.
It’s worth noting that oat milks that contain sunflower oil are often blends with other ingredients that may include less healthy additives to add flavor or texture. Therefore, it’s important to read the ingredient list carefully and opt for oat milks with a shorter list of natural ingredients, such as filtered water, whole grain oats, and salt.
Sunflower Oil: What Is It And Why Is It Used In Oat Milk?
Sunflower oil is a type of vegetable oil that is extracted from the seeds of the sunflower plant. It is a popular cooking oil because it has a high smoke point, meaning it can withstand high temperatures without breaking down and releasing harmful chemicals.
In oat milk, sunflower oil is used as an ingredient to improve the texture and mouthfeel of the milk. It also helps to thicken the milk and make it more similar to dairy milk. This is especially important for baristas who use oat milk to make lattes and cappuccinos, as the texture of the milk is crucial for creating latte art.
Sunflower oil is also a source of oleic acid, a healthy fat that can have anti-inflammatory effects. This can be beneficial for people with autoimmune conditions or those who are healing from wounds.
However, it’s important to note that oat milks that contain sunflower oil are often blends with other ingredients. These blends may include less healthy ingredients such as added sugars or preservatives. Additionally, sunflower oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory when consumed in excess. Most Americans already consume too many omega-6s, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake.
The Pros And Cons Of Sunflower Oil In Oat Milk
Sunflower oil in oat milk has both pros and cons. On the one hand, sunflower oil is high in oleic acid, which has anti-inflammatory effects and can be beneficial for people with autoimmune conditions or those who need wound healing. This healthy fat can also improve the texture of oat milk, making it more similar to dairy milk.
On the other hand, sunflower oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, which can be inflammatory when consumed in excess. Most Americans already consume too many omega-6s, so it’s important to be mindful of your intake. Additionally, oat milks that contain sunflower oil are often blends with other ingredients that may not be as healthy.
It’s important to read the ingredient list carefully when choosing an oat milk that contains sunflower oil. Look for brands that use minimal ingredients and avoid added sugars or other unhealthy additives. As with any food or beverage, moderation is key when consuming oat milk with sunflower oil as an ingredient.
How To Choose Oat Milk Without Sunflower Oil
If you’re looking for an oat milk without sunflower oil, there are a few things to keep in mind when reading labels. First, look for oat milks that have a simple ingredient list, ideally just oats and water. Avoid brands that claim to improve the taste and texture with added ingredients, as these may include sunflower oil.
Next, opt for organic oat milk. Conventional oats are often sprayed with glyphosate, a chemical weed killer that has been labeled a probable carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Organic products are less likely to be contaminated with glyphosate residue.
Avoid sweetened varieties and those with added phosphates. Sweetened oat milks can contain high levels of simple sugars, while added phosphates in industrially-processed foods can cause safety concerns.
Finally, skip “barista” varieties that are specially formulated to foam and steam. These often contain seed oils like sunflower or safflower, which can disrupt our omega-3 to omega-6 ratio and cause inflammation.
Some great options for oat milk without sunflower oil include Oatsome Organic Oat Drink, which is made with just oats, water, and a few vitamin and mineral ingredients. Silk’s Oat Yeah Plain Oat Milk is another affordable option that contains just a small amount of sunflower oil and is fortified with important micronutrients. Elmhurst’s Unsweetened Milked Oats is another great choice for those looking for a simple ingredient list without added sugars or oils.
Conclusion: Is Sunflower Oil In Oat Milk A Concern?
Overall, the use of sunflower oil in oat milk is not necessarily a cause for concern on its own. However, it’s important to consider the other ingredients in the oat milk blend and to be mindful of your overall intake of omega-6 fatty acids.
If you’re looking for a healthier option, it may be best to choose oat milks that are made with minimal ingredients and do not contain added oils. Alternatively, soy milk may be a good option as it provides more protein and nutrients than most plant-based milks, including oat milk. Ultimately, it’s important to read ingredient labels and make informed decisions based on your individual dietary needs and preferences.
