The 8 Best Oat Milks on the Market, According to a Dietician

Best Overall

Oatly Original Oat Milk

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Instacart.com

Oatly!’s original oat milk is the winner of the batch due to its consistency, color, and texture. This Swedish company, which started out in the 90s, is eco-conscious and remains independent. Keeping with its namesake, Oatly! does, in fact, just sell oat-based products.

The mission behind Oatly is to bring wholesome beverages to people who just didn’t like cow’s milk or were unwilling to use it for personal reasons. Thirty years later, its products are flying off the shelves, as the oat milk craze catches on (it's also expanded its offerings beyond just milks—you can now find Oatly! ice creams, yogurts, and more). Also noteworthy: Its milk is certified gluten-free and does not curdle when added to coffee—a major bonus.

Price at time of publish: $55

Best Budget

Dream Oat Beverage Oat Original

View On Amazon View On Walmart

Dream’s oat beverage wins the best budget category due to its very reasonable price point. Alternative milks are notoriously pricey compared to cow’s milk, but Dream Oat's price tag is not too far off (and you can probably score an even better deal buying in bulk, as Dream’s beverage is shelf-stable). And for that low price, you’re still getting all the goodness that comes with this drink. lt sells an unsweetened version as well for those who like a milder flavor.

Best Gluten-Free

OATLY! Low Fat Oat Milk

View On Amazon View On Instacart.com

According to the FDA, oats are gluten-free, but those who have celiac disease or other gluten sensitivities should always check labels for certified gluten-free products to guarantee a product wasn’t processed in a plant where it could’ve been cross-contaminated. Although several oat milk brands claim their products are gluten-free, Oatly!’s products are certified via a third party, which is the gold standard for label claims and certifications.

There is also no added sugar, soy, nuts, thickeners, gums, or GMOs in this milk. This low-fat version is not as thick and creamy as Oatly’s Original, but for those who like the consistency of low-fat or skim milk and are seeking a plant-based alternative, this is a solid choice.

Price at time of publish: $7

Best High-Protein

Califia Farms Protein Oat Milk

View On Amazon View On Instacart.com

Califia Farms protein oat milk is an unsweetened milk that contains all nine essential amino acids, thanks to pea, oat, and sunflower protein. In addition to protein, this milk is rich in calcium, potassium, vitamin D, and vitamin E, all while tasting delicious and boasting a thick, creamy texture. You can use it as you would any other oat milk—in baking, cereal, smoothies, coffee, or just plain in a glass.

Price at time of publish: $7

Best Chocolate

OATLY! Chocolate Oat Milk

View On Walmart View On Oatly.com

Who doesn’t love a glass of chocolate milk every once in a while? This childhood favorite has gone vegan-friendly, and now there are plenty of oat-based chocolate milks on the market to satisfy adults and children alike. Our favorite is Oatly!’s chocolate oat milk, which is great on its own but would also work well in baking or smoothies. Cocoa powder and cane sugar provide the sweet chocolaty flavor we know and love. Note that it is higher in calories and sugar than its original milk, as one would expect in a sweet chocolaty treat.

Price at time of publish: $32

Best Vanilla

Planet Oat Oat Milk Vanilla

View On Amazon View On Target

For those seeking a vanilla-infused oat milk, Planet Oat has you covered. Perfect for cereal, coffee, tea, or smoothies, this milk is as versatile as it is satisfying. It’s also surprisingly low in calories (90 calories per 1 cup) and sugar (4 grams per 1 cup), so it’s not overly saccharine, but rather subtly sweet. It also offers plenty of vitamin D, calcium, and vitamin A, and it's available in original, extra creamy, and dark chocolate. 

Best Clean

Thrive Market Organic Oat Non-Dairy Beverage

View On Thrive Market

Made of just oats and water, Thrive Market’s organic oat beverage has no hidden ingredients. It is unsweetened, but it does have a natural pleasant sweetness to it. It can be used in coffee, smoothies, overnight oats, and baked goods. It’s shelf-stable and does not have a weird aftertaste, though it’s on the more watery side, which may be less ideal for adding to coffee.