Oat Milk vs Almond Milk: Which Plant-Based Alternative Reigns Supreme?

As dairy alternatives continue to make a splash around the world, the great oat milk vs. almond milk debate rages on. From coffee shops to home kitchens and everywhere in between, health-conscious consumers are finding new and creative ways to incorporate these next-gen fridge staples into their daily routines.  

What is oat milk?

As the name would suggest, oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative (PBMA) made from oats! Oat milk is typically produced by soaking oats in water, blending them and straining the mixture to leave behind a creamy and naturally sweet liquid. Oat milk’s thick, frothy texture mimics that of traditional dairy milk, making oat milk an extremely popular substitute in a variety of foods and beverages. 

What is Almond Milk?

Similarly, almond milk is a PBMA that is created by blending almonds with water and straining the mixture. Almond milk is known for its light texture and slightly nutty flavor, making it a great addition to coffee drinks, smoothies and more. Almond milk has been a main driver of almond milk trends for years and was one of the first PBMAs to rise to widespread popularity in the United States.

Oat milk vs almond milk: What’s the difference?

While it might be tempting to assume that oat milk and almond milk are more or less interchangeable, each of these milk alternatives has its own unique qualities and nutritional compositions. Here is a brief overview of some of the key differences between oat milk and almond milk: 

Calories and carbs

From a nutritional perspective, oat milk tends to be higher in calories and carbohydrates than other milk alternatives, including almond milk. However, many oat milk varieties contain soluble fiber for added nutritional/digestive benefits, making it a better fit for some consumers’ needs and preferences. 

Protein content 

While neither oat milk nor almond milk can really compare with dairy milk in terms of protein content, oat milk products tend to be more protein-rich than almond milk products. With Tastewise data suggesting almond milk consumers are becoming increasingly protein-aware, fortified almond milk varieties may help close this gap and broaden almond milk’s appeal.  

Taste 

Given that both almond and oat milk consumers are looking for products that deliver on taste, it’s important to understand the unique flavor profiles of these PBMAs. Consumers generally report that oat milk offers a robust, naturally sweet flavor, while almond milk delivers a subtle, nutty flavor. 

Texture 

Oat milk is known for its thick and creamy texture, which makes it a consumer favorite for both hot and iced coffee beverages and saucy dishes. Conversely, almond milk tends to be lighter and thinner, making it popular as an addition to smoothies and other lightened-up food trends. 

Sustainability 

Because oat milk relies on grains that are low-impact to grow, oak milk trends tend to emphasize sustainability in ways that almond milk trends do not. While plant-based dairy trends all generally appeal to increasingly eco-conscious consumers, nuts require more resources to grow than oats (almond milk boasts a particularly large water “footprint”), making almond milk a slightly less sustainable choice than oat milk.

Oat milk and almond milk: What’s trending now 

Oat milk and almond milk have both been enjoying an extended stay in the spotlight as consumer preferences expand and evolve. Almond milk initially rose to prominence as a lightened-up alternative to traditional dairy milk, and it has subsequently served as a staple in a variety of health-focused recipes and products. 

Tastewise data reveals health food trends, growing interest in vegan lifestyles and renewed calls for protein-forward products are some of the biggest factors influencing almond milk purchasing behaviors, with terms like “high-protein” and “unsweetened” topping the list of reported consumer needs. 

While the almond milk market continues to thrive thanks to established brand recognition and customer loyalty, oat milk is quickly closing the gap to become a go-to PBMA choice for consumers across the United States. While it used to be a question of coconut milk vs. almond milk for health-conscious consumers, oat milk trends have recently experienced rapid growth due to café culture and larger espresso trends. 

Thanks to its thick and creamy texture, oat milk is becoming a must-have milk substitute in artisanal coffee beverages like cappuccinos, lattes, flat whites and more. With oat milk consumers searching up terms like “lactose-free” and “unsweetened,” it seems fair to say that oat milk fans are more interested in investing in a convincing dairy substitute rather than a low-calorie alternative. 

Stats to know: PBMA Sales and consumption

With brands and consumers increasingly embracing the plant-based milk alternative zeitgeist, it’s important for food and beverage professionals to understand some of the key data points informing this explosive market. Here’s a quick rundown of some must-know sales and consumption stats and facts: 

• Almond milk is the most popular PBMA in the United States, with oat milk coming in as a close second.
• In the United States, sales of dairy milk have been on the decline over the last several years.
• Roughly $2.85 billion worth of PBMA products were sold between July of 2023 and July of 2024.
• 1 in 3 U.S. households regularly purchases PBMAs.
• The global almond milk market size was valued at $10.89 billion in 2023.
• Oat milk accounted for 24% of the U.S. PBMA market in 2023. 

As dairy milk sales continue to fall, brands have a unique opportunity to put forth high-quality plant-based alternatives that can fill in the gaps and deliver on taste, texture and sustainability. Almond milk trends and oat milk trends can also quench the growing thirst for vegan food trends that don’t compromise on flavor.

Popularity and audience: What to tap into 

When deciding how best to produce, market and distribute PBMA products, it’s important for brands to understand how each of these dairy alternatives appeals to different audiences. Put very simply: oat milk tends to be more popular among younger demographics thanks to larger cultural trends. For example, Gen Z and millennial consumers are extremely coffee-conscious, and are subsequently more likely to reach for a creamy oat milk-based beverage to tickle their tastebuds. Similarly, young consumers are incredibly intentional about purchasing sustainable products that emphasize environmental conservation, making oat milk a more appealing and eco-friendly option. 

On the flip side, almond milk drinkers tend to be health-focused consumers who are specifically seeking out low-carb and calorie-friendly substitutes for their go-to foods and beverages. Terms like “fat-free,” “unsweetened” and “healthy” make regular appearances in the online searches and discussions of almond milk consumers, highlighting the fact that almond milk consumers are particularly fitness-focused and health-conscious. Incorporating these values into almond milk branding and marketing efforts can further streamline the appeal of this longstanding PBMA and ensure almond milk remains a refrigerator staple in U.S. households. 

Which is better?

At the end of the day, the question of almond milk vs. oat milk is best settled by individual consumers. Oat milk typically tops the charts in terms of creaminess, taste and sustainability, but almond milk is the big winner with respect to calorie control, keto-friendliness and accessibility. For most consumers, it isn’t an “either/or” choice. Rather, both alternatives can serve different needs and appeal to specific preferences within the framework of a balanced diet.

Final thoughts

The oat milk vs. almond milk conversation reflects more than taste preferences, it speaks to changing consumer needs and across-the-board shifts in milk trends and dietary preferences. As demand for healthy, dairy-free milk alternatives continues to grow, innovation will shape how these beverages fill the important gaps in the lives (and pantries) of modern consumers.