If you’ve been exploring nut-free, non-dairy milk options, you’ve probably heard of hemp milk and oat milk. And you’re most likely curious about the differences between the two.
The truth is, hemp milk and oat milk have their own distinct flavors and consistencies. While they share some similarities, one or the other may be better suited for your needs. The right plant-based milk for you will also come down to the specific ways you use those milks and your personal taste and texture preferences.
To help you decide, we have the ultimate side-by-side comparison between these two non-dairy milk choices. Let’s dive deeper into the differences between hemp milk vs. oat milk.
When it comes to choosing plant-based milk, the taste and texture of each will be two of the most important factors to consider. Hemp and oat milk share some similarities, but they also have key differences.
The dominant taste of your plant-based milk will always come from its main ingredient. For oat milk, that’s oats. For hemp milk, it’s hemp seeds.
Oat milk has a sweet, mild flavor that’s not too overpowering. Compared to dairy milk, it’s definitely sweeter. In terms of texture, it has a creamy consistency that coats your mouth. When compared to 2% dairy milk, oat milk is thinner.
Hemp milk has a thicker texture than oat milk, and it’s quite creamy and smooth. In fact, hemp milk is similar to dairy milk (but thicker than 2% milk). The flavor of hemp milk is nutty and earthy with subtle hints of sweetness.
When you want milk that’s not too sweet and has a thicker consistency, hemp milk is the better option. But if you love sweet-tasting milk with a lighter texture, try oat milk.
For coffee and tea drinkers, there are a lot of options when it comes to replacing dairy with a plant-based alternative. Hemp and oat milk are both great options.
Oat milk has become a popular choice for hot drinks thanks to its sweet flavor and light texture. Not only does it blend well with plain coffee and tea, but it’s also one of the best plant-based milks for creating foam and froth.
There’s a possibility that oat milk will separate in your hot drinks, but an easy way to prevent that is by pouring your oat milk first and then adding your hot coffee or tea.
Some people don’t want their coffee and tea to be sweet, but they also don’t want milk that tastes too neutral. If that’s you, you can try hemp milk.
Hemp milk is creamy and thick, perfect for mixing thoroughly with your beverage. Like oat milk, you can also use it to create foam and froth.
When you’re deciding between hemp milk and oat milk for use in recipes, consider the following:
Both oat milk and hemp milk are reliable options for baking. With hemp milk’s distinct nutty flavor, it can enhance and add to the flavor of different baked goods. Plus, since it has a similar consistency to dairy milk, there’s no reason to adjust your recipe.
As for oat milk, its sweetness will complement almost any sweet treat without overpowering the overall flavor. It’s important to note that oat milk is thinner than hemp milk and 2% dairy milk. For some recipes, you may have to increase the amount of fat with oil or plant-based butter.
Regardless, both hemp and oat milk will help add moisture and flavor to your recipe.
For cooking, hemp milk has some advantages. It’s less sweet than oat milk and might be preferable for savory dishes, such as soups, sauces, curries and more.
That said, it’s important to note hemp milk’s distinct nutty flavor. If you don’t want that taste in your recipe, you might want to opt for oat milk’s milder flavor, which blends almost seamlessly with other ingredients. It all depends on what you’re trying to achieve.
Other key differences when it comes to hemp milk vs. oat milk revolve around how each is produced.
Hemp milk is made from hemp seeds. These tiny, kernel-sized seeds have a nutty taste and are light brown or medium beige in color. They come from a hemp plant called Cannabis sativa and are harvested and de-shelled for food processing.
The general process of making hemp milk is pretty straightforward. To soften the seeds, they’re first soaked in water. Then, these seeds are drained and rinsed before being blended with water. The mixture is blended until smooth and creamy.
Made from rolled oats, the process of making oat milk is similar to that of making hemp milk. The oats are first soaked, rinsed and drained. Then, the softened oats are blended with water until the mixture has a smooth consistency.
You absolutely can! Just consider your desired consistency and flavor profile. For instance, hemp milk can complement any dish with nutty undertones or enhance a dish by adding some nutty flavor. However, if you don’t want that nut taste, try oat milk or another milk alternative.
Trying oat or hemp milk for the first time? Pacific Foods is here to help. We strive to help our customers find great-tasting products that support all of their cooking, baking and recipe needs.
From creating a delicious dinner to blending a morning smoothie, we have plant-based milk options that are right for you. Shop our plant-based milks today!