Smoothies have become an increasingly popular breakfast or snack option for many health-conscious consumers. When making a smoothie, the base liquid ingredient often comes down to a choice between oat milk or almond milk. But which plant-based milk is better suited for smoothies? There are a few key differences between oat milk and almond milk that impact their performance in smoothies.
Nutrition
When comparing the nutritional profiles of oat milk and almond milk, there are some noteworthy differences:
| Nutrient | Oat milk (per 1 cup) | Almond milk (per 1 cup) |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 120 | 30-60 |
| Fat | 2.5g | 2.5-3g |
| Protein | 3g | 1-2g |
| Carbs | 16g | 1-2g |
| Sugar | 7g | 0-1g |
| Fiber | 2g | 0-1g |
| Calcium | 350mg | 200-300mg |
Oat milk contains more calories, protein, carbs, sugar, and fiber compared to almond milk. Almond milk is extremely low in carbs and sugar. Both contain a similar fat content. For calcium, oat milk provides a bit more than almond milk.
Key Differences
- Oat milk has significantly more carbs, sugar, and calories compared to almond milk.
- Almond milk is extremely low in carbs and sugar.
- Oat milk contains more protein and fiber than almond milk.
- Oat milk provides slightly more calcium than almond milk.
For those counting calories or carbs/sugar, almond milk is the lower calorie, lower carb option. Oat milk provides more protein, fiber, and calcium by comparison.
Taste
In terms of taste, oat milk and almond milk offer some clear differences:
Oat Milk
- Creamy, thick texture
- Subtle natural sweetness
- Mild oat flavor
Almond Milk
- Thin, watery texture
- Little to no sweetness
- Distinct almond flavor
Oat milk has a thicker, creamier consistency compared to the thinner, more watery texture of almond milk. Many people feel oat milk provides a smoother, richer mouthfeel.
Oat milk also has some natural sweetness from the oats that enhances the flavor. Almond milk has very little inherent sweetness on its own.
In terms of flavor, oat milk has a mild oat taste while almond milk showcases more of the distinctive almond flavor.
Key Differences
- Oat milk has a thicker, creamier texture vs. almond milk’s thinner consistency.
- Oat milk has subtle natural sweetness while almond milk has little sweetness.
- Oat milk has a mild oat flavor and almond milk has a distinctive almond taste.
The creamier, slightly sweeter profile of oat milk can make it more appealing for smoothies compared to the thinner, unsweetened flavor of almond milk. But almond milk offers that distinct almond flavor profile.
Use in Smoothies
When considering oat milk vs. almond milk specifically for use in smoothies, a few factors come into play:
Texture
The thicker, creamier texture of oat milk can provide a richer, smoother mouthfeel in smoothies. The watery consistency of almond milk may not achieve the same silky texture.
Flavor
Oat milk’s subtle sweetness better complements the flavor of fruits and other ingredients in smoothies. Almond milk’s drier, unsweetened flavor may not enhance other smoothie ingredients as well.
Nutrition
Oat milk provides more protein, fiber, and calcium vs. almond milk, adding extra nutritional value to smoothies.
Calories
Almond milk is significantly lower in calories than oat milk, so it can create lower calorie smoothies if desired.
Key Differences
- Oat milk creates a richer, creamier texture in smoothies.
- Oat milk’s natural sweetness enhances the flavor of smoothies.
- Oat milk boosts the protein, fiber, and calcium in smoothies.
- Almond milk can produce lower calorie smoothies.
The thickness and mild sweetness of oat milk make it advantageous for creating smooth, flavorful smoothies. But almond milk can be used to make lower calorie smoothies as needed.
Conclusion
When choosing between oat milk vs. almond milk for smoothies, oat milk generally performs better for optimizing texture and flavor. The thicker, creamier consistency provides a smooth mouthfeel, while the subtle natural sweetness complements fruit and other smoothie ingredients well. Oat milk also boosts the nutrition profile with extra protein, fiber, and calcium.
However, almond milk can be used in smoothies, especially if you want to limit calories. The distinctive almond taste can also add a nice nutty flavor. But the thin, watery texture and lack of sweetness may not be as ideal for smoothies for some.
Ultimately, oat milk makes a better base for most smoothies due to its richness and mild sweetness that enhances the smoothie experience. Almond milk can work in some cases, particularly for lighter, more almond-flavored smoothies. But oat milk tends to improve the mouthfeel and flavor of most smoothies.
When deciding between these two popular plant-based milks, consider the differences in texture, taste, nutrition, and calories. Oat milk’s creaminess and subtle sweetness give it an advantage in smoothies specifically. But almond milk can be used in some cases, like when limiting calories. Consider your own preferences for texture, flavor, and nutrition when choosing between oat and almond milk for the perfect smoothie base.