Have you ever considered non-dairy dessert options? Maybe you’ve been looking for something sweet that also has some health benefits. How about a scoop of ice cream made with creamy oat milk? If you haven’t tried it, it’s time to tickle your vegan taste buds. Ice cream made with oat milk is not only indulgent, but has some positive nutritional components as well.

Global demand for dairy alternatives has been steadily growing over the past decade, and not just among vegans. Mainstream consumers and those with lactose intolerance are enjoying plant-based options as well. We’d love to let you in on the benefits of oats, and our reason for choosing oat milk as the base for our ColdSnap® vegan ice cream.

Comparing Plant-Based Milks

Behold the rise of oat milk. Just a blip on the market radar five years ago, lately, it’s one of the most popular non-dairy options. But why oat milk? With several dairy-free options surrounding us, such as almond milk, coconut milk, and soy milk, what makes oat milk stand apart?

Before we jump in, it is worth noting that it can be challenging to compare plant-based milks like those you see in the store. The nutritional profile of these products varies depending on how they are processed, which additives are used, and whether or not they are enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Usually plant-based milks come with a lengthy ingredient list – you can check it out for yourself next time you’re in the grocery store. The added ingredients serve several purposes such as increasing shelf life, helping with texture, and masking off-flavors, but they are not always looked upon fondly.

Rather than using the kind of oat milk you see in the store, ColdSnap non-dairy products are made from 100% whole grain oat powder.

Benefits Of Oat Milk

Among the top reasons to try oat milk is its mild, creamy taste. This silky texture is due, in large part, to its fat content – surprisingly, one cup of unsweetened oat milk contains five grams of fat. Thankfully, we’ve moved past the collective disdain for fat that permeated the 1990’s. Rather than being the scapegoat we once thought it was, fat is a necessary component of our diets – it serves important bodily functions such as facilitating the absorption of fat soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, supporting cell function, and producing key hormones.

Fat additionally helps with satiety – or feeling full – and not least of all, makes food taste creamy and delicious. Among plant-based milk options, oat milk is among the creamiest. This makes it a great choice for adding to coffee and, in our case, making ice cream. (We’re working on an oat based coffee product by the way!)

While non-dairy frozen desserts shouldn’t be deemed “healthy” (they are, after all, made with sugar and fat – the ingredients that make all desserts taste decadent and tasty), oat milk has some nutritional benefits. The whole grain oat powder in ColdSnap’s non-dairy frozen desserts contains iron, potassium and more fiber than other plant-based options. Found in fruits, vegetables and whole grains, fiber has a plethora of benefits including helping us maintain a healthier weight, cutting the risk of certain diseases, and contributing to gut health.

Free From the Top Allergens

A major perk of products made with oat milk is that they are free from many of the major allergens. Top allergens in the US include milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans (sesame will be added to the list in January 2023).

Many plant-based milks are made with nuts or soy – options like almond, coconut, soy, cashew and macadamia are all off limits for people with these allergies. Oats, on the other hand, are a friendlier choice for those with food allergies.

The one nuance here is gluten. Oats are sometimes processed on the same equipment as wheat, so it’s not safe to assume they are gluten-free unless it is specifically noted by the manufacturer. Fortunately, ColdSnap oat products are made with certified gluten-free oats.

Let’s Talk Flavor

In addition to its creaminess and nutritional value, oat milk’s slightly sweet and nutty flavor lends itself well to desserts. ColdSnap’s Chocolate Non-Dairy Dessert is a crowd pleaser among those who enjoy vegan ice cream, and our Food Science Team is also working on flavors like vanilla, strawberry and birthday cake! Oatilicious.

Ready to Try Oat Milk Ice Cream?

If you’re new to non-dairy, but willing to dabble in dairy-less selections, it is crucial to approach these unique treats with an open mind. Plant-based desserts have a different flavor profile than their dairy counterparts, and this may be an adjustment at first. You may find, though, that you begin to enjoy the subtleties of oat flavor as your taste buds adjust.

We hope we’ve provided some reasons to consider giving oat milk desserts a try – they can be a rich, flavorful treat with some beneficial nutrients. If you are branching out beyond traditional dairy ice cream and approach plant-based desserts with a fresh perspective, you may be surprised by what you find!

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