7 Common Additives in Oat Milk
Oat milk is one of the most popular plant-based milk alternatives, cherished for its sustainability, versatility, and taste.
However, beyond oats and water, oat milk brands often add a variety of other ingredients.
This guide will delve into these other ingredients and potential additives, explaining why each may be added.
1️⃣ Stabilisers
Ingredients You Might See:
- Gellan Gum
- Xanthan Gum
Stabilisers and gums are used to maintain the integrity of oat milk by preventing ingredient separation.
By thickening the liquid, stabilisers can also improve the mouthfeel of oat milk and ensure a smooth, homogeneous texture. There are some gum free oat milk brands you can choose.
2️⃣ Acidity Regulators
Ingredients You Might See:
- Potassium Carbonate
- Dipotassium Phosphate
Acidity regulators are used to control the pH level of oat milk, thus extending its shelf life and preventing spoilage.
They are also useful in preventing curdling when oat milk is mixed with acidic substances like coffee. Thus they are most commonly added to barista varieties. of oat milk.
3️⃣ Emulsifiers
Ingredients You Might See:
- Soy Lecithin
- Sunflower Lecithin
Emulsifiers facilitate the blending of oil and water in oat milk, preventing oil separation and ensuring a consistent, well-integrated mixture.
This enhances the overall creamy texture and mouthfeel of the beverage.
4️⃣ Oils
Ingredients You Might See:
- Rapeseed Oil
- Sunflower Oil
- Coconut Oil
Oils are often incorporated to impart creaminess and enrich the flavour profile of an oat milk.
They contribute to the smooth texture of the final product, but are not always a healthy addition. You can find some oil free oat milk brands.
5️⃣ Dietary Fibre
Ingredients You Might See:
- Soluble Corn Fibre - a dietary fibre that aids digestion and contributes to the creamy texture of oat milk.
- Maltodextrin - a carbohydrate additive used to enhance texture and mouthfeel.
Dietary fibre is frequently introduced into oat milk formulations to enhance texture and provide essential plant-based fibre.
It contributes to the creamy consistency and promotes digestive health. Although these ingredients can cause issues for those with existing gut health conditions.
6️⃣ Calcium
Ingredients You Might See:
- Calcium Carbonate
- Tricalcium Phosphate
Dairy is renowned for its calcium content so calcium fortification is common in oat milk, enhancing its nutritional profile and offering a valuable source of this essential mineral.
For more detailed information on calcium in oat milk, check out our full guide.
7️⃣ Other Vitamins & Minerals
Ingredients You Might See:
- Potassium Iodide (Iodine) - supports thyroid function and regulates metabolism.
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) - aids energy production and overall health.
- Vitamin B12 - important for nerve function and red blood cell production.
- Vitamin D2 - Helps maintain bone health and supports immune function.
- Iron - used for oxygen transport and overall vitality.
Vitamins and minerals are frequently added to oat milk formulations to boost nutritional value and address dietary deficiencies.
Whilst most people will likely get these minerals elsewhere from a balanced diet it can help ensure you meet your daily recommended intake.
Are all additives bad?
While a short and simple ingredient list is often preferred, it's important to note that not all additives are inherently negative.
Many additives serve valid functions like enhancing taste, texture, and shelf life and ensuring food safety.
However, like any ingredient, their safety depends on factors such as the type and amount used, as well as individual sensitivities.
We recommend doing your own research if you are concerned about specific additives in oat milk.