Are you curious about the water content of oat milk?
As more people turn to plant-based alternatives, oat milk has become a popular choice due to its low environmental impact and relatively low use of water and land.
But just how much water is used to make this milk-like beverage? And what percentage of it is actually water?
In this article, we’ll explore the water content of oat milk and compare it to other types of milk.
Get ready to learn some surprising facts about the liquids we consume every day!
What Percent Of Oat Milk Is Water?
According to the USDA, oat milk contains 90.6 percent water by weight. This means that almost all of the liquid in a carton of oat milk is actually water.
Compared to dairy milk, which is 87 percent water, oat milk has a slightly higher water content. However, it’s important to note that the water used to make oat milk is significantly less than what is used to produce dairy milk.
In fact, oat milk production requires only 1/15th the amount of water needed for dairy milk production and 1/8th the water needed for almond milk production. This makes oat milk a more sustainable and environmentally friendly choice.
What Is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that is made from whole oat grains and water. The process involves soaking the oats in water, blending them, and then straining the mixture to remove any solids. The resulting liquid is creamy in texture and has a mild, oatmeal-like flavor. Oat milk is available in various flavors such as sweetened, unsweetened, vanilla, and chocolate.
Oat milk is a relatively new addition to the plant-based milk market, having been developed in the 1990s by a Swedish scientist named Rickard Öste. It has gained popularity in recent years as a vegan-friendly and lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk. Oat milk contains more protein and fiber than other non-dairy milks but also has more calories and carbohydrates.
Oat milk is also known for its environmental benefits as it requires less land and water to produce compared to dairy milk and almond milk. Some brands may add additional ingredients such as plant-based oils, sweeteners, or fortify it with vitamins and nutrients like calcium or vitamin D. Overall, oat milk is a nutritious and sustainable option for those looking for a dairy-free alternative.
The Process Of Making Oat Milk
Making oat milk at home is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients and tools. First, you will need to soak rolled oats in water for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight, to soften them. Then, drain the oats and rinse them well.
Next, blend the oats with fresh water until they are finely ground and the mixture becomes creamy. This step can be done in a blender or food processor. It’s important to note that the ratio of oats to water can vary depending on how thick or thin you want your oat milk to be.
Once blended, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids. This will leave you with a smooth and creamy liquid that resembles milk.
At this point, you can add any sweeteners or flavors you desire, such as vanilla extract or maple syrup. Store the oat milk in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
While making oat milk at home is easy and cost-effective, it’s important to note that store-bought oat milk may contain additional ingredients, such as preservatives and thickeners. Always read the label carefully before purchasing.
Water Usage In Oat Milk Production
Oat milk has gained popularity in recent years due to its creamy texture and low environmental impact. One of the factors that make oat milk an environmentally friendly choice is its low water usage during production.
To produce a liter of oat milk, only 48 liters of water are required. This is significantly lower compared to the water usage required to produce dairy, soy, and almond milks. For example, it takes approximately 415 pounds of water per day for a cow to produce milk, while it takes about 101 gallons of water to make just one cup of almonds for almond milk.
Oat milk’s low water usage can be attributed to the fact that oats require less water to grow compared to almonds and soybeans. Additionally, the production process for oat milk involves soaking oats in water, blending them, and then straining the mixture. This process uses significantly less water compared to the processes used for dairy and other plant-based milks.
Comparing Water Content In Oat Milk To Other Types Of Milk
When it comes to water content, oat milk falls in the middle of the pack among milk alternatives. Soy milk has a water content of 95.8 percent, making it the highest among plant-based milks. Almond milk, on the other hand, has a water content of 90 percent, which is slightly lower than oat milk.
However, it’s important to note that almond milk requires significantly more water to produce than oat milk. It takes five liters of water to grow just one almond, and most almonds are grown in California where water consumption is a major issue.
Dairy milk, on the other hand, has a water content of 87 percent, which is lower than oat milk. However, producing dairy milk requires a staggering amount of water – every liter of cow’s milk produced uses up 628 liters of water.
Rice milk has a similar water content to oat milk at around 90 percent, but it requires even more water to produce than almond milk. Rice is a notoriously thirsty crop and it takes 54 liters of water to produce just one glass of rice milk.
Oat Milk Vs. Dairy Milk: Environmental Impact
When it comes to environmental impact, oat milk is the clear winner over dairy milk. The production of dairy milk has a significant environmental footprint, from the water used to raise cows and grow their feed to the methane emissions produced by the cows themselves.
On the other hand, oat milk has a much lower carbon footprint and requires significantly less water to produce. According to studies, the production of oat milk leads to 80% less greenhouse gas emissions and uses 60% less energy than dairy milk. In addition, making oat milk also uses about ten times less water than cow’s milk.
It’s also worth noting that the byproduct of oat milk production, the pulp left over after soaking, blending, and straining the oats, is often repurposed as livestock feed instead of being sent to landfills where it would produce methane.
Conclusion: Is Oat Milk A Sustainable Choice?
Based on the information presented, oat milk is a sustainable choice for those looking for a plant-based milk alternative. Oat milk has a significantly lower carbon footprint than dairy milk, soy milk, and almond milk. It requires 80% less land and produces the least greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, oat milk production requires only 1/15th the amount of water needed for dairy milk production and 1/8th the water needed for almond milk production. While oat milk does contain less protein than dairy or soy milk, it is still a good source of fiber and vitamins, including vitamin A and vitamin D.
