Oat Milk vs. Almond Milk: What's the Difference?
| Oat Milk | Almond Milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Base ingredient | Blended oats and water | Blended almonds and water |
| Texture | Creamier, naturally thicker | Thinner, more watery |
| Calories (typical, per cup) | ~120 | ~30-40 (unsweetened) |
| Frothing for coffee | Froths well, closer to dairy | Froths less well, can separate |
| Common allergen concerns | Gluten cross-contamination possible unless certified gluten-free | Tree nut allergy |
Verdict
Oat milk's creamier texture makes it the better choice for coffee drinks and baking; almond milk's lower calorie count makes it appealing for those watching calorie intake. Neither is nutritionally a like-for-like replacement for dairy milk's protein content.
Oat Milk
Made by blending oats with water and straining, oat milk has a naturally creamy texture and mild sweetness that froths and steams closer to dairy milk than most other plant milks, part of why it's become popular in coffee shops specifically.
Almond Milk
Made from blended almonds and water, almond milk is thinner and lower in calories than oat milk, with a mild, slightly nutty flavor, but it's not an option for anyone with a tree nut allergy.
FAQ
Which one is better for coffee?
Oat milk generally froths and steams better, giving a creamier latte texture closer to dairy milk. Almond milk can curdle or separate in hot, acidic coffee more easily than oat milk.
Is either one a good source of protein like dairy milk?
No, both are notably lower in protein than dairy milk (roughly 2-3g per cup versus dairy's 8g). Soy milk is the plant-based option closest to dairy's protein content.