Have you ever wondered if oat milk is keto-friendly? If you’re following a keto diet, counting your carbs is key. Let’s take a look at oat milk. One cup of it contains 14g of net carbs. Keep in mind, for a keto diet, consuming no more than 20g of net carbs per day is recommended. So the short answer here would be: Oat milk is not keto-friendly.
Oat Milk
Serving Size: 1 cup (240 ml)
not keto
Net Carbs
14g
Protein
3g
Fat
5g
Calories
120
Is Oat Milk Keto Friendly?
Oat milk is a popular dairy-free alternative. A glance at the nutrition label reveals the macronutrient content in oats. According to the USDA, a serving cup contains 120 calories, including 3g of protein and 5g of fat. The total carbohydrate content is 16g, which includes 2g of fiber and 7g of sugar.
From a keto diet perspective, we’re interested in net carbs – total carbs minus fiber. For oat milk, this comes to 14g per serving. This is important because followers of a keto diet typically aim for no more than about 20g of net carbs each day.
So, can oat milk fit into your low-carb diet? Unfortunately, it may not be the best choice. The amount of net carbs in oat milk could take up most of your daily carb intake limit in just one cup! This might restrict your options for other meals or snacks throughout the day.
Pros Of Eating Oat Milk On The Keto Diet
- Oat milk is a plant-based alternative to dairy milk, making it suitable for those following a vegan diet.
- It is fortified with necessary vitamins and minerals such as Vitamin D, B12, and calcium.
- It contains a good amount of fiber which can aid in digestion.
- Oat milk has a creamy texture and sweet taste, which can add flavor to your keto recipes.
- It’s free from lactose, nuts, soy, and gluten, making it suitable for those with allergies or intolerances.
Cons Of Eating Oat Milk On The Keto Diet
- Oat milk contains 14g of net carbs per serving, which is 70% of the recommended daily intake for a keto diet.
- The high carbohydrate content may kick individuals out of ketosis, hindering their weight loss efforts.
- It is rich in sugars (7g per serving), quickly absorbed by the body, causing spikes in blood sugar levels.
- Oat milk lacks essential healthy fats for a balanced ketogenic diet, as it only has 5g of total fat per serving.
- The protein content is low (3g per serving) compared to keto-friendly alternatives like almond or coconut milk.
Benefits Of Drinking Oat Milk
Even though oat milk may not be the best option for ketogenic diets, there are some general health benefits to drinking oat milk.
- Nutrition: Oat milk offers essential nutrients like fiber and protein.
- Dairy-Free and Vegan: It’s an excellent option for those with lactose intolerance or choosing a vegan lifestyle.
- Taste: Unlike other milk alternatives (like almond milk or cashew milk), oat milk has a creamier texture and sweeter taste, making recipes like smoothies taste even better!
- Lactose and Gluten Free: Rest easy if you watch out for lactose or gluten in your diet! Oat Milk doesn’t contain these ingredients.
- Blood Sugar Control: The high fiber content in oat milk can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream and preventing spikes in insulin.
In conclusion, while oat milk isn’t necessarily ideal for strict adherents of the keto diet due to its higher carb content, its many health benefits make it a worthy addition to non-ketogenic diets.
Alternatives To Oat Milk On The Keto Diet
Almond Milk
Almond milk is a popular keto-friendly option. USDA states its carb content per cup is low, making it suitable for people on a keto diet. Its high fat and protein content also supports this diet.
Coconut Milk
In small amounts, coconut milk can be included in keto recipes. It has more fat than carbs, which is perfect for keto dieters. This milk alternative also adds creaminess to smoothies.
Cashew Milk
With its low-carb intake, Cashew milk is another excellent option. The nutrition label shows fewer carbs and sugar than oat milk, meeting the requirements of a ketogenic diet.
Flax Milk
Flax milk is the newest entry among keto-friendly foods. High in good fats and with zero sugar, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to limit carbohydrates.
