Raw Cow Milk vs Oat Milk: The Ultimate Verdict 

If you’re looking for an alternative to regular milk, you’ve likely stumbled across raw cow milk and oat milk.

Raw cow milk is like regular milk, but with no bells or whistles – it comes straight from the cow! That means there are no pasteurization processes or added ingredients, which many people prefer for the potential health benefits. Although, there are a couple of health risks that we need to keep in mind too!

Then there’s oat milk, which is a really popular plant-based milk that boasts no allergens! Plus, it has a great flavor and a creamy texture, making it as delicious as it is nutritious!

But which one of these milks is better?

We’ll compare them both side-by-side, highlighting all the pros and cons about them. Then, we’ll ultimately see which one is better for you!

Let’s jump in!

Comparing raw cow milk vs oat milk 

Raw cow milk is becoming more and more popular due to its unprocessed nature, as people are preferring farm-sourced foods straight from the source! That said, raw cow milk has milk as an allergen, and isn’t suitable for vegan, paleo, or keto diets.

Oat milk is plant-based, with no allergens. You can use it in vegan diets, but it’s a no-go for paleo and keto as well.

	Raw cow milk (whole)	Oat milk
Type	Animal-based	Plant-based (grain)
Allergens	Milk	None
Vegan?	No	Yes
Paleo?	No	No
Keto?	No	No

Differences between raw cow milk and oat milk

The main difference between raw cow milk and oat milk is their source, with raw cow milk coming straight from a cow and oat milk coming from grain.

Raw cow milk, as mentioned, comes straight from the source. It boasts a rich and creamy texture that feels velvety, and has a very distinct flavor that changes depending on what the cows are fed – it’s not a standardized flavor like regular milk. However, it’s delicious, and has a very “natural” vibe to it. 

Oat milk is made by blending oats with water. It has a creamy texture as well, which is often enhanced by things like guar gum. Sweeteners and flavorings like vanilla extract are often added, but it otherwise has a mild, slightly sweet flavor. 

You’ll often find vitamins and minerals added to boost oat milk’s nutritional profile, and you can easily make oat milk at home!

How to use raw cow milk vs oat milk 

Try using your raw cow milk and oat milk in these ways:

Raw cow milk:

• Use for smoothies and cereal.
• Refresh yourself with it as a stand-alone drink.
• Add it to coffee or tea.
• Create your own cheeses – try mozzarella or ricotta.
• Infuse it into homemade ice cream for extra creaminess.
• Make rich custards and puddings.

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 raw cow milk for oat milk?

Generally speaking, you sure can! Enjoy either interchangeably for your morning glass of milk, in your smoothies, coffee, tea, etc. However, be aware that they have quite different flavors, which will affect whatever you use them in differently!

Nutrition: Raw cow milk vs oat milk

Raw cow milk is quite a bit higher in calories than oat milk, and also has a lot more fat (with 5 grams of saturated fat per serving versus oat milk’s 0 grams). Both milks are high in carbs, but raw cow milk has 12 grams of sugar per serving as compared to no sugar in oat milk.

Oat milk has a poor protein content, while raw cow milk is high in protein. Both are great sources of calcium, but oat milk is a much better source of vitamin D.

Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Raw cow milk (whole)	Oat milk
Calories	150	45
Total fat (saturated)	8 g (5 g)	0.5 g (0 g)
Total carbs	12 g	8 g
Total sugars (incl. added)	12 g (0 g)	0 g
Protein	8 g	1 g
Calcium	30% DV	25% DV
Vit D	0% DV	20% DV

How to store raw cow milk and oat milk

Raw cow milk should be stored in the fridge. Unlike regular cow’s milk, raw cow milk isn’t pasteurized, and therefore more sensitive to bacterial growth. It’ll last you around 5 to 7 days, so try to finish it within that time frame for the best freshness! 

Oat milk can be stored at room temperature for up to 1-4 months if unopened and kept in an aseptic container, so feel free to toss it into your pantry! However, once you open it, put it in the fridge and consume it within 7-10 days.

Raw cow milk vs oat milk: The ultimate verdict

So, which milk is better?

It’s hard to declare a clear winner because one is animal-based while the other is plant-based. However, you may already be leaning towards one over the other…

Raw cow milk has some great nutrients to it since it’s not processed at all, and boasts a great protein content. It also has a unique flavor, and is a great choice if you want something a bit closer to regular milk or prefer its unprocessed nature.

Oat milk is a great choice if you have allergies or are following a vegan diet. Its creamy texture and mild, sweet flavor are wonderful, and you’ll definitely enjoy it!

That said, raw cow milk is better if you want an unprocessed milk, but oat milk squeaks by with the win for having a better shelf-life, being more accessible in stores, having less saturated fat, and boasting no allergens. 

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