Why Oat Milk is Better Than Most Milks!
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.
Oato (a Lancashire drink in returnable bottles)
Oato is a brand of oat drink, born in Lancashire and sold online at Milk & More. The milks locally are still in glass bottles. It’s also available in strawberry, coffee and chocolate flavours.
This brand has recently gone on sale in Waitrose. Due to logistics, the supermarket version is in plastic bottles (easily recycled at kerbside).
Toats Mylk (Hampshire) is another oat drink sold in returnable glass bottles, ordered via a veg box scheme, with taps on wholesale boxes.
Overherd (zero waste oat drink powder)
Overherd is an oat drink powder that you can buy online. Then mix with water, to make your own affordable oat drink (also idea if you don’t live near an oat drink stockist or have no fridge).
Use code NATURALLY10 for 10% discount for first-time buyers.
Oat drink is not a substitute for formula. Always talk to your GP and midwife about dairy alternatives, for babies and weaning.
Milktopz: Reusable Silicone Milk Bottle Tops
Milk Topz makes milk bottles (and orange juice bottles) from food-grade silicone. These are airtight and leakproof, to keep any milk fresher for longer. There are also lids to cover yoghurt or cream. The family business was started by people who did not like the ‘fridge smell’ of opened bottles of milk.
The Benefits of Using Milktopz
Whether you drink plant-based or dairy milk, avoiding food waste is always a bonus.
- Milktopz help to keep milk fresh longer, by creating an airtight seal.
- The leakproof design also means that bottles can even be stacked horizontally, in the fridge.
- You can also use different colours to colour-code different types of milk.
- Plus they stop other food transferring odours (say garlic!) to your fresh milk.
Homemade Vegan Mylkshake Recipes
As it’s very difficult to find vegan mylkshakes to buy, learn how to make your own. These are rich milky drinks, all you need are a few healthy natural ingredients, a little know-how and a blender. Kind to animals, rich in fibre and a great way to fill a hungry tummy.
Ingredients for Your Vegan Mylkshakes
Great vegan mylkshakes start with a smart base, a thickener, a sweetener, and a flavour boost. Each piece has a job, so your shake turns out right.
- Plant milks: Oat milk gives natural sweetness and a silky finish. Rerooted Organic is a good brand of organic oat milk . Or mix Overherd oat drink powder with water (code NATURALLY10 for 10% discount for first-time buyers).
- Thickeners: Frozen bananas are the classic choice. They add gentle sweetness. Or use frozen mango.
- Natural sweeteners: Medjool dates bring a caramel tone. Maple syrup blends fast and tastes clean. Agave syrup (a natural sweetener from the cactus family) is mild.
- Protein and creaminess: Nut butters are good, as is organic soya yoghurt.
- Flavour boosters: Cocoa powder, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt round out flavours.
Pick ripe organic fruit and fresh spices where possible. For an example of portion sizes:
- 250ml plant milk
- 1 cup of frozen fruit
- 1 to 2 soft dates (or 1 tablespoon maple syrup)
- 1 tablespoon nut butter
Blending Techniques for a Creamy Finish
Vegan chocolate mylkshake (The Simple Veganista)
- Pour liquids into the jug first.
- Then add frozen fruit and nut butters.
- Pulse a few times to break up large chunks.
- Blend on medium (then high) for 60 to 90 seconds.
- Add ice slowly if you want a thicker, colder finish.
- Taste and adjust. Add a splash more milk for a thinner drink.
Pour into chilled glasses for a thicker feel. Top with sliced fruit, a sprinkle of nuts, or a dusting of cocoa. Drink fresh for the best flavour. Leftovers don’t keep well, so sip up quickly!
Refreshing Berry Vegan Mylkshake
- 250 ml almond milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed berries
- 2 tablespoons plain coconut or soy yoghurt
- 1 to 2 teaspoons maple syrup or agave
Peanut Butter Vegan Mylkshake
- 250 ml soy milk
- 1 banana, frozen if possible
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup, if needed
