Search our database for specific oat milk products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Oat Milk products →Oat Milk vs Regular Milk Comparison
Oat milk requires enzymatic processing to break down oat starches into sugars, plus added oils for creaminess, stabilizers for texture, and fortified vitamins to approximate the nutritional profile of cow's milk. Regular milk is a single-ingredient product that undergoes only pasteurization.
Dairy AlternativesQuick Answer
Regular milk (Level 1, 1 ingredient) is significantly less processed than oat milk (Level 2-3, 6-10 ingredients). Oat milk needs enzymes, oils, gums, and added vitamins to function as a milk substitute. The processing gap is meaningful but both remain far from ultra-processed.
Oat Milk vs Regular Milk
Oat Milk
Regular Milk
Search our database for specific regular milk products to see individual processing scores and ingredient lists.
Search Regular Milk products →Our Verdict
Regular milk (Level 1, 1 ingredient) is significantly less processed than oat milk (Level 2-3, 6-10 ingredients). Oat milk needs enzymes, oils, gums, and added vitamins to function as a milk substitute. The processing gap is meaningful but both remain far from ultra-processed.
Important Note
Processing levels can vary significantly between brands and specific products within each category. Always check the ingredient list of the specific product you are considering. Use our product search to look up exact processing scores.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does oat milk need so many ingredients?
Oats alone blended with water produce a thin, gritty liquid. Enzymes break down starches for sweetness, rapeseed/canola oil adds creaminess, dipotassium phosphate adjusts texture, gellan gum prevents separation, and calcium carbonate plus vitamins D and A are added to match milk's nutritional profile.
Is oat milk a good substitute for cow's milk?
Nutritionally, oat milk has less protein (3g vs 8g per serving) and requires fortification to match calcium and vitamin D levels. From a processing standpoint, cow's milk is simpler. However, oat milk is a reasonable Level 2-3 option for those avoiding dairy.
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