Which Will Balance Your Diet Better, Oat Milk or Flax Milk?

Rohit Panwar

While switching to plant-based milk has become easier due to their increased options, choosing between two has become hard. One such confusion is between oat milk versus flax milk. 

With similar attributes, this choice is a bit tricky! So, let’s unfold the differences between oat milk and flax milk to help you pick the best one. 

Oat milk versus Flax milk

All You Need to Know About Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk

Let’s get a glimpse of oat milk and flax milk differences and benefits through these metrics:

BASE INGREDIENTS
Oat milk

Whole Oats & Water

Flax milk

Flaxseeds & Water

TASTE
Oat milk

Sweet & Creamy

Flax milk

Slimy & Earthy

DAILY INTAKE
Oat milk

1 cup

Flax milk

1 cup

CALORIES
Oat milk

120*

Flax milk

48.77*

FAT CONTENT
Oat milk

5 g*

Flax milk

3.25 g*

PROTEIN CONTENT
Oat milk

3 g*

Flax milk

2.17 g*

CALCIUM CONTENT
Oat milk

22- 350 mg* 

Flax milk

24- 450 mg* 

RECOMMENDED TIME
Oat milk

Morning

Flax milk

Morning

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Oat milk

Positive 

Flax milk

Positive

VEGAN FRIENDLINESS
Oat milk

Yes

Flax milk

Yes

ORAL HEALTH OUTCOME
Oat milk

Good

Flax milk

Very Good

TUMMY HEALTH OUTCOME
Oat milk

Good

Flax milk

Very Good

BODILY COOLING EFFECT
Oat milk

Good

Flax milk

Good

BODILY HYDRATION EFFECT
Oat milk

Good

Flax milk

Good

ADDITIVES
Oat milk

Honey or dates

Flax milk

Vanilla, cinnamon

*Source: USDA; Quantity defined is 1 cup

Key Ingredients for Preparing Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk

Oat milk, as the name suggests, is obtained from whole or rolled oats. These are blended with water. In most cases, filtering is not required as the oats tend to dissolve completely in the water. 

Flax milk is derived from flaxseeds. These are blended with water to yield a liquid which can be gummy, so be very careful while preparing it at home.

This is then filtered to strain away from the undissolved pulp. The light-brownish coloured filtrate thus obtained is flax milk.

Oat Milk Vs Flax Milk Taste, Texture and Consistency

When the question comes to the consistency of oat milk vs flax milk, their thickness totally depends on the quantity of water added.

Oat milk tastes creamy and sweet. Its texture is a bit thick. Flax milk is derived from flaxseeds, hence its texture is gelatinous, gummy as well as slimy. It tastes slightly sweet and nutty.

Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk- What Is the Suggested Daily Intake?

Oat milk and flax milk are the go-to beverages that can be added to your daily diet because of their good nutritional values. 

Oat milk and flax seed are drinks rich in fibre content, hence their intake should be limited to the recommended quantity i.e. 1 cup.

How Oat Milk & Flax Milk Fare Against Other Popular Alt Milk Options?

| Flax Milk vs Almond Milk |
| Cashew Milk vs Oat Milk |

What Is the Calorific Difference between Oat Milk Vs Flax Milk?

The calorie content in foods is of utmost importance for a healthy body and people nowadays are taking it seriously. In oat milk and flax milk, the major sources of calories are carbohydrates and proteins.

The comparison of calorific levels in oat milk and flax milk shows that oat milk has more than double the calories of flax milk. Hence, flax milk is a better choice if you are trying to limit your calorie intake.

What Is the Fat Content of Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk?

Total fat consumption in foods should be either less or moderate as too much fat intake may result in various health issues.

One question asked by many alt milk enthusiasts is which is better- oat milk vs flax milk for weight loss? The answer is both do pretty well.

Oat milk and flax milk contain good fats beneficial for our health. The comparison of the total fat content of both plant drinks shows slightly higher fats in oat milk as compared to flax milk. However, this difference is not a lot.

Oat Milk vs Flax Milk Nutrition in Terms of Proteins

We all are aware of the universal fact that proteins are a necessity of the human body for various essential functions like body growth and immunity. Hence, its daily requirement must be fulfilled for a fit body. 

When we compare the protein content of oat milk and flax milk, then not much difference is observed between the two. However, both lag behind dairy milk, when it comes to protein.

Hence, if you are planning to consume any of these plant milks, then consume them along with protein-rich foods.

Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk- How Much Calcium Do They Contain?

Calcium content in foods plays a vital role in the robustness of the human body as they help to strengthen bones and muscles. But homemade forms of oat milk and flax milk lack a good amount of calcium content.

So, to make up for this deficiency the commercial packs of oat milk and flax milk are fortified with calcium. You can choose any of these products depending upon your needs and availability.

What Is the Apt Time to Drink Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk?

You can swap oat milk for dairy milk in baked goods, soups, curries and in chia pudding. Similarly, flax milk can be used in a number of ways like adding it to smoothies, curries and porridge.

Oat milk and flax milk should be consumed either in the morning or before bedtime. While in the morning they help you energise, at night they help you sleep better.

However, if you are facing digestive issues, then you should limit your intake of both flax milk and oat milk at night.

Are Oat Milk & Flax Milk Friendly for the Ecosystem?

Oat milk and flax milk both are plant-based products that utilize fewer resources like fresh water, land and agrochemicals. They thus have a lesser carbon footprint than dairy.

Both these drinks have a relatively low environmental impact as compared to dairy products, hence they are considered good for the ecosystem.

Between oats and flax, flaxseed production is slightly more sustainable because of the minimal use of resources.

Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk, Are They Vegan-Friendly Products?

Oat milk and flax milk both are derived from plants i.e. oats and flax seeds. Hence, they can be considered as vegan- friendly options for humans.

Moreover, oats and flax seeds are food grains, hence are considered best for people that are allergic to lactose, dairy, gluten, casein, soy and nuts.

Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk- Are They Beneficial for Dental Health?

Flax milk contains omega-3 fatty acids that are considered great in reducing gum diseases. They also contain essential nutrients like phosphorus, manganese, iron and magnesium that helps to build enamel.

Apart from this, their market versions are power-packed with calcium and vitamin D which helps to strengthen teeth, gums and jaw bones. Hence, they are effective for oral health.

Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk- Are They Useful for Healthy Tummy?

Oat milk and flax milk both are very good options for your tummy if you are facing difficulty in digesting regular milk. They both contain fibre that makes digestion easier.

These two refreshing drinks also contain essential nutrients like potassium. Oat milk contains small amounts of iron. These nutrients further aid the digestion process and make bathroom visits more comfortable.

Better at Beating the Body Heat, Oat Milk or Flax Milk?

Are you wondering about good nourishing plant milk to provide a cooling effect in the summer season? Worry not, oat milk and flax milk are the perfect products for bodily cooling.

Gulping down a cup of oat milk and flax milk will keep your body cool as they contain enough water. It can also be served chilled in smoothies, coffee and milkshakes.

How Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk is Fruitful in Hydrating the Body?

In summers, if you feel dehydrated or parched, then oat milk and flax milk can help you prevent dehydration as well. These two amazing beverages contain plenty of water which maintains the ideal water level in our body.

Apart from water, they contain significant levels of sodium and other essential nutrients. Oat milk also contains potassium in small amounts. These all are helpful in maintaining electrolyte balance and hydrating the body.

How Can We Make Oat Milk Versus Flax Milk More Flavorful?

Oat milk can be consumed either plain or with some additives to add flavours. You can add it to your tea, smoothies, milkshakes and coffee.

Besides these, you can have oat milk by adding chopped fruits, honey, dates, vanilla or cinnamon extract, or maple syrup for nourishment. 

Flax milk can be made more nutritious by adding some flavours to it, either sweet or savoury. For adding natural sweetness, you can use honey or dates.

You can also try flax milk with spices such as sea salt, cinnamon and nutmeg to make it savoury.

I would like to conclude here that choosing between flax milk and oat milk is totally a matter of your preferences and availability. Try them both and see what works best for you. 

Rohit Panwar

Hi! I'm Integrated Nutrition Coach Rohit Panwar. I hold twin Certifications from IIN, New York & SAFM, Massachusetts. I am a passionate vocalist of holistic lifestyle and have fully committed the past several years to educate & empower people towards their wellbeing. Despite a successful yet hectic corporate stint of 21+ years, I have prioritised nutriment in my life. I truly hope my personal journey from illness to wellness helps everybody reading this forge their own path.