Why Ditching Dairy For Oat Milk May Be The Healthiest Thing You Do In 2024

Did the milk drip down your chin as you guzzled it straight from the carton when your mum wasn’t looking?

And did shutting the fridge door quietly always turn out to be pointless because the white moustache and guilty look on your face gave the game away?

As kids we all loved the creamy, milky, good stuff – and we were always told it was healthy for us.

These days…not so much.

Cow’s milk has taken a kicking lately…as its health benefits, its ‘extra’ contents, and dairy production methods have all been called into question.

At the same time, a dairy-free revolution is emerging – and oat milk is leading the charge.

So, if the thought of giving up milk forever is enough to make you choke on your cornflakes, fear not my friend. Oat milk’s here to save the day.

In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons why swapping cow’s milk for oat milk could have a positive impact on your health.

We’ll look at some of the well-known downsides of dairy – backed by scientific studies of course – and will then share some upsides to introducing oat milk into your life.

Let’s get into it…

Is Cows Milk Bad For You? Here's The Evidence:

Cow's milk, once a staple of a healthy diet, has come under scrutiny due to emerging research suggesting it may not be suitable for everyone. Studies have linked high dairy consumption with certain health issues, including an increased risk of prostate and breast cancer, as well as a potential exacerbation of acne and eczema in susceptible individuals.

Cow’s Milk Is A Top Food Intolerance Culprit

Certain foods and drinks can be a problem in our diet – without us even realising it. Bloating, constipation, headaches, sore throats etc are common symptoms of an inflammatory response in the body being triggered by our diet.

And cow’s milk is one of the main culprits. 

A dairy intolerance is one of the most common food sensitivities among both children and adults, triggering various symptoms. As many as 20% of the UK population experience reactions to foods, according to the Association of UK Dietitians.

Meanwhile, lactose intolerance – a reaction to the sugar in milk which causes digestive issues – is even more common, affecting an estimated 75% of people globally. 

Cows Are Pumped Full Of What?!

Hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, are routinely pumped into cows. This is to increase milk production and deal with any reproductive issues.

Then there’s antibiotics. These can also be prescribed by a vet to prevent disease and to ensure the cow is in a fit condition to produce an unnatural amount of milk for the world’s dairy-guzzlers.

These added hormones, steroids, and antibiotics naturally make their way into cow’s milk, along with hormones that the cow naturally produces when pregnant.

Health authorities claim that these do not affect human health, however a growing number of scientists and health experts argue otherwise.

The Dietary Dangers of Dairy

Causing alarm or being overdramatic – that’s not what we do around here. Of course, a splash of milk in your tea or having pizza on a Friday night ain’t gonna harm you, but going overboard with dairy over the long-term could lead to health issues.

Increased consumption of dairy products has been linked to heart disease, digestive problems, and even prostate cancer.

Dr Mark Hyman, highly-respected US doctor and author of several New York Times best-selling health books, said: “Based on the research and my experience practicing medicine, I typically advise most of my patients to avoid dairy products completely. 

“I like ice cream just as much as the next person, but as a scientist I have to look honestly at what we know.”

Walter Willett, the second-most-cited scientist in all of clinical medicine and head of nutrition at Harvard University’s School of Public Health, said: “The fact that the majority of the world’s population actually can’t drink (dairy) milk as adults because they’re lactose intolerant should say to us that milk is really not an essential part of the human diet. It’s really an unusual part of the human diet.” 

Pesticides In The White Stuff

We all know that pesticides are sprayed on our fruit and vegetables (unless organically-grown) to prevent insects and weeds destroying the produce.

And we also know that it’s a good idea to rinse our fruit and veg to wash any of that nasty residue off – as pesticides can cause a number of health issues and illnesses, ranging from respiratory problems to cancer.

But did you know that pesticides are often found in dairy milk too? Low to moderate levels of pesticides, along with hormones, and antibiotics were found in conventional dairy milk (not organic milk) in a study published in the journal of Public Health Nutrition in 2019.

The Calcium Paradox

The "Calcium Paradox" reveals a curious twist in the tale of dairy and bone health. Despite guzzling down gallons of milk, rich in calcium, some of the biggest dairy lovers around the globe aren't necessarily warding off osteoporosis or fractures any better than those who consume less. It turns out, building strong bones involves a cocktail of factors beyond just chugging milk—think vitamin D sunshine dances, magnesium-rich leafy greens, and vitamin K2 from your favorite fermented foods.

What's more, our bodies aren't just passive recipients of calcium; how well we absorb and use it hinges on a harmonious blend of nutrients, not to mention the lifestyle choices we make. And here's a kicker: loading up on calcium more than you need, especially through supplements, might do more harm than good, leading to pesky kidney stones or even heart woes.

This paradox serves as a gentle nudge to look beyond the milk carton and embrace a varied diet full of bone-friendly nutrients. After all, strong bones need much more than just calcium—they thrive on diversity.

Oat Milk: A Powerhouse Healthy Alternative…

We didn’t mean to put you on a dairy downer…

But here’s why oat milk is the perfect pick-you-upper. A plant-based milk made from oats, this means it’s free from dairy, soy, and is lactose-free.

This means your belly will have no problems, and it’s also packed with vitamins A, D, B2 and B12.

Oat Milk Packs A Protein Punch

There are numerous cow’s milk alternatives these days, such as almond milk, cashew milk, coconut milk, rice milk.

While these varieties are also nutritious alternatives, they all contain lower amounts of protein. 

One 250ml cup of almond or cashew milk contains just 1 gram of protein, while oat milk contains around 2.5 grams. 

Just like with coffee and other smoothies, oat milk is also becoming increasingly popular for gym-goers mixing their protein powder with it.

Did We Mention It Tastes Amazing?

Big-name celebs from Oprah Winfrey to Jay-Z are hot on oat milk these days. 

But we’re most interested in what our UK customers have got to say about our new Barista Edition Oat Milk.

Here’s what they said on review site Trustpilot…

“Very tasty in comparison to the rest of oat milks.” – Yolanda Santamaria.

“Best oat milk I have ever tried!! Tastes amazing with both tea and coffee.” – Ella Brown.

“Delicious. Will now be using this instead of skimmed milk in my coffee.” – Pamela Meier. 

Oat Milk vs Cows Milk: Which is Better For You?

In the face-off between oat milk and cow's milk, oat milk emerges as the superior choice for many, thanks to its health benefits, environmental sustainability, and versatility.

Environmental and Digestive Relief

Oat milk production is kinder to the planet, requiring less water and producing fewer greenhouse gases than dairy farming. It's also easier on the digestive system for those intolerant to lactose or sensitive to dairy.

A Staple for the Health-Conscious

Its composition—free from dairy, high in essential nutrients, and low in cholesterol—makes oat milk a heart-healthy, bone-friendly option that aligns with a variety of dietary needs and preferences.

The Taste of Change

The growing popularity of oat milk, supported by glowing reviews and celebrity endorsements, reflects a shift towards more sustainable, health-conscious dietary choices.

Are you ready to embrace the oat milk revolution? With every pour, you're choosing a healthier, more sustainable future. A great way to start your journey is with our delicious oat-based m*lkshakes.

Article study reference links

Food allergies and intolerances, Association of UK Dieticians. (https://www.bda.uk.com/uploads/assets/e6eeb475-2edf-479b-a282720c6a5d731f/Allergy-food-fact-sheet.pdf)

Country, regional, and global estimates for lactose malabsorption in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis, The Lancet, (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/langas/article/PIIS2468-1253(17)30154-1/fulltext)

Milk and health (https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1903547?query=TOC)

Dr Mark Hyman: 6 reasons you should avoid dairy at all costs (https://drhyman.com/blog/2010/06/24/dairy-6-reasons-you-should-avoid-it-at-all-costs-2/)

Milk and prostate cancer: a systematic review,(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8255404/)

Production-related contaminants (pesticides, antibiotics and hormones) in organic and conventionally produced milk samples sold in the USA, (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6792142/)