Walter Willett, professor of epidemiology and nutrition at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, weighed in on the benefits of various plant-based milks in a February 1, 2022 New York Times nutrition advice column.

He said that coconut milk, like cow’s milk, is high in saturated fats, but other nut milks have a healthier fat profile. Almond, cashew, and macadamia nut milks, for example, are higher in heart-healthy unsaturated fats, as are soy, hemp, and flax milks. Soy milk provides the same high amount of protein found in cow’s milk, but Willett noted that protein deficiency is not a concern for most U.S. adults.

Willett advised looking out for added sugar in flavored milks, and aiming for less than 10 grams per serving. He also suggested choosing products that are fortified with vitamin D and calcium, although he noted that Americans probably don’t need as much calcium for bone health as they think they do. “When we look at dairy directly, we don’t see that high dairy consumption reduces fracture rates in terms of the evidence,” he said.

Producing plant-based milks is also easier on the environment than producing cow’s milk, which requires large amounts of water and causes high levels of greenhouse gas emissions, Willett said. “It’s important to look at everything through both a health lens and an environmental lens at this point in time,” he said.

In recent years, plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk have become incredibly popular.

Oat milk is a good choice for people with certain food allergies and intolerances, as it’s naturally free of lactose, nuts, and soy. If made from certified gluten-free oats, it’s also suitable for those with gluten-related disorders.

Due to its growing popularity, you can find it in most grocery stores and online. You can also make it yourself at home and customize it to your taste.

This article explains everything you need to know about oat milk, including its nutrition, benefits, potential downsides, and how to make your own.