Fries are often considered one of the best things that come from potatoes, but that’s because not a whole lot of people have heard of potato milk!
Yup, you read that right – there’s a type of milk made from potatoes! And, it’s got quite a few awesome characteristics, which we’ll jump into here today! We’ll also compare it to another plant-based milk that’s very popular: oat milk!
Oat milk is a wonderful option that’s great for people with allergies, and it has a wonderful texture and flavor that’s loved by many!
We’ll check them out side-by-side, comparing them in many different ways so that you can pick the one that’s best for you!
Let’s jump in!
Comparing potato milk vs oat milk
Potato milk and oat milk are quite similar on paper in terms of allergens and dietary compatibility. They’re both free of major allergens, and are great for vegan diets. Oat milk isn’t suitable for paleo or keto diets, and potato milk isn’t suitable for keto – the verdict on its compatibility for paleo diets is somewhat uncertain, as homemade versions with paleo-compatible ingredients could potentially work…
| Potato milk (whole) | Oat milk | |
| Type | Plant-based | Plant-based (grain) |
| Allergens | None | None |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Possibly, if homemade with paleo-friendly ingredients | No |
| Keto? | No | No |
Differences between potato milk and oat milk
The main difference between potato milk and oat milk is their flavor and texture.
Potato milk is made by blending potatoes with water, creating a thick and smooth beverage that has a neutral flavor. It’s been said that it has an aftertaste similar to pancake batter with a unique mouthfeel, but one of the coolest things about potato milk is how sustainable it is – it requires very little water to grow potatoes, and they use half as much land as oats do!
The brand we’re referencing in this article is DUG, which comes in original, unsweetened, and barista versions. However, you can make your very own homemade potato milk!
Looking at oat milk, it has a mild flavor that’s slightly sweet. Its texture is creamy, and not quite as thick as potato milk. It often has different flavorings and sweeteners added which enhance the taste, and a lot of brands will add vitamins and minerals to give it a nutritional boost!
Just like potato milk, you can easily make oat milk at home!
How to use potato milk vs oat milk
Both potato milk and oat milk have some great uses, and potato milk is very versatile in both sweet and savory dishes thanks to its thick texture and neutral flavor:
Potato milk:
- Make potato milk lattes.
- Add creaminess to your mashed potatoes.
- Bake with it.
- Create creamy and thick soups.
- Add it to curries.
Oat milk:
- Enjoy it as a dairy-free beverage.
- Add it to your cereal and oatmeal.
- Pair it with your favorite pancake recipe.
- Put it in your coffee.
- Make smoothies with it.
Can you substitute potato milk for oat milk?
They both have creamy consistencies, although potato milk is one of the thickest plant-based milks available. They also have milder flavors, with potato milk boasting a very neutral flavor while oat milk is slightly sweet – unless there are additional flavorings and sweeteners added.
This is said to show the differences between the two – using them interchangeably will likely cause some consistency differences in whatever you pair them with, as well as slight changes in flavor. Keep those things in mind and feel free to experiment!
Nutrition: Potato milk vs oat milk
We’ll use DUG potato milk as our reference point, which includes some very specific values as you can see in the chart below. It contains water, potatoes (4.5%), sucrose, rapeseed oil, and pea protein to nudge the nutritional profile up a bit. However, the barista and unsweetened versions boast more fat and a greater percentage of potato.
Both milks are low in calories, but oat milk has very little fat as compared to potato milk. They’re both similarly too high in carbs for low-carb or keto diets, and potato milk contains more sugar – oat milk has no sugar in it! They’re both low in protein, but you’ll find a great calcium and vitamin D content in both of them!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Potato milk (~0.8 cup) | Oat milk |
| Calories | 62 | 45 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 3 g (0.2 g) | 0.5 g (0 g) |
| Total carbs | 6.2 g | 8 g |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 5 g (?) | 0 g |
| Protein | 2.6 g | 1 g |
| Calcium | 30% DV | 25% DV |
| Vit D | 30% DV | 20% DV |
How to store potato milk and oat milk
DUG states that their packaged potato milks should be stored in a cool and dry place before opening – like your pantry! Toss it into your fridge once you open it up, and finish it within 5 days for the best freshness! However, keep homemade potato milk in the fridge from the start, and try to finish it within 3 days.
Oat milk can be stored in your pantry or any other cool and dry place too as long as it’s in an aseptic container and unopened. Like potato milk, put it in the fridge after opening it, and finish it within 7-10 days – it can last around 1-4 months before that! Refrigerated kinds should be kept in the fridge from the beginning, but will also last around 7-10 days.
Potato milk vs oat milk: The ultimate verdict
Potato milk is unique, to say the least. It boasts a neutral flavor profile that pairs well with many different things, and its thick texture is a nice touch! Oat milk is super popular and tastes great with its creamy and slightly sweet profile, working well in many different scenarios!
It does come down to your preferences overall, with potato milk being great for its thickness and neutral flavor. Oat milk is my personal choice between these two, as it has a delicious taste and creamy texture that pairs well with many different things – and it’s much more accessible!
FAQs
Oat milk has some healthy qualities such as low calories, no saturated fat, no sugar, and solid calcium and vitamin D contents!
Potato milk is one of the most sustainable plant-based milks, as potatoes are super efficient with water usage and land space. They also last through many different climates!
That’ll come down to many different factors, including your allergies, dietary needs, flavor preferences, and culinary uses. Try experimenting with different types until you find one that you like!
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