We have ourselves an interesting comparison here today: UHT milk versus oat milk! Both of these are great milk options, and have each caused a stir in the milk community – UHT milk has an insanely long shelf-life, while oat milk is quickly becoming a top dog in plant-based milks!
We’re going to do a deep dive on both of these, exploring things like their flavors, textures, dietary versatility, culinary uses, nutritional profiles, and more! We’ll see exactly how they compare to one another, ultimately showing us which one is the better choice!
So, it’s a uniquely processed milk with a long shelf-life versus a plant-based dairy-alternative…who will win?
Let’s find out!
Comparing UHT milk vs oat milk
UHT milk stands for “ultra high temperature milk,” which refers to how it was processed (we’ll talk more about that in a bit). It’s animal-based or plant-based, depending on what type of milk it was created from! This gives it a wide variety of potential dietary restrictions – check the milk it’s made from to find out what those are!
Oat milk is made from grain, and has no allergens at all! It’s also great for vegan diets, but isn’t good for paleo or keto diets.
| UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Oat milk | |
| Type | Animal or plant-based | Plant-based (grain) |
| Allergens | Varies | None |
| Vegan? | Varies | Yes |
| Paleo? | Varies | No |
| Keto? | Varies | No |
Differences between UHT milk and oat milk
The main difference between UHT milk and oat milk is how they’re processed and (sometimes) what they’re made from.
UHT milk refers to any milk that’s been treated with a very high temperature. This intense heat it’s put under is different from normal pasteurization, and allows it to be shelf-stable without needing refrigeration until you open it! It can last unopened for several months, and often comes in aseptic packaging which further protects it from contamination and spoilage.
UHT milk tastes like the milk it comes from, but with a bit of a cooked flavor – you can even get UHT oat milk!
Oat milk is made by blending oats and water together, creating a creamy and delicious milk that boasts a mild flavor that’s slightly sweet. There are stabilizers such as guar gum often added, along with vitamins, minerals, and other flavorings that boost its taste, texture, and nutritional profile. You can also easily make oat milk at home!
How to use UHT milk vs oat milk
There are many great ways to use UHT milk and oat milk, including:
UHT milk:
- Use it like regular milk but on-the-go.
- Add it to your coffee and tea.
- Pour it over your cereal and granola.
- Stock up on it in your pantry.
- Keep it in case of emergency or loss of fridge power.
- Take it camping.
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 UHT milk for oat milk?
You sure can! Most cases are perfectly fine, and you’ll be able to enjoy these interchangeably. The only thing to note is that UHT milk and oat milk have differing flavor profiles, so if you bake with them or pair them with anything, the final product could be fairly different if you substitute one for the other.
Nutrition: UHT milk vs oat milk
UHT milk’s nutritional profile varies depending on the milk it’s made from. This can make changes in things like how many carbs, fat, protein, etc. are in it. One thing to note is that the high temperatures it goes through can cause some nutrients to disappear.
Oat milk, on the other hand, is very low in calories and fat – it has almost no fat in it at all! It’s decently high in carbs, has no sugar, and is poor in protein with just 1 gram per serving. However, it’s often fortified with things like calcium and vitamin D, giving it a bit of a nice boost!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | UHT milk (ultra-high temperature) | Oat milk |
| Calories | Varies; UHT can be any type of milk. | 45 |
| Total fat (saturated) | 0.5 g (0 g) | |
| Total carbs | 8 g | |
| Total sugars (incl. added) | 0 g | |
| Protein | 1 g | |
| Calcium | 25% DV | |
| Vit D | 20% DV |
How to store UHT milk and oat milk
UHT milk can last for a really long time because it has been treated with an intense heat. This means that, when unopened, you can store it in the pantry for several months – especially if you have one that comes in aseptic packaging! Once you open it, store your UHT milk in the fridge and finish it within a few days – just like regular milk!
Oat milk can also be stored at room temperature until opened if it’s in an aseptic carton. It’s usually good for 1-4 months in a cool, dry place, and should be refrigerated after it’s opened – try to then finish it within 7-10 days.
UHT milk vs oat milk: Which is better?
Now, the final showdown is here!
UHT milk and oat milk are both decently similar in terms of storage, which is the main advantage that UHT milk has over other things. UHT milk also comes in different milk types (you can get UHT regular milk, almond milk, etc.).
Looking at everything, oat milk is the better choice for also having a great shelf-life, being more dietary versatile in most cases, boasting a great nutritional profile, and having a delicious taste that isn’t “cooked” like many UHT milks.
FAQs
Most of that is preference, but both are great for storage while oat milk has a more consistent nutritional profile, texture, and taste.
You’ll find health benefits and drawbacks in many different types of milk, so check them out to find one that fits your needs – or talk to a health professional!
It can be depending on the type and brand – some oat milks have added sweeteners, which raises the sugar content. Check the labels to be sure you’re getting what you want!
UHT milk is great for having a long shelf-life, but the high-temperature treatment can affect its taste and nutritional value, causing less nutrients to be in it than other milks.
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