Rerooted (organic oat drink in glass bottles)
ReRooted is a wonderful brand of oat drink, co-founded by an ex-dairy vet and an ex-Manchester United footballer, who with his wife founded England’s first zero waste shop (in Totnes, Devon).
This brand is made with organic oats (they also make other organic plant drinks) and sold in reusable glass bottles, which are delivered by electric vehicle, then washed and used again.
Oat drink is not a substitute for formula. Always talk to your GP and midwife about dairy alternatives, for babies and weaning.
Keep plantmilks away from pets (due to nuts, chocolate etc). Read more on food safety for people & pets.
Everything’s rich and creamy, made with organic oats, filtered water, a little sunflower oil and Cornish sea salt. There is also a barista version, and cold coffee brew (sweetened with date syrup).
Visit the site above to find stockists.
These include Abel & Cole (screw dry lids firmly back on, then leave next to empty organic veg boxes). If also ordering plants and flowers, read our posts on pet-friendly gardens and how to stop birds flying into windows.
Oat drink is by far the best plant-based alternative to dairy (for legal reasons, apparently it’s not allowed to call any dairy-free drink ‘milk?) Many people are choosing to make the switch, whether it be for animal welfare, environmental or health reasons.
Whereas there are many plant-based dairy alternatives on the market, oats are one of the few ingredients that can be locally-grown. Almonds can be grown in Europe (but most almond drinks are from brands abroad where there is controversy over farming methods, which impact bees and other wildlife). Same with cashews.
And coconut milk again is not local. And it’s very strong in taste, so some people are not keen to use it in hot drinks. Or even recipes.
Oat Drink Makes Creamy Drinks!
By far, oat drink is the best choice if you like a creamy cappuccino or hot chocolate. It’s naturally thick and creamy, which is why it’s often the plant-based beverage of choice for coffee shops. Most brands offer ‘barista’ versions that are designed to work with coffee machines.
Oat Drink Has Healthy Fibre
No animal foods have fibre. But oat drink does. Just like porridge, it contains soluble fibre, that kind of ‘sweeps out your insides’ of bad cholesterol. Naturally cholesterol-free, it’s a great alternative if you like creamy drinks (or carbonara-style creamy pasta dishes).
Oat Drink is High in Protein and Calcium
We are often told that we must drink dairy for calcium. But in fact, many plant foods are high in calcium and protein, and oats are one of them. As part of a balanced diet, they are packed with nutrients.
Oat Drink Supports Local Farmers
Organic oats can be locally grown. So it’s a great way to produce income for local organic farmers, and keep money circulating within communities.
Why Are People Giving Up Dairy?
No-one denies that a small organic dairy farmer treats his cows well. But the big dairy industry (from where most dairy milk is produced – especially for all the by-products used in ready-meals etc) has huge welfare concerns.
In the UK, most male calves (of no financial use to the dairy industry – separate from beef industry) are shot dead, soon after birth.
Many cows spend their entire lives in factory farms, being inseminated and giving birth, then having their calves taken from them. Cows and calves form incredibly strong relationships, and will cry out loudly for weeks, if separated.
Some organisations are helping dairy farmers to transfarm over to growing more profitable oats, giving seeds and training. Remaining animals are then left to live out their lives in peace, akin to farm sanctuaries.
