Oat Milk vs Soy Milk: The Grand Debate
In recent years, we’ve witnessed the trend of people turning towards plant-based diets. One of the biggest questions out there is, “Is soy milk better than oat milk?” To answer this question, we’ll explore these dairy alternatives in detail.
Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just trying to switch to a healthier diet, we guarantee that after reading this blog, you will choose the right one for your needs. Let’s dive deep into the soy milk vs oat milk debate, explore their health benefits, compare nutritional values, and more!
What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is an absolute superstar in the plant-based milk industry! It’s made from whole oats soaked in water, then blended, and finally strained. It’s naturally sweet, making it perfect for smoothies or coffee.
This rising star has recently gained popularity in the US. People love its rich texture and mild flavor. Additionally, oat milk froths well, so it’s available in many cafes for cappuccinos or lattes.
Another great thing about this milk is that it contains beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber known for its potential heart health benefits. Hence, this milk is a perfect option for those monitoring their cardiovascular health. You can find many versions on the market, from unsweetened to those rich in vitamins and minerals.
Is oat milk better than soy milk? We can’t give you an answer just yet. Let’s explore soy milk first.
What is Soy Milk?
Soy milk is also one of the pioneers of dairy alternatives! It’s made from soaked, grinned, and then boiled soybeans. In addition, it is a high-protein drink, and you can use it in baking, cooking, coffee, or on its own.
Anyone who tried it described its flavor as nutty or bean-like. It’s rich in calcium, protein, and vitamins, so it’s a perfect choice for people who want to increase their protein intake.
Like oat milk, there are many different soy milk available. They differ in nutritional value and formulation, so we advise you to check the labels if you want, for example, an unsweetened one.
Oat Milk vs. Soy Milk Nutrition
The differences between oat milk vs soy milk nutrition are as distinctive as their flavors. Let’s take a closer look.
For starters, oat milk is lower in calories and fat than soy milk. It has approximately 120kcal per cup, which includes 5 grams of fat and 2-4 grams of protein. Since it contains natural sugars and fiber, its carbohydrate content is low.
On the other hand, soy milk is higher in protein, around 7 grams per cup. Like oat milk, it has around 100 calories per cup, which of 4 grams in protein and low levels of carbohydrate. Because of it high protein content, it’s comparable to cow’s milk and offers a great protein source for musle growth.
Minerals and vitamins are also important to this comparison. Both contain high levels of calcium and vitamin D. However, soy milk has more potassium and magnesium, while oat milk has slightly more iron.
Health Implications
If you have specific allergies or dietary restrictions, you need to be aware of the health implications of these milks. For example, for individuals with nut allergies, both soy and oat milk offer dairy-free alternatives. If dealing with thyroid issues or soy allergies, you should be avoiding soy milk, since an exessive consumption can cause you problems.
Moving on, people managing blood sugar levels should avoid oat milk because of its high beta-glucan content. Beta-glucan supports heart health by lowering cholesterol levels, yes; however, its higher carbohydrate content can potentially cause you issues.
Lastly, as mentioned, soy milk is high in protein, making it a great option for vegans and vegetarians. Studies have shown that it can help improve heart health and reduce the risk of breast cancer. Yet, it’s crucial to choose unsweetened soy milk to avoid added sugars. High sugar intake can negate its benefits.
Culinary Uses
Both plant-based milks are widely used in the culinary field, enhancing many beverages and recipes.
Baristas especially love oat milk because of its natural sweetness and creamy consistency. It’s ideal for cappuccinos, lattes, and other coffee drinks, and it also goes perfectly in smoothies and baked goods.
Soy milk is mostly used in baking and cooking, since it can replace cow’s milk without any changes to the flavor of the food. People often use it for bread, muffins, or cakes. However, did you know it also goes perfect with savory dishes? Try adding it to your favorite sauce or soup! Its nutty flavor will complement these dishes for sure.
Furthermore, both can enhance the flavor of hot chocolate or pancakes!
Which One to Choose?
Is oat milk better than soy milk or viceversa? There’s no right answer. The decision between these two depends on your personal preferences, lifestyle choices, diatery needs, ect.
First, the flavor of both are totally different, so you’ll need to try both to find out which one tastes better. Oat milk is more creamy containing mild sweetness, while soy milk is ideal choice for those seeking richer notes.
As for nutritional values, if you want to increase protein intake, than soy milk is better option for you. However, if your focus is on high fiber intake and heart health, oat milk is more suitable.
The most important thing you should consider when deciding between soy and oat milk is your allergies and diatery restrictions. If you have soy allergies, than naturally you should opt for oat milk. Yet, if you’re gluten intolerance, choose gluten-free oat milk.
Both offer unique benefits, so you will not regret it no matter which one you choose! The plant-based milk world is extensive, and these two are just the beginning of the endless delicious possibilities. Happy exploring!
