Plant-based milk options are growing in popularity, but two of the most common choices today are hemp milk and oat milk. Oat milk has become a go-to for its creamy texture, while hemp milk is gaining attention for its balanced nutrition and clean ingredients. If you're comparing the two, here's what you need to know.
Nutritional Breakdown
Hemp milk and oat milk offer different benefits, depending on what you're looking for.
Protein Content
- Hemp Milk: Contains plant-based protein, including all nine essential amino acids, making it a complete protein source.
- Oat Milk: Contains protein, though not as much as soy or dairy milk, and lacks some essential amino acids.
Hemp milk is one of the few plant-based milks that offer complete protein, making it a solid option for those looking to add more protein to their diet without turning to soy.
Carbohydrates & Sugar
- Hemp Milk: Naturally low in carbohydrates and sugar.
- Oat Milk: Contains higher carbohydrate levels due to its oat base, which results in natural sugars even in unsweetened varieties.
For people monitoring their carb intake, hemp milk is a better choice than oat milk.
Fats & Omega-3s
- Hemp Milk: Contains healthy omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart and brain health.
- Oat Milk: Generally lower in naturally occurring fats unless fortified with added oils.
The omega fatty acids in hemp milk make it a nutrient-dense alternative to oat milk, which often relies on added oils to achieve a creamy consistency.
Taste & Texture
- Hemp Milk: Naturally creamy with a mild, slightly nutty flavor. Blends well into coffee, cereal, and smoothies without overwhelming the taste.
- Oat Milk: Smooth and slightly sweet, with a thicker texture that works well in lattes but can be too heavy if you just want a splash of milk.
Oat milk’s natural sweetness makes it appealing, but for a more neutral, versatile option, hemp milk is a better fit.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Both hemp and oats are more sustainable than dairy and almond milk, but hemp has unique environmental benefits.
- Hemp plants improve soil health and can be grown with fewer pesticides than many conventional crops.
- Oats require significant water and have been found to be treated with glyphosate, a common herbicide that has raised concerns over potential contamination in oat-based products. While there have been significant decrease in it's use over the years, nearly 30% of oats tested showed high amounts of the pesticide.
For those considering sustainability, hemp milk stands out as an environmentally friendly option.
Which One is Better for You?
If you’re looking for:
- More protein → Choose hemp milk
- Fewer carbs & sugars → Choose hemp milk
- Omega-3s & healthy fats → Choose hemp milk
- A naturally sweet, thick milk → Choose oat milk
Why Luv Mylk is the Better Choice
Luv Mylk is made in small batches with pure hemp seeds and no unnecessary additives. Our regular milks have no added oils. Unsweetened has no added sugar, while our sweetened flavors use ingredients such as maple syrup or agave. Check each flavor's ingredient list. It’s naturally creamy and works well in coffee, cereal, and smoothies.
Where to Find Luv Mylk
Luv Mylk is available at these San Diego locations:
- Hillcrest Farmers’ Market – Sundays, 9 AM - 2 PM
- North Park Farmers’ Market – Thursdays, 3 PM - 7:30 PM
- Vista Farmers’ Market – Saturdays, 8 AM - noon
- Oceanside Morning Market – Thursdays, 9 AM - 1 PM
See where to find Luv Mylk for addresses and directions.
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Final Thoughts
Hemp milk and oat milk both have their benefits, but if you want a plant-based milk with more protein, better fats, and fewer unnecessary ingredients, hemp milk is the better choice. Try it for yourself and see why more people are making the switch to Luv Mylk.