Oat milk has quickly become a go-to alternative to dairy milk for coffee enthusiasts due to its creamy texture and mild sweetness, popularized by social media influencers and is an excellent option for those following vegan or lactose intolerant diets. Some individuals worry that adding oat milk to their morning cup of joe may raise blood sugar too dramatically; to get to the truth behind this common coffee shop staple we consulted MyFitnessPal registered dietitian Joanna Gregg who shared expert insight.

Oat milk stands out among plant-based milks by lacking cholesterol or saturated fats and naturally low sodium levels, along with beneficial soluble fiber and fortification with vitamins such as calcium and vitamin D. With its light flavor that perfectly complements coffee’s intense flavors and often being frothed for added creaminess.

Oat milk’s high glycemic index (GI), which measures how quickly foods raise your blood sugar, has caused debate. Oat milk ranks higher than other dairy alternatives but not nearly as high as traditional 1% dairy milk which has an GI score of 27. This may be because its composition includes more maltose which is digested more rapidly than carbohydrates in other types of milk products.

Oat milk does have a slightly higher glycemic index index rating compared to other non-dairy milks, yet is significantly lower than cow’s milk and coconut milk in terms of blood sugar rise. For the best blood sugar control while drinking coffee with oat milk, pair it with healthy food like eggs or oatmeal in order to minimize its impact.

Oat milks are often made with oil to ensure a more solid texture that prevents it from curdling or separating in hot coffee, and some also feature stabilizers that add foaminess for greater convenience in both coffee shops and at-home brewing environments.

When purchasing oat milk at home for use in coffee drinks, always choose one designed specifically to be frothed. Unsweetened varieties with less stabilizers tend to become watery quickly when hot beverages are added; barista-grade options provide enough ingredients that create thick, velvety foam suitable for latte art designs.

Before adding it to your coffee, always heat oat milk at temperatures close to the boiling point of water for optimal frothing results and to prevent curdling or separation of ingredients. This will guarantee perfect frothing results while eliminating curdling or separation altogether.

Overall, oat milk can make an excellent dairy alternative for your coffee drinker needs. With similar taste and texture as traditional dairy milk yet lower caloric intake and increased protein intake. However, if your blood sugar needs are being monitored more closely it might be wiser to opt for alternative types such as almond or cashew that offer more natural sugars and may work better with your macros.