Oatly Oat Milk: The Creamy Plant-Based Trend That Actually Delivers

You’ve probably seen Oatly before.
It comes in a pastel blue carton with quirky writing that screams “we don’t take ourselves too seriously.”

But what’s actually in it?
Is it good for you?
How does it hold up in coffee?
And will it make your smoothie taste like oatmeal?

I tested it in just about everything: and here’s what happened.

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Taste Test: Is Oatly Actually Good?

I’ll keep it real.

Oatly oat milk tastes GOOD.

It’s slightly sweet (even the “no sugar added” versions), super creamy, and doesn’t have that weird aftertaste that some nut milks do.

I first tried it in coffee.
Let’s just say… my almond milk cried a little that day.
It steamed beautifully and gave my morning brew a velvety texture without overpowering the espresso.

In cereal?
Delish.

In smoothies?
Solid.

Drinking it straight?
Honestly yeah, it’s weirdly satisfying.

How Does Oatly Compare to Other Milk Alternatives?

Let’s break it down.

Milk Type	Texture	Taste	Froths Well?	Allergens	My Opinion
Oatly	Creamy	Slightly sweet	Yes	Gluten (if not GF)	My top pick
Almond Milk	Watery	Nutty	Not great	Tree nuts	Okay in cereal
Soy Milk	Thick	Bean-y	Yes	Soy	Good for cooking
Coconut Milk	Thin or rich	Coconut-y	Not really	Coconut	Too tropical daily
Cow’s Milk	Creamy	Milky	Yes	Dairy	Not for me anymore

So yeah… Oatly wins for being versatile and tasty without weird texture issues.

Nutrition Breakdown: What’s Actually In This Stuff?

Here’s what you’ll find in one cup (240ml) of the original Oatly:

Calories: 120
Fat: 5g
Carbs: 16g
Sugar: 7g (natural from oats)
Protein: 3g
Calcium: 25% DV
Vitamin D & B12: Fortified

Is it a protein powerhouse? No.
But it’s great for calcium and totally dairy-free.

Tip: If you’re watching carbs or sugar, go for the “low sugar” or “unsweetened” Oatly options.

My Experience Using Oatly Oat Milk in Different Ways

In Coffee: 10/10
Foams like a dream. Makes lattes feel fancy.

In Smoothies: 8/10
Pairs well with fruits and greens. Adds creaminess without dominating the flavor.

In Cereal: 9/10
Tastes cozy. You’ll forget you’re not using cow’s milk.

In Cooking: 7/10
Great in soups, sauces, and even baking, but go for the “barista” version for extra creaminess.

Straight Up: 8/10
Surprisingly tasty if super cold. Kind of like a hug.

The Different Oatly Varieties: Which One’s Best for You?

Oatly isn’t just one oat milk.
It’s a whole oat milk universe.

They’ve got options for your morning coffee, your cereal, your baking experiments, even your chocolate cravings.

I’ve tried most of them (because research is important, okay), and here’s how they stack up.

1. Oatly Original Oatmilk

This is the classic.

It’s lightly sweet, creamy, and incredibly versatile.
Great for drinking straight, using in cereal, or blending in smoothies.

Taste: Slightly sweet, smooth
Best for: Everyday use: cereal, smoothies, cold drinks
Bonus: Fortified with calcium, B12, and D

My take: If you’re new to oat milk, start here. It’s the safe bet.

2. Oatly Full Fat Oatmilk

Think of this one like the whole milk version of oat milk.
It’s got more fat, more richness, and a bolder flavor.

Taste: Rich, velvety
Best for: Baking, cooking, creamy soups, or when you want a fuller mouthfeel
Texture: Thick, indulgent

My take: I use this in mac and cheese and homemade vegan Alfredo sauce — absolute dream.

3. Oatly Low-Fat Oatmilk

A lighter option for folks watching fat intake.
Still creamy but with a thinner texture.

Taste: Mild and clean
Best for: Lighter drinks, low-fat smoothies, or everyday sipping
Calories: Lower than original or full-fat

My take: Not my go-to for coffee, but great in cereal or for casual sipping.

4. Oatly Barista Edition (My Favorite)

This is the one your barista swears by.
Foams beautifully and is specifically made to shine in hot drinks.

Taste: Balanced and neutral
Best for: Lattes, cappuccinos, flat whites, matcha
Texture: Frothy magic
Extra bonus: Steams like a dream

My take: My favorite Oatly ever. If you drink coffee daily, this is the one.

5. Oatly Chocolate Oatmilk

Yes, it’s as good as it sounds.

Taste: Rich cocoa with just the right sweetness
Best for: Drinking cold, dessert substitute, or nostalgic 90s vibes
Kids love it too, but I won’t lie, I’ve hidden it for myself

My take: If you want something sweet but not too sugary, this hits the spot.

6. Oatly Organic Oatmilk

Simple ingredients. Just oats, water, sea salt.
No additives or fortification.

Taste: Very oaty, clean
Best for: Anyone looking for the most natural version
Downside: Not fortified, so no added vitamins or calcium

My take: It’s great for minimalists, but I prefer the added nutrients in the regular version.

7. Oatly Creamy Oat (Like a Creamer)

This is more recent and meant to replace half-and-half or cream.
Extra thick and perfect for coffee.

Taste: Neutral but rich
Best for: Creamy sauces, thick coffee drinks, vegan desserts
Texture: Dense and luxe

My take: I used this to make mashed potatoes, totally worked.

8. Oatly Soft Serve & Ice Creams (Bonus Treats)

Okay, these aren’t milks, but worth mentioning.
They’re Oatly’s dessert side, and they’re GOOD.

Flavors: Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, Salted Caramel
Texture: Just like dairy ice cream
Best for: Treating yourself without lactose

My take: I’ve had dairy-lovers beg me for more of the salted caramel. Enough said.

Quick Comparison Table

Oatly Variety	Best For	Texture	Sweetness	Nutrients Fortified
Original	Everyday drinks	Creamy	Light	Yes
Full Fat	Cooking, rich recipes	Rich	Mild	Yes
Low-Fat	Lighter uses	Thinner	Light	Yes
Barista Edition	Coffee drinks	Frothy	Mild	Yes
Chocolate	Snacking, dessert	Creamy	Sweet	Yes
Organic	Clean eating, minimalists	Smooth	Mild	No
Creamy Oat	Replacing cream/half&half	Thick	Neutral	Yes
Oatly Ice Cream	Dessert time!	Rich	Sweet	N/A

Final Thoughts: Oatly’s Got Options

No matter what your taste or lifestyle, Oatly has something for you.

Want creamy coffee? Go Barista.
Watching fat? Try Low-Fat.
Love a treat? Chocolate Oatly all the way.
Going natural? Organic’s your jam.
Cooking? Full Fat will make it delish.

You can mix and match depending on your needs, that’s the beauty of it.

FAQs About Oatly Oat Milk

Is Oatly gluten-free?
Only the certified gluten-free version. Regular Oatly may contain traces of gluten.

Is Oatly healthy?
Depends on your needs. It’s lower in fat than dairy, has no cholesterol, and is fortified with key vitamins. But it does have more carbs than other plant milks.

Can I use Oatly if I’m lactose intolerant?
Yes! It’s dairy-free and lactose-free.

Does it taste like oats?
A little, but not in a bad way. It’s subtle and comforting.

Is it sustainable?
More eco-friendly than dairy or almond milk. Uses less water and land. Big win.

Why is it so popular in coffee shops?
Because it foams like a champ and tastes amazing with espresso.

Tips for Using Oatly Oat Milk

Try the barista edition if you’re into lattes. It’s thicker and foamier.
Keep one in the fridge and one in the pantry. The shelf-stable version is a lifesaver.
Mix it with matcha for a super chill afternoon drink.
Use it in baking: muffins, pancakes, sauces. It holds up.
Want less sugar? Go with the “no sugar added” version.