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https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar.atomWilla's - Willa's Blog2025-07-29T10:50:59-04:00Willa'shttps://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/why-parents-are-loving-willa-s-oat-milk2025-07-29T10:50:59-04:002025-08-21T13:33:54-04:00Why Parents are Loving Willa's Oat MilkSylvie JohnsonAfter two years of perfecting a recipe to not only taste great for kids but also support their nutritional needs, we are excited to introduce Willa’s Kids Oat Milk, a plant-based alternative designed with little ones in mind.
]]> Most kids are already picky enough with food, so adding a dietary restriction like lactose intolerance seems nearly impossible to navigate, right? Wrong.
After two years of perfecting a recipe to not only taste great for kids but also support their nutritional needs, we are excited to introduce Willa’s Kids Oat Milk, a plant-based alternative designed with little ones in mind.
Providing kids with 8 grams of protein per serving (just as much as dairy milk), and 2 grams of prebiotic fiber supports both muscle growth and gut health. Willa’s Oat Milk is also fortified with calcium from seaweed, a natural sustainable source of calcium, to help build strong bones. And let's not forget the star ingredient: plant-based DHA Omega-3s, which are essential for brain development, learning, memory, and focus as kids grow.
What are DHA Omega-3s (and why are they important for my child?)
DHA Omega-3s play a crucial role in child development, especially when it comes to their brain and eyes. DHA is a key structural component of the brain, essential for cognitive development, learning, and memory. In fact, DHA makes up about 60% of the retina’s structure, supporting healthy eyesight and visual processing.
While DHA is naturally found in breast milk and fatty fish, many kids, especially picky eaters or those following plant-based diets, don't get enough of it. Research shows that 95% of kids fall short on DHA intake, which can affect their overall growth and development. That’s why Willa’s Kids Oat Milk is fortified with plant-based DHA Omega-3s, making it easier for parents to provide the nutrients their children need to thrive.
Experts agree on the importance of DHA. Dr. Mark Hyman emphasizes that DHA Omega-3s are vital for brain health and must come from dietary sources since the body can’t produce enough on its own. Dr. Dan Buettner, founder of Blue Zones Project, has praised Willa’s Oat Milk for its whole, plant-based ingredients, which align with the Blue Zones diet, known for promoting longevity and health.
Willa’s Kids Oat Milk is crafted with two protein sources: organic whole grain oats and organic pea protein. Not all pea protein is created equal, so Willa’s research and development team, composed of parents who care deeply about the quality, meticulously sourced clean, organic, US-grown pea protein. Pea protein is not only easy to digest but also environmentally friendly, making it a great addition to kids’ diets. By combining it with whole grain oats it creates a creamy protein-rich drink that supports growth, tastes great, and fits a sustainable, plant-based lifestyle.
**It’s not enough for a milk alternative to be healthy, it has to taste good too! Willa’s Kids Oat Milk**was created with kids' appetites in mind.
And Willa’s is lower in sugar than traditional dairy milk! In fact, in fact, Willa’s Kids has 50% less sugar than dairy milk! The coconut sugar, sourced from the coconut flower sap (not the fruit itself), is non-allergenic and provides kids with steady energy without the sugar spikes.
Parents can trust Willa’s Oat Milk to be free from artificial additives and common allergens like dairy, soy, nuts, sesame, and gums, making it lunchbox-friendly even in nut-free schools. Plus, it’s Certified Organic, Non-GMO, Vegan, Kosher, Glyphosate-Free, and produced in a peanut-free facility. With its 8oz shelf-stable and resealable cartons, it's convenient for on-the-go, travel, or quick snacks, ensuring nutrition is always within reach.
Unlike other brands, Willa’suses the whole enitre oat, ensuring zero waste and retaining all of the oat's protein and fiber per serving. That’s a win-win for both health and the planet. With the creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor, Willa’s Kids Oat Milk appeals to kids' plates and tummies, making it a delicious addition to their daily diet.
When parents ask, “Is oat milk enough for my child?” The answer is:Willa’s Kids Oat Milk is thoughtfully crafted to provide balanced nutrition, support healthy growth, and taste delicious, while being allergy-friendly, sustainable, and kid approved.
Shop Willa’s Kids Mini On-the-Go Oat Milk!
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/is-willas-oat-milk-glyphosate-free2024-10-16T11:45:16-04:002024-10-16T17:07:08-04:00Is Willa's Oat Milk Glyphosate-Free?Sylvie JohnsonAt Willa’s, we are dedicated to using ingredients that support human health as well as the health of our planet. That’s why we use certified USDA Organic oats and make sure all of our products are Certified Glyphosate-Free by The Detox Project.
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At Willa’s, we are dedicated to using ingredients that support human health as well as the health of our planet. That’s why we use certified USDA Organic oats and make sure all of our products are Certified Glyphosate-Free by The Detox Project. Roundup (glyphosate) is not something we want in our oat milk! And it also doesn’t belong in our soil or groundwater.
What is Glyphosate?
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, and a widely-used chemical herbicide linked to serious health risks. Glyphosate is commonly used in conventionally grown oats as well as wheat and chickpeas. As a result, there are growing concerns about glyphosate’s occurrence in oat milk.
Is Willa’s Oat Milk Certified Glyphosate-Free and Certified Organic? YES AND YES!
All of Willa’s Oat Milks are Certified Glyphosate Residue Free. This certification means our products have been thoroughly tested and confirmed to contain no glyphosate residues down to government-recognized limits of detection for food.
We also use USDA Organic oats, which are grown without the use of any pesticides, including glyphosate. USDA Organic Certification involves very stringent qualifications and prohibits the use of glyphosate, as well as similar pesticides.
Glyphosate in Oat Milk: What You Need to Know
Many oat milk brands on the market contain glyphosate. Scientific studies including one by the IRAC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) have linked glyphosate exposure to increased cancer risk, among other health concerns like endocrine disruption, fertility issues, and digestive issues like celiac disease.
At Willa’s, we are committed to producing products that are completely glyphosate-free. Our organic oats are grown without any pesticides, ensuring that our oat milk is as clean and safe as possible. Through The Detox Project, all of our products are thoroughly tested to guarantee that no traces of glyphosate or other harmful chemicals are present.
Glyphosate’s Environmental Impact
Beyond human health, non-organic farming practices and those involving glyphosate take a toll on the environment. The use of chemical pesticides and herbicides harm soil quality and contribute to pollution in rivers and lakes through agricultural runoff, negatively affecting aquatic life and biodiversity.
Organic farming, on the other hand, promotes healthier soil through carbon sequestration, reduces chemical pollution, and supports the biodiversity of ecosystems we rely on. By choosing organic and glyphosate-free products, you’re not just making a healthier choice for yourself—you’re also supporting the environment.
What is the connection between organic oats and the microbiome?
Organic oats are a cover crop and high in prebiotic fiber, which feeds healthy gut bacteria and supports a healthier microbiome. Organic oats also support the microbiome of the soil, which allows the soil to sequester more carbon.
On the flip side, glyphosate has a negative impact on our microbiomes as well as the soil health.
Organic matters!
Willa’s Commitment to Health and Sustainability
At Willa’s, we don’t just exist to create another oat milk. We aim to have a net positive impact on the health of people and the planet! We are fully committed to producing oat milk in the most responsible and transparent way possible.
With health and environmental sustainability at the heart of everything we do, we ensure our products are glyphosate-free, organic, and made with care. You can feel confident that when you choose Willa’s, you’re choosing an oat milk that’s safe for your family and the planet.
For more information, check out Willa’s FAQs. And for more information on why Willa’s uses the whole oat (not just oat sugar), check out our blog posts!
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/why-does-willas-have-less-sugar-and-a-lower-glycemic-index2023-09-26T12:21:59-04:002024-07-02T20:37:51-04:00Why Does Willa's Have Less Sugar and a Lower Glycemic Index?Sylvie JohnsonYou may have noticed that other oat milks have a large quantity of sugar, 5 - 15 g per cup. A commonly asked question is where all this sugar comes from and where to find healthier oat milk options. It is well documented that the reason is that most oat milks (but not all!) are made from an oat sugar base rather than the whole oat groat.
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The Willa's Whole Oat Difference: Lower Sugar and a Lower Glycemic Index
When we dive into the world of oat milk, it is important to discuss an often-overlooked aspect: sugar content and the glycemic index. The glycemic index, a scale from 0 to 100, ranks foods and drinks based on their sugar content and how they impact blood sugar levels. Having your blood sugar spike and crash after eating or drinking foods with a higher glycemic index can make you feel tired, lethargic, and even make you crave more sugar. Understanding this scale is key to making healthier choices. Lower glycemic index foods are generally healthier as they help maintain stable blood sugar levels, while high-glycemic foods can lead to various health issues.
What makes Willa’s lower in sugar and gives it a lower glycemic index?
At Willa’s, we use the whole oat and process it minimally to create a rich and smooth taste. Willa’s Unsweetened Original has 1 g of sugar from the oats. Willa’s Barista has 3 g of sugar total. Willa’s Dark Chocolate Oat Milk is our most indulgent recipe - we use a touch of organic maple sugar to balance the flavor of the cacao. The good news is maple sugar and maple syrup contain antioxidants and have a lower glycemic index than highly processed oat sugar (maltose) and cane sugar.
Why do other oat milk brands use so much sugar and such a high glycemic index?
You may have noticed that other oat milks have a large quantity of sugar, 5 - 15 g per cup. A commonly asked question is where all this sugar comes from and where to find healthier oat milk options. It is well documented that the reason is that most oat milks (but not all!) are made from an oat sugar base rather than the whole oat groat. This process creates maltose, which has the highest glycemic index, leading to a spike in blood sugar levels.
At Willa’s, we celebrate the natural goodness of whole grain oats - whole oat groat to be exact.
Our oat milk, crafted from the whole oat groat rather than just oat starch, boasts a naturally lower sugar content. Willa’s Organic Unsweetened Original Oat Milk contains just 1 gram of sugar per serving, just enough to deliver that creamy, rich oat milk flavor that people are switching to from other milks. Willa’s Barista Oat Milk has 3 g of sugar, less than half the leading barista oat milk brand. This approach allows the naturally-occurring nutrients to shine, with 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in every serving. Willa’s Organic Chocolate Oat Milk uses single origin Peruvian cacao from Raaka, which makes it even higher in protein (5 grams per cup!) and fiber (3 grams per cup!).
This isn't just a healthy choice; it's also a sustainable one, as we use the entire oat to minimize food waste.
And…did we mention that we use USDA Organic ingredients?
Our values guide every decision we make.
- Made with Organic Oats: Willa's is proud to use organic ingredients, which means we don't use GMOs or synthetic chemicals like fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. Glyphosate (Roundup) isn’t something our Grandmother Willa would have wanted in her oat milk!
- Organic Maple Sugar: Willa’s Raaka Chocolate Oat Milk, includes a touch of organic maple sugar to balance the flavor of the Raaka Cacao. The maple pairs beautifully with the Single Origin Peruvian cacao, offering a lower glycemic index, and antioxidants, which make it Cleveland Clinic’s preferred form of sugar.
- Raaka Single Origin Cacao: We are proud to collaborate with Raaka Chocolate, sourcing single origin Peruvian cacao directly from Indigenous Peruvian farmers. This ensures transparent trading practices, and above fair wages for farmers. This cacao has a delicious, brownie-like taste in our Dark Chocolate Oat Milk.
To learn more about Willa's practices and the ingredients that go into our oat milk, check out our blog posts: The Whole Oat and why we choose Maple Sugar as a sustainable alternative to sugar!
Looking for delicious ways to use Willa’s at home, check out our recipes here!
Stay in touch: Instagram, Tik Tok, Pinterest, Facebook.
Still curious about Willa’s oat milk? Check out our FAQs.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/organic2023-09-07T16:16:28-04:002023-09-07T16:18:36-04:00Is Organic Oat Milk Better For You?Christina Dorr DrakeAt Willa’s, we believe in using real, wholesome, organic ingredients you can feel good about drinking everyday. Conventional oats are often grown with glyphosate (the active ingredient in Roundup), which isn't something we want in our oat milk or soil.
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At Willa’s, we believe in using ingredients that support human health, as well as soil health. Willa's does not have glyphosate and we use Certified Organic oats.
We don't want to just aim to do no harm, but actively support the healthy of people and ecosystems. How ingredients are grown and produced has an enormous impact. Conventional oats are amongst the heaviest sprayed crops, which makes it even more critical we use oats that are certified organic.
What does organic mean?
Being organic means that our ingredients are raised without the use of GMOs and synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. In organic agriculture, farmers grow their produce with natural methods and fertilizers that do not involve spreading harmful chemicals at any point during the plant’s life cycle. When herbicides and pesticides are utilized in organic farming as opposed to natural methods like insect and bird pest control, the products used are also certified organic and proven to not expose plants to any unnatural chemicals.
Organic foods and your health
Eating organic products over traditionally raised products can have a huge impact on your health. When eating non-organic, the chemical residues from the herbicides and pesticides used in the farming process remain in your food, subjecting your body to unnatural elements. Additionally, organic foods are often fresher at the point of purchase because of the avoidance of preservatives, giving the food a shorter time span to get from the farm to your kitchen.
Glyphosphate in oat milk
Many of the most popular oat milks on the market contain glyphosate, the active ingredient in the chemical-heavy herbicide, RoundUp. Science researchers have found that exposure to glyphosate can have serious health effects on humans like an increased cancer risk, celiac disease, accelerated endocrine-disruption, and more.
Willa's oats are organic, confirms they are not grown with any pesticides, including glyphosate. With all of this, we at Willa’s test our ingredients and products thoroughly to ensure there is no trace of glyphosate or other harmful chemicals in the production of our oat milk.
Organic agriculture and the environment
Non-organic agricultural methods including those that use glyphosate can also have a statistically worse impact on the environment. With health and environmental sustainability at the top of our priority list, we take farming practices and their effect on the planet seriously. The heavy use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides in traditional farming is harmful to soil quality, which is at the core of plant and wildlife ecological health. Synthetic chemicals like these are a large cause of pollution in our lakes and rivers due to farming runoff, which harms the biodiversity of aquatic life and overall water quality and safety.
Willa's commitment to people and the planet.
At Willa’s, we commit to always aiming to making oat milk with only the best and most responsible methods. We prioritize the transparency of our ingredients so you and your family can feel good drinking and serving Willa’s at your table.
If you’re looking for fun ways to incorporate Willa’s Organic Oat M!lk into your diet, check out our recipe page here.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/introducing-willa-s-dark-chocolate-oat-milk2023-03-01T13:08:04-05:002023-04-18T15:28:47-04:00The chocolate oat milk using real, organic ingredientsSylvie JohnsonEveryone who loves chocolate knows it can be tough to find healthy options, made with less sugar and real, pronounceable, organic ingredients. Chocolate milks are often the least healthy options of all! At Willa’s, we aimed to create a deliciously rich and chocolatey oat milk using real organic ingredients.
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Everyone who loves chocolate knows it can be tough to find healthy options, made with less sugar and real, pronounceable, organic ingredients. Chocolate milks are often the least healthy options of all!
Many of the chocolate milks have excess sugar, as much as 20 g per serving (5 teaspoons!), and ingredients that are hard to pronounce, let alone recognize.
At Willa’s, we aimed to create a deliciously rich and chocolatey oat milk using real organic ingredients. We chose real Single Origin, Peruvian Raaka cacao rather than artificial or so-called natural flavorings. To balance the cacao flavor, we added a little bit of maple sugar, which has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar or other highly processed sugar for less sugar spike and crash. Together with the Raaka cacao, they combine to create a delicious brownie-like flavor we can’t get enough of!
Willa’s Dark Chocolate Oat Milk is deliciously chocolatey using organic ingredients you can recognize.
No cane sugar. No artificial flavorings. No rapeseed oil. No funny business.
When we decided to create a dark chocolate oat milk, we started with our Grandma Willa’s oat milk recipe, which uses real, honest, ingredients like organic vanilla extract and sea salt. We combined her recipe with a touch of maple sugar and Raaka’s single origin cacao, which gives Willa’s Dark Chocolate a nutty, rich, chocolatey quality. It’s SO GOOD!
As a 2023 Good Food Awards Finalist, we can attest that our Dark Chocolate uses all organic and natural ingredients that are sustainably sourced. Better yet, you can recognize and pronounce every ingredient we use.
Let’s introduce you to the dream team of ingredients that make Willa’s Dark Chocolate so special:
Made with Organic Oats
Just like our Willa’s Unsweetened Original, we use the whole oat to create a rich, smooth taste with no oil. Because we use the whole entire oat, Willa’s Dark Chocolate has 2 grams of prebiotic fiber to boost your gut health and 4 grams of protein in one 8-ounce serving.
Willa’s whole oat approach doesn’t only create a delicious taste at a high nutritional value, but also crafts our recipes with zero food waste. Food waste is a leading cause of greenhouse gas emissions, specifically methane. With Willa’s, we aim to be climate positive in everything we do. Nothing good is wasted!
Organic Maple Sugar
To balance the flavor of Raaka’s single origin Peruvian cacao, we wanted to use a touch of sweetness that wouldn’t be a sugar bomb or give you a spike and crash.
We use a touch of organic maple sugar which pairs beautifully with the cacao, and has a lower glycemic index, and also offers fiber and antioxidants. Organic Maple Sugar is favored by Cleveland Clinic for its subtly sweet taste and health properties. Organic Maple Sugar has a lower glycemic index than cane sugar and the highly processed oat sugar you find in many oat milk options.
Raaka Single Origin Cacao Combined with Maple Sugar
Willa’s is proud to work with Raaka Chocolate and source this single origin Peruvian cacao directly from Indigenous Peruvian farmers. All of Raaka’s cacao comes from transparent trading, which means you can access every detail of what farmers are paid. The farmers are paid above fair trade wages.
This combination of ingredients creates a delicious, brownie-like quality that is sure to become your new favorite chocolate milk. Enjoy it in a chilled glass, in hot cocoa with your favorite toppings, or in your go-to brownie recipe to experience the true magic of Willa’s Dark Chocolate. You can now enjoy this delicious product knowing with zero guilt and all of the indulgence.
Our Favorite Ways to Enjoy Willa’s Dark Chocolate :
Hot: We LOVE adding Willa’s Dark Chocolate into our hot cocoa, mochas, and baking recipes. It’s perfect to add to any existing recipe, including brownies and Willa's Brownie Banana Bread.
Cold: In addition to enjoying a cold glass of Willa’s Dark Chocolate, it serves as a delicious addition to any iced coffee, espresso martini, or even our Chocolate Coconut Collagen Ice Cream.
Whether you prefer it hot or cold, Willa’s Dark Chocolate is a delicious and must-buy to try on its own or in your favorite recipe.
To learn more about topics discussed here, check out these blog posts: Fiber, Oil, Sugar, Organic Ingredients, The Whole Oat
For delicious ways to use Willa’s at home, visit our recipes page here !
Follow Willa’s on Instagram and TikTok for fun daily content!
Want to learn more about Willa’s? Browse our blog page for tons of information!
Shop Willa’s Organic Oat Milk here .
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/why-is-there-oil-in-some-oat-milks2023-02-16T19:06:42-05:002023-02-16T19:06:42-05:00Why Is There Oil in Oat Milk?Christina Dorr DrakeWhen you imagine oat milk, oil is probably not one of the first ingredients to come to mind. Despite all of the known dangers of canola oil, it is still used in many “healthy” and even those claiming to be organic, because it is cheap to produce...
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When you imagine oat milk, oil is probably not one of the first ingredients to come to mind. Although whole grain oats and water are the foundation of any healthy oat milk, many oat milks also contain oil to give it a creamy consistency.
There is no oil in our Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oat Milk.
In Willa's Barista Oat Milk, we use an organic oil with plenty of good fat that makes up less than 2% of the total ingredients.
The Importance of avoiding Canola or Rapeseed Oil
The type of oil (and therefore the health benefits and risks) varies. Many consumers are unaware of the difference that this one ingredient can make in the nutritional profile of oat milk.
Willa's Barista Oat Milks contains organic, high-oleic, cold-pressed sunflower oil. This sunflower oil is distinct from standard sunflower oils in that it has a nutrition profile similar to that of avocado oil with lots of good, mono-saturated fats. Willa's Unsweetened Original Oat Milk is perfect for dairy-free diets that are also conscious about oil and sugar intake. The Unsweetened Original contains zero oil and minimal sugar.
Canola oil is a common oil found in some oat milks. But it is also one of the least desirable oils when it comes to your health. Also known as rapeseed oil, canola oil is a highly-processed oil containing trans fats. This refined vegetable oil is also known to cause inflammation. Canola oil is a relatively new product, only introduced to the market in the twentieth century. Since its conception, its use has grown to be included in a variety of products, both edible and inedible. It is used to make tires, in pesticides, and even in engine lubricants and diesel.
Along with the use of canola oil in food products has come concern about its health effects. Canola oil is produced from the rapeseed plant, a plant which is toxic in its natural state and requires significant processing to be transformed into an edible product. The potential dangers of canola oil are numerous– it contains GMOs, has been linked to heart damage and can cause inflammation.
Despite all of the known dangers of canola oil, it is still used in many “healthy” and even those claiming to be organic, because it is cheap to produce. Some brands contain as much oil in one serving as a side of french fries.
Not only is canola oil genetically modified and chemically enhanced, but it can also disrupt functions of organs in the body. Some have even referred to it as “ battery acid for your heart.” Erucic acid is found in canola oil, a compound which has been linked to heart damage, growth stunts in babies and increased risk of certain types of cancer.
The Willa’s Difference
Willa’s Original Oat Milk doesn't have any oil. Willa's Barista Oat Milk uses cold-pressed organic high-oleicsunflower oil, staying true to our commitment to simple, unprocessed ingredients. Nutritionists and functional doctors note that oleic sunflower oil’s nutritional profile is similar to avocado oil. It is high in “good” monounsaturated fats, which can help protect against heart disease in addition to many other benefits. It is also known for its favorable impacts on high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or “good” cholesterol.
The use of high oleic sunflower oil offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids as opposed to linoleic oils, which contain inflammation-causing omega-6 fatty acids. The high oleic composition of this oil makes it a stable, neutral and heart-healthy addition to Willa’s products.
Cold-pressed sunflower oil means the sunflower seeds are first ground into a paste, then the oil is pressed out using cold-pressing equipment. Cold-pressed oil is said to be "purer and has a better flavor than oil expressed with the aid of heat." - Britannica
Our commitment to simple and honest ingredients can be tasted in each sip or splash of our oat milk. Packed with sustainably-sourced organic ingredients, protein, prebiotic fiber and the cleanest oil possible, you can enjoy Willa’s Oat Milk without worrying about nutrition.
To learn more about the ingredients that go into our oat milk, take a look at our posts on sugar , what ingredients to look for in an oat milk , and the health benefits of a whole grain oat milk .
Looking for healthier oat milk recipes? Check out our recipes page . We have everything from coffee, to cocktails, to desserts.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/is-oat-milk-good-for-you2022-11-16T10:41:32-05:002023-09-26T12:19:46-04:00Is Oat Milk Good For You?Sylvie JohnsonAt Willa’s, we are on a mission to change the plant based milk category for good and forever. Taste, health, and sustainability guide every decision we make about the ingredients we choose.
We started with our Grandmother Willa’s delicious recipe, using real, organic ingredients.
As we got to work bringing her recipe to the world, we learned a lot about how plant based milk is normally made, and realized that there’s a better, more honest, more sustainable way to make great tasting oat milk.
That’s why Willa’s uses the whole entire oat, not just the oat sugar. Using the whole oat creates a richer flavor, means our oat milk maintains all the benefits of the oat (protein and prebiotic fiber), and Willa’s has just 1 g of sugar from the oats per cup!
Organic ingredients
Willa’s uses organic ingredients because they’re better for sustainability reasons like improved soil health, as well as our own health. Many of the most popular oat milks on the market contain glyphosate, the active ingredient in the chemical-heavy herbicide, RoundUp. That is not something our Grandmother Willa would have wanted in her oat milk!
Science researchers have found that exposure to glyphosate can have serious health effects on humans like an increased cancer risk, celiac disease, accelerated endocrine disruption, and more.
Willa's oats are organic, which confirms they are not grown with any pesticides, including glyphosate. Our oat partners test our ingredients and products thoroughly to ensure there is no trace of glyphosate or other harmful chemicals in the production of our oat milk.
The whole entire oat
When we set out to make an oat milk, we were shocked to find out other oat milk brands toss 20-30% of the oat to landfills, using only the oat starch and wasting the most nutritious part of the oat.
At Willa’s, we use the whole entire oat, aiming for zero food waste and ensuring all of the oat’s protein and prebiotic fiber are in Willa’s Oat Milk. As a grain, oats are a great source of plant-based protein. All Willa’s Oat Milks contain 4g of natural protein from the oat in every 8oz cup.
Oats are also a great source of soluble beta glucan fiber, which has been found to promote heart health, support the immune system, and regulate blood sugar levels. Prebiotic fiber, another naturally occurring fiber found in oats, can help nurture and balance of your gut microbiome. Prebiotic fiber is important in maintaining the balance of healthy and unhealthy bacteria in your gut. A close relative of probiotics, prebiotics contain non-living nutrients that feed the bacteria responsible for helping digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. All Willa’s Oat Milks contain 2g of natural fiber from the oat in every 8oz cup.
Oil in oat milk
The issue with oils in plant based milk is that some brands use too much oil, or they use highly processed varieties of oil associated with inflammation. Canola oil is a common oil found in some oat milks. But it is also one of the least desirable oils when it comes to your health. Also known as rapeseed oil, canola oil is a highly-processed oil containing trans fats. There has been rising concern about canola oil’s health effects for a few reasons. Canola oil is produced from the rapeseed plant, which is toxic in its natural state and requires significant processing to be transformed into an edible product. The potential dangers of canola oil are numerous – it contains GMOs, has been linked to heart damage, and can cause inflammation.
Oat milk with no oil, or less oil
With Willa’s unique whole oat process, we are able to achieve rich, creamy oat milk with no oil at all! Willa’s Unsweetened Original and Dark Chocolate Oat Milks contains zero oil.
Willa’s Barista Oat Milk uses organic cold-pressed high-oleic sunflower oil, and it makes up less than 2% of the total ingredients. Note that high oleic cold pressed sunflower oil is distinct from other seed oils!
Nutritionists and functional doctors note that high-oleic sunflower oil’s nutritional profile is similar to avocado oil - which means it is high in good monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids and has favorable impacts on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or good cholesterol.
Sugar in oat milk
The industry’s leading oat milk products are made from an oat sugar base, meaning the milk is made from the starchiest part of the oat rather than the whole grain oat, and then processed heavily. This processing makes the oat milk even sweeter, elevating the sugar content and glycemic index while leaving out the nutrients including protein and fiber that actually lower the glycemic index. The glycemic index is associated with that sugar spike and crash we all want to avoid!
The most popular brands add a minimum of 5 to 15 grams of sugar per serving of oat milk. Some have even come under fire for claiming to be low in sugar when they are not. The flavored variations of oat milk, namely vanilla and chocolate, are even worse, sneaking in as much as 18 grams of sugar per one-cup serving.
Willa’s Organic Oat Milk, made with the whole entire oat rather than just oat starch, and has just 1 g of sugar from the oats. Willa’s Unsweetened Original Oat Milk contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving – just enough to deliver the creamy, rich oat milk flavor that people are swapping other milks for. Willa's Barista contains 3g of sugar per serving and Willa’s Dark Chocolate contains 11g of sugar per serving - 1g from the oat and 10g of organic maple sugar, which has a lower glycemic index.
Are there added vitamins in oat milk?
Since we aim to use the cleanest ingredients possible in Willa's Unsweetened Original, Willa's Dark Chocolate, and Willa’s Barista, we don't add calcium. We often hear from Willa's fans that they look to leafy greens and other plant-based foods for their calcium intake as research has shown these forms can be easier for the body to absorb than added calcium in foods.
That said, we understand that some people are looking for added nutrients in their plant-based milk, which is why Willa's Barista is fortified with calcium.
At Willa’s we are committed to creating an oat milk that is as good tasting as it is for people and the planet. This is why we use only the simplest, cleanest organic ingredients for an oat milk you can feel good about!
For delicious ways to use Willa’s at home, visit our recipes page here !
Follow Willa’s on Instagram and TikTok for fun daily content!
Want to learn more about Willa’s? Browse our blog page for tons of information!
Shop Willa’s Organic Oat Milk here .
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/is-oat-milk-gluten-free2022-06-24T13:52:43-04:002023-05-24T12:18:03-04:00Is Oat Milk Gluten Free?Christina Dorr DrakeThere has been a lot of discussion over gluten over the past few decades. Gluten sensitivity, as well as Celiac Disease is on the rise. We are often get asked the question, do oats have gluten? And does Willa's Organic Oat Milk have gluten?
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There has been a lot of discussion over gluten over the past few decades. Gluten sensitivity, as well as Celiac Disease, are on the rise. One of the reasons many medical professionals believe Celiac Disease is on the rise is due to the use of glyphosate (Round-Up) on conventional wheat just before harvest.
We often get asked the question, do oats have gluten?
What does it mean to be gluten-free?
Eating gluten-free means avoiding all foods containing gluten. Gluten is a naturally occurring protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. With that, any foods that contain wheat, barley, and rye also contain gluten.
Those who are extremely sensitive to gluten, especially those with Celiac Disease, also avoid non-gluten ingredients that come into contact with gluten.
Here is what Beyond Celiac has to say about cross-contact and gluten-free certifications:
“Cross-contact is when a gluten-free food or food product is exposed to a gluten-containing ingredient or food – making it unsafe for people with celiac disease to eat.”
“It is important to know how your food is made, from farm to table, in order to avoid possible gluten exposure. To voluntarily label a product gluten-free in the U.S., it must contain less than 20 ppm gluten, as mandated by the FDA. However, if a product is NOT labeled gluten-free, but you do not see any gluten-containing ingredients listed, this does not mean that it is under the same 20 ppm threshold. This is because manufacturers are not required to call out “gluten” in food products; the FDA gluten-free labeling rule is voluntary for food manufacturers. To determine whether there was a risk of cross-contact during the growing and/or manufacturing processes, it is best to call the manufacturer and inquire whether they batch test their product for gluten, if they know how their raw materials were sourced and produced, and what procedures they go through to prevent cross-contact in the factory.”
Why are there so many more gluten-free products today?
You may have noticed that in recent years, so many more products on the market are gluten-free or have gluten-free alternatives. A 2020 report estimated that roughly 20 to 30 percent of Americans either currently follow or once followed a gluten-free diet without medically confirmed gluten intolerances. Beyond that, approximately 2 million Americans are diagnosed with celiac disease, an autoimmune response to gluten.
With increased information available and more education around the health impacts of gluten, many more Americans are understandably seeking gluten-free food options. As a result, the market is listening and more and more brands are jumping on the opportunity to provide delicious gluten-free foods, especially because eating gluten-free is medically necessary for so many.
Why do people avoid gluten?
As mentioned above, millions of Americans have medical gluten intolerances, but different people react to gluten in various ways and hold different levels of gluten sensitivity. Some symptoms of gluten sensitivity include inflammatory responses like bloating, fatigue, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and more. To avoid these discomforts, gluten-sensitive people will decrease quantities, stick to sourdough bread which is naturally lower in gluten, or completely cut out gluten from their diets.
For those with Celiac Disease, avoidance of any gluten cross contact is crucial. If you’re wondering if you have Celiac Disease, Celiac Disease Foundation recommends speaking with your doctor about getting tested.
Is there gluten in oats?
In their pure form, oats do not contain gluten. The only grains that naturally contain the protein gluten are wheat, barley, rye, and triticale. From the Gluten Intolerance Group, “Oats are not considered a top allergen, and in their pure form, oats are safe for the majority of people with celiac disease. Unlike wheat, barley, and rye, oats are not considered a source of gluten in many countries,” including the United States where the FDA considers oats a gluten-free grain. However, there is a risk in all gluten-free foods, including oats, of cross-contact with gluten. Cross-contact occurs when " foods or ingredients come into contact with gluten, generally through... shared cooking/storage environment[s]. In order for food to be safe for someone with celiac disease, it must not come into contact with food containing gluten."
Why aren’t all oat products gluten-free?
Although oats do not naturally contain gluten, the journey from field to production to plate is long with many factors that risk contacting the oats with gluten. Because many grains - including wheat, rye, and barley - are grown and processed near other grains, there is a possibility for agricultural commingling.
Is Willa’s Oat Milk gluten free?
There are no gluten ingredients in our oat milk. As explained above, with any oat product, there is always a chance that the transport or storage of the oat crops had wheat, barley, or rye in it before and there could be trace amounts of gluten left in the batch of oats.
Regarding gluten testing, Willa’s organic oats may range from 50 to 300 parts per million. Here's what the Celiac Disease Foundation has to say on oats and the potential for contamination.
If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to willasteam@willaskitchen.com.
Have more questions about Willa’s? Check out our FAQ page!
Learn more about Willa’s unique whole oat approach here .
Wondering how our whole oat approach relates to food waste and sustainability? Check this out.
Read about the advantages of organic oat milk here .
Find more information about oats, oat milk, and more on our blog page .
For delicious oat milk recipe inspiration, browse our recipe page .
Shop Willa’s Oat Milk here !]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/which-pour-over-coffee-maker-is-right-for-me2022-05-09T11:58:37-04:002023-01-11T10:40:54-05:00Which Pour-Over Coffee Maker Is Right For Me?Christina Dorr DrakeMore
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If you’re looking to improve your home coffee setup, chances are you’ve considered upgrading from an automatic drip machine to a pour-over device. But with so many options to choose from, it can be a bit overwhelming! We’re here to help you find the best filter brewing method for your needs.
Before we dive in - if you’re in the market for a gooseneck kettle for proper pour-over coffee, you won’t find any finer than the Stagg EKG from our friends at FELLOW. Most baristas will agree that the single biggest improvement point one can make to their home coffee setup is in their water. The temperature stability and control of flow in the Stagg is unmatched, and the quality of design and ergonomics across their entire lineup is undeniable.
Dr. Peter Schlumbohm’s scientific approach to brewing was far ahead of its time. This is evidenced by the fact that his Chemex coffee device, informed by his extensive background in chemistry and physics, is largely unchanged from its original 1941 design drafted in Massachusetts.
The Chemex is unique among this field as a beautiful piece of glass that looks great on your countertop. Another standout feature of this design is that the bottom chamber of its iconic hourglass shape is itself a carafe for decanting the finished product, saving you from needing to buy an additional vessel to brew into.
It comes in numerous sizes that allow you to brew coffee for anywhere from one to four people at once, and the handblown models are far sturdier than the delicate entry level.
With its proprietary bonded paper filters, the Chemex removes a remarkable amount of sediment. This leaves you with the clearest cup of coffee among the group, which brings out the best of lighter roasted coffees. Unfortunately, these amazing filters can be harder to find in store than the ones used by some alternatives.
PROS: Aesthetically Pleasing, Built-In Carafe, Amazing For Modern Roast Profiles, Many Size Options
CONS: Higher Price Point And Less Durable Than Average, Proprietary Filters
Sharing a lab equipment background with the Chemex corporation, the legendary Japanese glass company Hario first ventured into the coffee realm with its spaceage coffee syphons. In the mid aughts, they were instrumental in the rise of the burgeoning Third Wave of coffee with the introduction of their V60 dripper.
The V60, offered in a wide array of functional materials and lovely colors, quickly became the standard bearer for pour-over devices. Named for the sixty degree angle of its walls (themselves lined with ridges to improve the bloom and the flow rate of water toward its one large hole), it can be difficult to master. However, a seemingly infinite amount of online guides can help home baristas land on recipes and techniques that will have them feeling like coffee champs.
Thanks again to its ubiquity, the filters are affordable and prevalent at even many grocery stores. It can be paired with the wide variety of Hario peripherals like one of their beautiful carafes.
This is a fairly versatile device, able to brew a beautiful 12 oz cup of virtually any coffee you try on it. If you decide to try the V60 out at home and have some trouble nailing the perfect cup, don’t be afraid to reach out to the roaster who supplied your beans to ask for their preferred way to prepare that variety on this format.
PROS: Rich Resources To Ease Learning Curve, Very Common Filter Shape, Versatile Across Roast Spectrum, Many Material Options
CONS: Very Finicky For Beginners
Thought of by many as a kid brother to the giant Hario, Kalita is a storied company in their own right. Manufacturing coffee equipment in Japan since the tail end of the 1950’s, Kalita’s goal is to make elegant coffee gear affordable and approachable for the average consumer. First launched in 2010 as a direct competitor to the V60, the Wave has been the brewer of choice for multiple champion baristas in international competitions.
The Wave differentiates itself in a couple subtle ways that become far more apparent after your first use. First, note the flat bottom with three small and equidistant holes at the bottom of the brew chamber. This helps to ensure a more even distribution of water throughout the grounds and limits turbulence during the dwell time. Next, observe the ridged filter from where the model name is derived. This is intended to keep the coffee away from the walls of the device, dramatically improving temperature stability. These two seemingly small differences help to rein in large variables that make the V60 feel difficult to control by comparison.
Many have noted that aspects of the flat bed, small holes, and filter type can combine to make for a semi-frequent clogging issue. If you notice your brew time dragging severely, you’re likely experiencing this problem. Paired with the difficult to find filters and less common guides online, the Wave isn’t without its shortcomings. But for those who’re willing to brave these pitfalls, it’s hard to find a better finished cup when things (far more frequently) go to plan with this model. It’s also worth noting that the Wave is Wirecutter’s pick for best pour-over apparatus!
This entry in the category is available in two sizes, one yielding about 8oz and the other roughly 12oz, in the classic metal and wood finish or an easy to clean plastic. They pair very well with Kalita’s own peripherals, including their singular Made In Japan lineup.
PROS: Ease Of Control, Amazing For Light To Medium Roasts, Two Sizes Available
CONS: Prone To Failed Batches, Hard To Find Filters, Fewer Recipe Resources Online
Alan Adler captured lightning in a bottle for the second time when he released the AeroPress in 2005. The retired Stanford University professor had already created the Aerobie flying disc years prior and thought he was done inventing, but his newfound obsession with coffee led him to develop a wholly new coffee preparation method with a fanatical fanbase.
The AeroPress, which many say isn’t truly a pour-over, has been the focal point of a dedicated world championship competition yearly since 2008 in which competitors must share and publish their recipes and methods for free online. With access to a library of award-winning recipes at your fingertips, you can easily turn out a quality cup at your leisure.
This longterm hype around the AeroPress is sustained thanks to its seemingly endless potential for creativity and versatility in the baristas’ approach. An early champion blew everyone’s minds by flipping the unit upside down, effectively making a pour-over device into a modified french press! This wild potential is paired with the unit’s portability, affordability, and ease of general use.
Did we mention it’s virtually self-cleaning? Simply removing the cap and pushing the plunger down forces the filter and grounds out cleanly, needing only a quick rinse after. Those filters aren’t easy to find in store, but they can be replaced with a reusable metal filter to go greener. On top of all this, this ultra adaptable brewer is the only one of the bunch that doesn’t require a gooseneck water kettle to pour effectively, as a stir is encouraged instead of tabooed.
With a brewer that can simulate espresso as well as a Moka Pot then turn right around and make a crisp and clean cup of filter, there’s bound to be a pitfall. Many elite baristas believe the AeroPress can’t bring the full flavor potential out of the world’s best coffees, and others have struggled with a rare broken cup from muscling the plunger down too hard. That said, an adventurous home barista simply won’t find a device with this much range.
PROS: Unparalleled Versatility, Easy Cleanup, Packable For Travel, Requires Fewer Peripherals
CONS: Jack Of All Trades Means Master Of None, Requires Steady Hands And Strong Cups
For more information about pour-over brewing, see this article: All About the Pour-Over Brewing Method
Check out our other blog posts for information and tips on the best at-home coffee! How To Steam Oat Milk , What Is "Barista" Oat Milk? , Coffee And Plant Milk Pairings
Learn more about our organic oat milk on our blog !
Visit our recipe page for delicious meals and treats using Willa's!
Shop Willa's Oat Milk here .
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/how-to-steam-oat-milk2022-01-04T16:30:00-05:002023-02-16T19:04:28-05:00How to Steam Oat MilkWilla's KitchenAll you need to know about steaming oat milk like a dream...
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The quality of foam in your latte depends heavily on how the milk is steamed, and some types of milk work better than others. For years, many baristas avoided plant-based milks due to the fact that they didn’t steam as well as dairy milk. Recently, barista-focused oat milk entered the scene as an immediate game changer. Oat milk is mild and savory, but also has a level of natural sweetness comparable to high-fat cow’s milk.
What Makes Willa’s Barista Oat Milk Unique
You'll never find inflammatory rapeseed or canola oils, in Willa's Barista Oat Milk. Our team has built our recipe around an entirely different approach to create an oat milk that steams beautifully with the whole entire oat, and the cleanest ingredient list out there. Using the whole oat, also means Willa's has less oat sugar and retains all of the protein and fiber. For more on the ingredients found in most oat milks, check out our post How Do I Know What's in My Oat Milk? Note that Willa's Unsweetened Original Oat Milk and Willa's Dark Chocolate Oat Milk are not formulated to steam to create latte art or cappuccino foam. Though, they still pour beautifully and taste delicious in coffee!
How to Steam Barista Oat Milk
The technique of steaming oat milk is very similar to steaming dairy milk. First, you want to introduce air to the milk with the steam wand tip just below the surface for just a couple of seconds. This aerates the milk, which creates the foam needed for lattes or cappuccinos.
Next, you want to submerge the steam wand a couple inches below the surface of the milk to create a swirling whirlpool. This helps distribute the air evenly throughout the contents of your pitcher and reduces the visible bubbles on the surface of the milk, leaving you with perfect microfoam.
Once the milk has reached the proper temperature (roughly as hot as you can comfortable leave your palm on the pitcher until), remove the pitcher from the wand and tap out any remaining bubbles. Before pouring the milk give it a little swirl with swift wrist movements to even out its consistency. Finally, you are able to pour your creamy concoction.
Oat milk is the latest craze for a reason - it’s rich, creamy, and the taste is like a blank canvas in coffee. As a bonus, it isn’t just dairy-free, but also gluten-free, nut-free, and produced more sustainably than other milk alternatives.
With a little practice, you’ll be steaming oat milk like a pro!
Shop Willa's Barista Oat Milk!
For more about what's in your oat milk and which ingredients to look for, check out our posts How Do I know What's in My Oat Milk?, How Much Sugar is in My Oat Milk?, [Why Is There Oil in Some Oat Milks?](/content/blogs/on-bar/why-is-there-oil-in-some-oat-milks "Why Is There Oil in Some Oat Milks?"/index.html) and What is Barista Oat Milk?
For more about what makes oat milk using the entire whole oat different, check out our post What Makes Whole Grain Oat Milk Healthier?
For at home recipes with oat milk, from coffee drinks to dairy free baking, check out our Oat Milk Recipes.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/sustainability-in-maple-sugar2021-10-27T20:09:44-04:002023-02-08T10:39:02-05:00Why Use Maple Sugar Instead of Other Sweeteners?Christina Dorr DrakeThe decision to use maple sugar in our Willa's Barista and Willa's Organic Dark Chocolate Oat Milks was a no-brainer. It is unmatched when it comes to sustainability, has antioxidants and minerals, and has a low glycemic index. Most importantly, maple sugar brings out a brownie-like quality with the Raaka Peruvian cacao we use in Willa's Dark Chocolate!
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When we were deciding which type of sweetener to use in Willa's Barista and Willa's Organic Dark Chocolate Oat Milks, the decision to use maple sugar was a no-brainer. It is unmatched when it comes to sustainability and health, as well as adding a subtly sweet taste.
As a reminder, Willa's Unsweetened Original has just 1 g of sugar from the oats, and Willa's Barista has 3 g of sugar. Willa's Dark Chocolate is a bit more indulgent and needed a bit of sweetness to match the delicious chocolatey Raaka un-roasted cacao.
Have you ever tapped or seen someone tap a maple tree to make maple syrup? If you have, you know the process is as close to nature as it gets!
At Willa’s, our values around sustainability, health, and taste guide every decision we make. We prioritize using ingredients that are non-GMO, certified organic, and sustainably sourced, as well as delicious, as that is a non-negotiable!
Why do Willa's Dark Chocolate Oat Milk use maple sugar instead of cane sugar?
We use organic maple sugar to bring out the warm brownie-like notes from the Raaka cacao we use. The combination is absolutely delicious! And maple sugar is less sweet than other sugars, as well as the overly processed oat sugar you get with other brands. It's more subtle. Never cloyingly sweet.
Plus, it has nutritional benefits. There's a reason why maple sugar and maple syrup are Cleveland Clinic's favorite sweeteners. Maple sugar also has nutritional benefits including antioxidants, minerals like Magnesium and Zinc, and vitamin B6. These antioxidants can help protect against numerous diseases. They work by fighting off free radicals in the body. Magnesium can strengthen the immune system. And honestly, what more could we want right now? Zinc has a positive effect on our health and can even “protect and prevent various cardiovascular disorders.”
In addition, maple sugar has a lower glycemic than other sweeteners, which means it doesn't spike your blood sugar as much as other sugars. In other words, less sugar spike and crash!
Why do some oat milks have 8-10 g of sugar per cup, but no sugar in the ingredient list?
They take the oat starch and process it heavily to make it super sweet. This super sweet oat sugar is maltose, which has a glycemic index of 98!
Maple sugar has glycemic index is 54, while cane sugar has a glycemic index of 65 or more and maltose sugar, which is the highly processed oat sugar you find in other oat milks, has a glycemic index of 105.
Willa's has just 1 g of maltose sugar per cup from the oats because we process the oats as little as possible.
What makes maple sugar so sustainable?
While people are avoiding cane sugar more and more for health reasons, many are unaware of how sugar cane negatively impacts the environment where it's grown. For example, in Australia, fertilizers and pesticides are used to grow the best sugar cane crop, which leads to deadly runoff, harming its surrounding environment. “The excess nitrogen in the fertilizers… [is] responsible for over 40% of coral loss on the Reef.” Does this mean that by drinking Willa's Barista and Dark Chocolate we are helping to save the Great Barrier Reef? We'll leave that up to you to decide. The point is, the Great Barrier Reef is an example of one of many areas in danger. To improve soil health and ecosystems, we choose to use organic ingredients that are sustainably sourced.
The actual process of harvesting and cooking down maple syrup to sugar is much more environmentally sustainable than growing sugar cane. Maple trees can be grown without pesticides. Pesticides can have a harmful effect on their surroundings and soil health. Not using pesticides allows for the area surrounding the maple forest to continue to prosper. That's why, at Willa's, we use USDA Certified Organic ingredients.
In addition, maple trees can be tapped for generations, which can help to limit deforestation and promote forest land. So, instead of cutting trees down, maple farms can actually foster healthy trees! On top of being sustainable for the environment, sugaring, the process of tapping Maple trees or bushes, can be sustainable for local businesses. While we could partner with a multi-million-dollar cane sugar company, we focus on small Vermont maple sugar businesses, specifically sustainable ones in order to support businesses making an impact.
How does this affect the taste?
Okay, now for the million dollar question, how does it taste? Amazing! Using maple sugar instead of cane sugar introduces a whole new note of caramel into the oat milk. With maple sugar, we deliver a rawer sweetness as opposed to the in-your-face, high-in-sugar taste that cane sugar delivers. And we love that brownie-like quality you get from combining it with Raaka Peruvian un-roasted cacao!
Photo credit: Nabil Boukala
To order, Willa's Dark Chocolate Oat Milk, head over here.
Shop Willa's Barista here.
Wondering how much sugar is in oat milk? Check out our post here.
Wondering how Willa's use of the whole grain oat affects our nutrition facts? Check out our post on what makes whole grain oat milk healthier here!
Wondering why we use organic ingredients? Check our our post here.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/are-oat-milk-cartons-recyclable2021-08-18T15:55:59-04:002023-05-09T10:54:46-04:00Are Tetra Pak Oat Milk Cartons Recyclable?Christina Dorr DrakeDiscerning what you can and can’t recycle can be difficult, especially with the thousands of types of packaging on the market and the varying recycling rules in different cities. We want to break down the recyclability of our oat milk cartons for you.
]]> Discerning what you can and cannot recycle can be confounding, especially with the thousands of types of packaging on the market and the varying recycling rules in different cities. We want to break down the recyclability of Tetra Pak oat milk cartons for you.
With every decision we make at Willa’s, we prioritize our values and vision of being the most environmentally conscious and sustainable plant based milk company imaginable. You cannot have a conversation about sustainability without considering the role packaging plays. Materials used for packaging, whether they are for shipping goods or casing products on the shelf, are a large portion of personal waste for each of us and a major contributor to landfills and pollution.
At Willa’s, we use Tetra Pak cartons. Tetra Pak is not perfect in terms on sustainability, and we are pushing them to do better, but here is why we prefer them over any other packaging solution available on the market. The good news is, they have made dramatic improvements over the past decade and have some innovations in the pipeline that we are especially excited about.
Why Tetra Pak?
We love using Tetra Pak instead of fully plastic packaging because, due to many factors, it is more sustainable in the long game. Our Tetra Pak cartons are made of 75% paper, 20% polyethylene, a common form of plastic, and 5% of aluminum to keep our oat milk shelf-stable. In a nutshell, we prefer this multi-material composition to 100% plastic packaging because it has a greater ability to be recycled, and reduces our overall plastic consumption, which is crucial for sustainability.
Why is less plastic so important to us?
Single-use plastics, plastics that are designed to be used and disposed of immediately, which are common in the food packaging industry, are consumed in increasing quantities and are often not recycled. In fact, only around 14% of all packaging plastics are properly recycled every year. When plastics go un-recycled, they either end up in incineration facilities, landfills, our communities, or natural water systems. All of these are harmful to wildlife, ecosystems and our health, as plastics are made with many harmful toxins that are released into the air during the degeneration and burning processes.
Included in the toxic chemicals found in single-use plastics is Bisphenol A (BPA). BPAs are hormone disruptors that have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer among other health concerns. BPA has also been replaced by Bisphenol S (BPS), which is equally harmful. This issue is especially important and hits close to home for our co-founder and CEO, Christina, who is a recent survivor of breast cancer. Doing all she can to prevent harmful chemicals from being in and around our oat milk is a top priority, which is why using BPA-free packaging like Tetra Pak is so important to us. Tetra Pak doesn't use these harmful plastics.
What does food waste have to do with packaging?
Food waste is responsible for 6%-8% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Like mentioned above, Tetra Pak cartons are lined with a thin layer of aluminum, which allows our oat milk to be stored on the shelf outside of the refrigerator until opened. Shelf-stable food packaging, like this carton, minimizes food waste as it is much less likely for retailers or consumers to need to throw away unused cartons because of expiration concerns.
Are Willa’s cartons sourced responsibly?
Our TetraPak cartons are primarily plant-based, as they are made of 75% paper. Plant-based materials are better for the environment because they can be replenished over time and enable a move away from fossil fuel-based materials like plastics. Tetra Pak sources the paperboard used in each carton from FSC-Certified forests and other controlled sources, which means new trees are continuously growing to replace what was used.
Where is Tetra Pak working to improve?
First and foremost, Tetra Pak is committed to their goal of reaching net zero carbon emissions in their global operations by 2030, which impacts all of their decisions for the future. Tetra Pak has gotten flack in the past for not being recycled by consumers as much as they should be, but they have since gotten into carton recycling programs and improved their consumer recycling education efforts. Tetra Pak is also working on a completely plant-based and compostable packaging option which we are so excited for!
So… are Willa’s cartons recyclable?
Yes, Willa’s cartons are recyclable! However, they must be recycled through a carton recycling program, which some cities do not yet have for curbside drop-off. If your city does not have a curbside pickup option, you can mail your empty cartons to one of four locations listed here who will responsibly recycle them for you. Learn more about your city’s specific carton recycling procedures here.
For more information on Tetra Pak’s sustainability efforts, visit their website.
To learn more about the carton recycling process, check out Tetra Pak's video and the Carton Council.
Looking for more on why food waste matters? Read our blog article.
Check out this blog post for a deeper dive into the sustainability of oat milk.
For delicious oat milk recipes, check out our recipe page here.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/what-is-barista-oat-milk2021-08-03T13:06:19-04:002023-02-08T10:54:10-05:00What is "Barista" Oat Milk?Willa's KitchenEver tried steaming up a latte or cappuccino with a plant-based milk that wasn’t labeled ‘barista’? You were probably more than disappointed. So, you ask, what is in the barista's milk...
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Ever tried steaming up a latte or cappuccino with a plant-based milk that wasn’t labeled ‘barista’? You were probably more than disappointed by the result. So, what is in the baristas’ milk that makes their drinks so much creamier and easier to steam and foam?
The “Barista” label on the plant-based milk containers isn’t just to add to the coffeehouse aesthetic. Non-dairy milk lacks the chemistry to produce a rich and creamy latte on its own. That’s why barista-style milk is specially formulated to steam, stretch, and foam in a latte.
First, let’s start with what makes dairy milk foam...
Dairy milk is composed of fat, lactose, and protein. The fat content not only tastes rich and creamy; it also allows the milk to be more stable when steamed.
The lactose gives steamed dairy milk a mildly sweet taste.
During the steaming process, lactose breaks into the smaller, simpler sugars which help the milk reach its sweetest point. If you keep steaming past the ideal temperature, the sweetness will go away as the sugars break down beyond taste.
The optimal temperature for flavor and enjoyment lingers around 140°F. Easily unnoticed but critical factors, like temperature, will greatly impact the taste of your latte or cappuccino. Once the temperature surpasses 155°F, the sweetness will fully give way to a flat and papery taste.
The main proteins in milk are whey and casein. These proteins act in a similar fashion to fats when heated, stabilizing the encased air and forming bubbles and foam. They are most stable around the sweet spot of 140°F; after that, the shape and texture of your foam also becomes less stable. The merging of the fats and proteins highlight milk’s heavenly taste characteristics in espresso.
Be careful and try not to ever re-steam milk as health, taste, and texture are all negatively affected.
So, how do you create a ‘barista’ plant-based milk that behaves like dairy?
In a nutshell, barista-style milk incorporates more fat in order to produce a creamier texture similar to dairy. The most basic plant-based milk you buy at the grocery store may not be made with this intent in mind and won’t have the fat content needed to create this texture.
Many plant-based milk brands add fats from highly processed rapeseed or canola oil.
At Willa’s, we chose to take a different path. Willa's Barista Oat Milk is the only dairy-free barista milk to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency using only organic, non-GMO high oleic sunflower oil. We pride ourselves in only using the highest quality ingredients so you can feel good about drinking it every day.
You can read more about the ingredients we use and why we organic high-oleic sunflower oil in our FAQs.
Shop Willa's Barista Oat Milk!
Wondering how to steam barista oat milk? Check out our post here!
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/why-food-waste-matters2021-04-27T15:15:23-04:002022-06-09T19:47:48-04:00Why Food Waste MattersChristina Dorr DrakeWilla’s uses the whole oat in the creation of our oat milk for a zero-waste process. Other brands discard 20-30% of the oats. Oat milk stands as the second highest-selling plant-based milk so that is A LOT of wasted oats! With Willa’s, we’ve developed a proprietary milling approach that allows us to use the entire whole grain oat (the germ, endosperm, and the bran). This practice offers our customers a less processed and more nutrient-denseoat milk choice that is better for the environment.
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At Willa’s, we talk a lot about how there is no food waste in our process. And lots of people ask, why does that matter? Well friends, you've come to the right blog post! Here are just a few of the reasons we’ll highlight:
- 25% of calories produced are wasted while 1 in 9 people don’t have enough food
- In other oat milks, 20-30% of the oat is discarded and often ends up in landfills
- 6% of global emissions are due to food-waste
- If food waste were a country, it would be the 3rd highest emitter of greenhouse gases after the US and China.
- A majority of wasted food goes straight to landfills where it can take up to 25 years to decompose
- Reducing food waste is the #1 thing we can do to combat climate change!
What is food waste?
The term “food waste” refers to any discarded food that is appropriate for human consumption. A landmark report published by the Natural Resources Defense Council found that 40% of the US food supply goes uneaten.
“The amount of food waste in the United States is on the rise, with per capita food loss increasing by 50% from 1974 to 2005.” Food waste is particularly egregious when we consider that 821 million people, or one in every nine, do not have access to enough food.
Food waste and oats
Grains including oats have particularly high rates of food waste. Around 38 percent of all grains are thrown to landfills every year.
Carbon emissions from food waste
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, if food waste were a country, it would be the third-highest emitter of greenhouse gas after the US and China.
Greenhouse gases are generated throughout a food’s supply chain - from the energy used to refrigerate food to the gas used in transportation. Then, once food is thrown away, it rots and releases even more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The time it takes for food to decompose is affected by the availability of air and water, temperature, and the chemical composition of the food. The conditions in a landfill are some of the worst for food decomposition - in fact, a head of lettuce can take up to twenty-five years to decompose in a landfill!
How can we all do our part to combat food waste?
It is estimated that if we all stopped wasting food, we could reduce human-caused greenhouse gas emissions by six to eight percent. Consumers can do their part to mitigate the staggering amount of waste going to landfills by only buying what they need and composting what they do not use. The thing is if you find it challenging to be completely zero waste at home, that’s understandable. The good news is there are ways to combat food waste on a larger more systemic level. Like buying from zero food waste and upcycled brands!
Where is food waste coming from?
The majority of the food waste in the US actually occurs before products even reach the grocery store. Shockingly, around a quarter of the calories globally produced never make it to a consumer. This is due to spoilage or spillage, but also rejection - in fact, one-third of fruits and vegetables are cast aside during production for being the wrong size or shape!
Research shows that every four of every ten pounds of food wasted comes from food-based businesses, including restaurants, grocery stores, and packaged food companies. In the US, one-fifth of the cropland, fertilizers, and water used for agricultural purposes grows food we won’t even end up eating.
What does it mean to have a “zero waste” process or be “upcycled”?
To qualify as zero waste, a product has to use at least 95% of the entire raw material of the ingredients. Unlike recycling which simply aims to reduce trash, a zero-waste process eliminates waste.
As defined by the Upcycled Food Association, “upcycled food uses ingredients that otherwise would not have gone to human consumption, are procured and produced using verifiable supply chains, and have a positive impact on the environment.”
How does Willa’s make a zero food waste oat milk?
At Willa's, we are deeply committed to sustainability and not only aim to do no harm, but take a step further to make a positive impact - especially because grains, including oats, have particularly high rates of food waste. Around 38 percent of all grains are thrown to landfills every year.
In the case of other oat milks, 20-30% of the oats are discarded. And that’s a lot of food waste! Plus, that typically includes the germ and the bran, which are the parts of the oat with the most protein and fiber.
Through our unique proprietary milling approach, Willa’s is able to include all the parts of the oat, the germ, the bran, and the endosperm and retain the whole nutritional profile of the oat. That means, in each glass, you're getting all of the nutrients and benefits. To our knowledge, our use of organic oats and zero waste process makes Willa's Oat Milk the most sustainable choice available.
Looking for an easy way to combat climate change? Opt for zero waste and up-cycled brands like Willa's.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/does-oat-milk-need-to-be-refrigerated2020-12-08T11:43:12-05:002021-11-01T01:51:13-04:00Does Oat Milk Need to Be Refrigerated?Christina Dorr DrakeYour intuition may tell you that you should be shopping for oat milk in the refrigerated aisle. However, not all oat milks need to be refrigerated...
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The short answer is no, you don’t always need to refrigerate your oat milk. [Willa’s Oat Milk](/content/collections/all "Willa's Oat Milk"/index.html) is shelf-stable because the packaging has an airtight seal, allowing you to store it in your pantry until it's opened. Once the milk has been opened, you can store in the refrigerator and consume within seven to ten days.
Your intuition may tell you that you should be shopping for oat milk in the refrigerated aisle. However, not all oat milks need to be refrigerated.
Our shelf-stable Tetra Pak containers keep your whole grain oat milk fresh while it sits in your pantry, waiting to be enjoyed. Buying non-perishable products is the easiest option when it comes to food storage. Shelf-stable oat milk allows you to buy in bulk with a subscription and easily store the extra. Willa’s Oat Milk can be stored in a pantry or cupboard until ready to use, allowing more room in your fridge for other perishable items.
How can oat milk be shelf stable? (Hint - it’s the packaging technology.)
To some, especially those of us in the US, a shelf-stable milk sounds strange. There must be a catch, like added preservatives, right? Wrong! Willa’s Oat Milk is produced with aseptic packaging technology that sucks out the air, creating a seal inside.
Additionally, Tetra Pak paperboard board carton interiors keep out light, oxygen and contaminants. They were chosen for their ability to conserve our oat milk’s natural goodness without added preservatives.
Does shelf stability affect taste or nutrition?
While it might seem more traditional to purchase cold oat milk, shelf-stable oat milk is just as delicious and nutritious as its refrigerated counterpart, and even has added benefits. It is easier to store, has a longer shelf life, often costs less to produce and ultimately the sustainable choice.
How is shelf stable packaging more sustainable?
A shelf-stable product is not only easier for you to store, but it is more sustainable for the environment. Since these oat milks don’t need to be refrigerated, they require less energy and packaging. Shipping sans refrigerated containers, trucks and warehousing reduces our carbon footprint. Shelf-stability also minimizes the amount of energy that is spent to store it in your home, saving energy and space for other food items in your fridge. Purchasing shelf-stable products also means that less tends to be wasted. While traditional milk goes bad in the span of a few weeks even while refrigerated, Willa’s and other shelf-stable milks can sit in the pantry for months.
Are Tetra Pak cartons recyclable?
Yes, even the production of our packaging is sustainable. Realizing that they are not yet perfect, Tetra continues to explore new packaging technology even more sustainable — and we are excited to improve further together. And instead of relying on plastic containers that are often used for refrigerated milks, our tried-and-true Tetra Pak containers are made of paperboard, with thin layers of aluminum and plastic. These materials are sustainably sourced and cartons are recyclable in the vast majority of the U.S.
At Willa’s we continually push ourselves to lower our carbon footprint and create the most sustainable option possible, which is how we got started producing a shelf-stable, organic and vegan oat milk in the first place. Shelf-stable oat milk is the answer to your environmental and storage concerns. Our organic milk comes with a promise of commitment to sustainability. With Willa’s, you can feel confident about what you’re putting in your body is not only healthy for you, but also for the world around you.
For more on sustainability, read our blog post, [Oat Milk, the Sustainable Choice](/content/blogs/on-bar/oat-milk-the-sustainable-choice "Oat Milk, the Sustainable Choice"/index.html).
We also have oat milk recipes for everything from coffee, tea, cocktails, dessert, and more on our [recipes page](/content/blogs/oat-milk-recipes "Oat Milk Recipes"/index.html).
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/how-much-sugar-is-in-oat-milk2020-08-29T15:44:00-04:002023-02-16T19:07:28-05:00How Much Sugar is in Oat Milk?Willa's KitchenThere's been a lot of conversation lately about how much sugar is in oat milk, even comparing it to soda. What should you look for? Whole Grain Oats. That's because a lot of oat milks are mostly oat starch and oat sugar...
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The short answer? It depends on the brand.
The sugar content of oat milk varies greatly between brands and it's no secret that a diet too high in sugar can lead to high blood sugar, inflammation, weight gain, and other complications.
With so many oat milk brands in the market, it can be hard to cut through the noise and find the highest quality brand. Choosing a reliable, healthy oat milk brand is made even more difficult by the fact that leaders in the industry are among the unhealthiest.
When talking about sugar, it is important to understand the glycemic index, a 0-100 scale that ranks foods and beverages based on their sugar content. This rating can be affected by processing, cooking method and in fresh foods, the ripeness of the product. The lower the glycemic index, the healthier the food. Fiber and protein are found in foods with lower glycemic indexes, while sugar and carbohydrates contribute to a high glycemic index.
The industry’s leading oat milk products are made from an oat sugar base, meaning the milk is made from the carbohydrates in the oat rather than the whole grain oat. This process elevates sugar content and glycemic index, while leaving out the nutrients including protein and fiber that actually lower the glycemic index. The most popular brands add a minimum of 5 to 8 grams of sugar per serving of oat milk. Some have even come under fire for claiming to be low in sugar, when they are not. The flavored variations of oat milk, namely vanilla and chocolate variations, are even worse, sneaking in as much as 18 grams of sugar per one-cup serving.
If that sounds like too much to you, that’s because it is. When sugar is present in this quantity, so is a high glycemic index, which creates adverse effects on digestion and blood sugar levels and can make weight management difficult. Sugar in this quantity also adds extra calories and risk of diabetes.
So by now, you’re probably wondering where all this sugar comes from and how to find low sugar oat milk options. High sugar content is the result of oat milks that are made from an oat sugar base, rather than whole grain oats. This production method strips whole grain oats of their natural nutritional content including protein and fiber. To compensate, sugar is added to the oat milk in place of lost nutrients.
So, which brand is the healthiest?
At Willa’s, we recognize the power of whole grain oats in their most natural, unprocessed state.
Our oat milk, made with the whole entire oat rather than just oat starch, is naturally lower in sugar. Our Unsweetened Original Oat Milk contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving– just enough to deliver the creamy, rich oat milk flavor that people are swapping other milks for. This leaves plenty of room for the naturally-occurring nutrients in for 4 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber in every serving. This translates to a product that you can be sure is not only good for you, but a sustainable choice with no food waste in Willa’s process (because they use the whole oat).
Taste the whole oat difference for yourself!
Want to better understand what makes whole grain oat milk healthier? Check out our post here.
Wondering what's in your oat milk? Dig into the facts here.
Curious what's so great about whole grain oats? Check out the full list of benefits here.
Photo Credit: Robert Anderson
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/buying-oat-milk-online-made-easier2020-08-18T12:36:00-04:002021-01-05T14:34:13-05:00Buying Oat Milk Online, Made Even EasierWilla's KitchenOat milk has been growing in popularity in recent years and while sometimes hard to find in grocery stores, is now easier than ever to order from home...
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Oat milk has been growing in popularity in recent years and while sometimes hard to find in grocery stores, is now easier than ever to order Willa's Organic Oat Milk from home, and even purchase on Amazon.
Back in February, oat milk flew off the shelves as consumers stocked up to prepare for weeks in isolation. When the nation began shutting down, consumers rushed to stock up on first aid kits, masks, diapers, and other essentials, but also felt lost without certain non-essentials. If you’re an oat milk lover, you may have struggled to find your fix of your favorite oat milk when coffee shops closed.
So why the craze for oat milk? Maybe it's the rich, nutty taste of a cold glass of oat milk, or the subtle, vanilla notes it adds to your morning cup of coffee. But beyond taste, the success of oat milk can be linked to its impact on appetite and cholesterol regulation, fibrous content and gut health benefits. It is also the closest substitute for traditional milk when it comes to baking and cooking.
No matter what your intention is for drinking oat milk, most consumers have felt the impact of the pandemic on oat milk consumption. Though oat milk has been on the rise in the U.S. for many years, most U.S. grocers and retailers do not carry oat milk. And if you do find oat milk at the grocery store, it’s worth examining the label to check for less-than-natural ingredients and heaps of sugar.
How to Make Oat Milk Drinks at Home
With coffee stores closed– or at the very least an extra risk– there is no better time than the present to learn to make your own oat milk beverages. Whether you prefer iced coffee or warm, you can find a great catalog of recipes here.
Or maybe oat milk infused cocktails is more your style, in which case we recommend trying Willa's Brandy Alexander with Oat Milk or an Oat Milk White Russian.
Willa’s is the place to get the highest quality, vegan, organic oat milk, packed with all the nutritional benefits of whole grain oats. Our oat milk can easily be purchased from the comfort of your home.
As the pandemic continues to change the landscape of our everyday lives, it is also impacting how consumers purchase and use their oat milk. But even before the importance of online shopping emerged, Willa’s took steps to ensure easy purchasing options. While shipping fees can be expensive elsewhere, shipping is complimentary when you purchase a six pack of Willa’s oat milk. Our shelf-stable product can easily be stored in your pantry. For the most dedicated oat milk lovers, Willa’s offers a Subscribe and Save option, saving you time and money in the long run. As an added bonus, we’ll give you 10% on your order when you sign up for a monthly subscription.
Oat milk made with whole grain oats, like our products at Willa’s, is free of excessive sugar and can even help regulate the immune system. Beta-glucans are another important nutrient found in the whole grain oats which make oat milk and is responsible for boosting the immune system as well as reducing cholesterol. Read about all the health benefits of oat milk here.
Curious about the environmental impact of Willa’s oat milk? Read more about the environmental health benefits of oat milk and how we create zero food waste here__.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/the-benefits-of-cooking-with-oat-milk2020-08-18T12:30:00-04:002022-09-29T18:15:05-04:00The Benefits of Cooking With Oat MilkWilla's KitchenOat milk is known for its popularity in coffee drinks, but its benefits in cooking and baking are often overlooked...
]]> Oat milk is known for its popularity in coffee drinks, but its benefits in cooking and baking are often overlooked. Cooking with oat milk is an easy way to add protein and minimal sugar to recipes. With soluble fiber, beta glucans to promote good cholesterol and lower your risk of cancer, oat milk is not only a sustainable and delicious addition to your recipes, but an overall health-promoting one.
Another reason people are turning to oat milk rather than other plant-based milks is its similarity to traditional milk. Oat milk has a thick, creamy flavor, without any of the dangers of dairy.
While whole milk can add more than 10 grams of sugar, our Unsweetened Original Oat Milk contains only 1 gram of sugar per serving— the necessary amount to create a great product.
And when you take a sip of Willa’s oat milk, you’ll notice its subtly sweet flavor profile. Willa’s contains far less sugar than other brands in the market, which can pack in sugar amounts close to that of traditional milk. Americans already consume too much sugar, which can wreak havoc on energy levels, skin health and contribute to the onset of type two diabetes. While other oat milks pack in added sugars, we know our customers value integrity so we use whole grain oats to make the most natural oat milk possible, with honest ingredients that you can actually pronounce.
Tips for cooking with oat milk
Oat milk is not only a powerful substitute for dairy in baking. Oat milk can also be substituted for milk in cooking recipes. Recently, I tried making mac and cheese, and substituted milk for Willa’s– a swap that I will be making from here on out. Oat milk can also be added to mashed potatoes, pastas and other savory dishes. This might sound strange since we like to boast about the nutty, slightly sweet profile in our organic oat milk. But rest assured, Willa’s contains less sugar than other milks, and if you find the flavor profile of your dish to be too sweet– a dash of salt will do the trick in balancing the dish.
Our Favorite Dairy Free Recipes
Here are some tasty, plant based recipes to start with in your journey to dairy-free cooking. We've tried all these recipes out with Willa's Oat Milk and they all taste amazing.
Dairy Free, Vegan Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
This decadent chocolate frosting can be modified to include butter, or you can make it as seen on the website, for a vegan treat. Our oat milk adds a subtle, warm nutty flavor to the frosting, adding tones that traditional milk can’t.
Dairy Free Coconut Buttercream Frosted Cupcakes
This coconut cupcake is perfect for the summertime, offering a sweet tropical vacation from the first bite. The addition of oat milk balances the tropical coconut flavors, producing a well-rounded and delicious flavor profile. Also, we mention some substitutions that can make this recipe 100% gluten-free.
[**Ciara’s Fluffy Dairy Free Vanilla Cupcakes made with Oat Milk**](/content/blogs/oat-milk-recipes/ciara-s-fluffy-dairy-free-vanilla-cupcakes-made-with-oat-milk-gluten-free-optional "Dairy-free Vanilla Cupcakes"/index.html)
If you’re looking for a satisfying treat without the tropical tones of coconut, this is the recipe for you. This dairy-free, vegan recipe can be easily modified to be gluten-free without losing any of its flavor. It’s the perfect treat to celebrate birthdays and other celebrations, safe for all diets to enjoy.
[**Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding, Topped with Berries and Pistachios**](/content/blogs/oat-milk-recipes/oat-milk-chocolate-pudding-with-berries-and-pistachios "Oat Milk Chocolate Pudding"/index.html)
This chocolate pudding tastes as good as it looks. Desserts like this one are so often off limits for those of us who are lactose intolerant, dairy-free, or vegan. With Willa's Oat Milk you can get the creamy texture of pudding without watering down the chocolaty flavor.
Want to learn more?
We also have [coffee and cocktail recipes](/content/blogs/oat-milk-recipes "Oat Milk Recipes"/index.html) which taste amazing with Willa's.
Curious about why whole grain oats makes all the difference to us? Read our [post on the health benefits of whole grain oat milk](/content/blogs/on-bar/what-makes-whole-grain-oat-milk-healthier "What makes whole grain oat milk healthier?"/index.html).
Interested in sustainability? Learn more about [how we make our oat milk with a zero-waste process](/content/blogs/on-bar/oat-milk-the-sustainable-choice "Oat Milk: The Sustainable Choice"/index.html).
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/oat-milk-the-sustainable-choice2020-07-10T15:06:00-04:002022-03-05T13:08:54-05:00Oat Milk, the Sustainable Alternative for MilkWilla's KitchenSome plant milks are far more sustainable than others. And by “some” we mean just one: oat milk...
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Plant-based milks are becoming more popular every year. Weighing the upsides and downsides of all of the dairy alternatives can seem incredibly complicated.
While consuming plant-based milk, in general, is a more sustainable choice over dairy, some plant milks fare better than others when it comes to their environmental impact. And by “some” we mean just one: oat milk.
Research shows that the production of oat milk is the most sustainable of all the plant based milks. Compared to the most popular plant milks offered by coffee shops—mainly soy and almond milk—oat milk is undoubtedly the most ecologically friendly. Let’s talk about just a few of the factors that should make oat milk your go-to for coffee and how Willa’s is the most sustainable of all your options. And in our opinion, the most delicious too.
CO2
One of the clearest ways to objectively quantify the environmental impact of any product is to measure the emissions of greenhouse gases that are a result of the manufacturing of the product. Most researchers use CO2e, or “equivalent carbon dioxide” when referring to the various greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming.
In order to make a 200ml glass of soy milk, about 0.195kg of CO2e are released into the atmosphere. For almond and oat milk, the numbers are slightly lower at 0.14kg and 0.18kg respectively. According to this University of Oxford Study, dairy milk production hits the environment with three times the greenhouse gas emissions as non-dairy milks at 0.6kg of CO2e.
Some brands can leave a smaller carbon footprint depending on their sustainable practices in other areas of production, such as using eco-friendly packaging and awareness of food waste.
Food waste is one of the largest contributors to CO2, even more so than cattle. Willa’s recognizes that food waste is one of the largest contributors to CO2, even more than cattle. For this reason, Willa’s uses the whole oat, meaning you get all of the nutritional density of the grain and no part of the oat is wasted. This also means, unlike other oat milks which use highly processed oat sugar, Willa's Oat Milk is made with an entirely zero-waste process.
Willa’s also uses TetraPak packaging that removes all air so that it can be shelf stable for at least 9 months without having to use refrigerated trucks or warehouses. And of course without the use of yucky preservatives and chemicals. TetraPak is also recyclable.
Water
Almond milk may have the slightest edge over soy and oat milk when it comes to CO2e during manufacturing, but it doesn’t outweigh the fact that growing almonds requires a staggering amount of water. A single thirsty almond needs nearly three and a half gallons of water to grow. Since 80% of the world’s almonds are grown in drought-stricken California where water resources are often limited, large crops of almonds can exacerbate water shortages. Let’s not forget irrigation also contributes to CO2 emissions due to the energy required to pump water. A carton of almond milk uses 8-9 times as much water to produce as compared to oat milk, which has the smallest water footprint of the plant milks.
Land
To put it bluntly: soy is threatening the rainforest. More soy consumption means more of the Amazon becomes replaced by soy farms. By contrast, oats are a cover crop and can be easily and sustainably grown in many growing regions. Willa’s uses oats grown on farms right here in North America.
Willa’s takes a further commitment to sustainability by using only organic whole oats, which are excellent for soil health and crop rotation.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/what-makes-whole-grain-oat-milk-healthier2020-06-17T17:42:00-04:002021-11-01T00:46:50-04:00What Makes Whole Grain Oat Milk Healthier?Willa's KitchenSome oat milks only use part of the whole grain oat, meaning you get a lot more starch and sugar and a lot less protein and fiber that you think you're getting - if any at all...
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Whole grain oats are known as the tiny but mighty nutritional force. They're oats in their most honest, natural, edible form. They have the oat’s groat intact and retain protein and nutrients like beta-glucans, a sugar which cleanses the gut and supports immune health, soluble, insoluble and prebiotic fiber.
What to Look For in Oat Milk and Oat Products?
As we’ve mentioned here, it’s important to know what’s in your oat milk because it varies greatly in terms of ingredients, nutrition and sustainability. Some oat milks use only part of the whole grain oat, meaning you get a lot more starch and sugar and a lot less protein and fiber that you think you're getting - if any at all. On top of that, the higher sugar levels can undermine the benefits we associate with whole grain oats - like their blood sugar and appetite regulating qualities.
Reading nutrition labels is a good practice for any food product, and is especially important to ensure that you are getting whole grain oats in your oat milk. Avoid oat milks that list ‘oat base’ or just ‘oats’ — they’re delivering more starch than benefits. Also keep an eye out for oats that aren't certified organic. They can contain unsafe levels of pesticides, including RoundUp.
What’s in a Whole Grain Oat?
And just what sets apart whole grain oats from regular oats and why are they so important? The answer to these questions is found in their anatomy. In nature, whole grain oats are made of two components: the husk and the groat. The husk is inedible, removed from the oat in even the most minimal of production processes.
After removing the husk, you are left with the groat. This is the part you want to pay attention to. The oat groats include the good stuff: the bran, endosperm and germ of the oat. These three components are what makes up whole grain oats and are responsible for oats’ status as a nutrient-rich, health promoting powerhouse.
Oat bran. The bran is the outer shell of the oat groat— an edible, multi-layered skin with a nutty flavor and is packed with soluble fiber, protein and vitamin B. In addition to being found in whole grain oats, oat bran is also sold separately from its groat counterparts. The bran is the main source of a whole grain oat’s fiber and can be purchased as cereal or a nutritious additive to supplement your favorite recipes.
Endosperm. Inside the bran’s protective layer is the endosperm. The endosperm takes up the largest space within the oat, providing carbohydrates and protein. This is the starchy part of the oat. which is often left after whole grain oats are processed and stripped of their bran and germ. When consuming the endosperm alone, reduces a whole grain oat’s fiber content by 25% and removes at least 17 essential nutrients. Once oats are refined, these nutrients are nonexistent.
Germ. The germ is the reproductive component of a whole grain oat. New oats sprout from the germ, taking energy from the endosperm that surrounds it. The germ is rich in protein, vitamin E and those phytonutrients we mentioned.
Why Choose Whole Grain Oats?
In short, the less processed the oat, the more nutritional they are. Knowing this, our love for transparency and organic ingredients should come as no surprise.
Honesty in ingredients and sustainable nutrition are the basis of our company. We use the entire whole grain oat to produce the most nutritious organic oat milk possible– free of GMOs and always rich in fiber and protein. Plus, using whole grain oats is the most sustainable way to make oat milk without producing unnecessary food waste. Willa’s Oat Milk includes all of the whole grain oat. We don’t throw any part of the oat away.
Photo credit: Nicolas Messifet
For more on the benefits of oats, check out our post, here.
To better understand what makes oat milk the most sustainable choice, check our our rundown of plant based milks here.
And you can always find more on our processes and ingredients in our FAQs.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/prebiotic-fiber-and-its-impact-on-mental-health2020-06-04T16:52:00-04:002021-01-05T14:36:39-05:00Oat Milk Prebiotic Fiber and Impact on Mental HealthWilla's KitchenPrebiotic fiber or prebiotics, specifically, can help nurture and balance out your gut microbiome, which scientists say can directly benefit mental health...
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Whole grain oats have long been known for their blood sugar regulating and anti-inflammatory characteristics. But with so many benefits, the connection between gut health, mental health and whole grain oats is often overlooked.
A naturally occurring ingredient in the whole grain oats used to make oat milk, is fiber. Prebiotic fiber, specifically, can help nurture and balance out your gut microbiome, which scientists say can directly benefit mental healt h. Prebiotic fiber is important in maintaining the balance of “healthy” and “unhealthy” bacteria in your gut microbiome. A close relative of probiotics, prebiotics contain non-living nutrients that feed the bacteria responsible for helping digestion in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
When there is an imbalance of “good” and “bad” bacteria, your immune system can suffer and your GI tract can become inflamed, which can yield effects on the brain. Even mental health disorders that scientists have historically struggled to understand have shown possible connections to gut microbiome health.
And even small lifestyle changes can affect your gut health, leading to mental health complications. Too much stress, medications, excessive exercise and a diet that lacks sufficient nutrition can exacerbate bacteria imbalances in the GI tract.
Though it can’t be said that gut health alone contributes to mental health disorders, it is clear that dietary choices factor into overall mental health. The foods you consume alter the functions of your brain and ultimately mood, which is why we take our commitment to organic ingredients so seriously. The cleaner the ingredients, the lesser the negative mental health implications.
This evidence gives scientists reason to believe that maintaining a healthy gut by consuming whole grain oats, oat milk and other sources of prebiotic fiber, has a positive connection to mental health.
The prebiotic fiber found in whole grain oats, which regulates blood sugar, has also been linked to controlling mood swings and irritability. One article notes that people who consumed between 1.5 and 6 grams of fiber at breakfast reported having more stable moods and energy levels throughout the day.
Other articles highlight the fact that prebiotics play an important role in gut and brain development during early years of life and can act as a preventative measure against common mental and physical health conditions.
When you pick up a carton of [Willa’s organic, vegan oat milk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html), you’ll notice the list of ingredients is short, but packed with benefits. We pack even more fiber into our plant based milk when we use the entire oat to produce our vegan, organic oat milk. And our oat milk isn’t riddled with sugar, which can wreak havoc on blood sugar levels and in turn, jeopardize mental health.
In one serving of [Willa’s oat milk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html), there are two grams of fiber. We believe in using the whole of each grain of oat to bring you closer to the nutrition of raw, natural ingredients while minimizing food waste. This means more prebiotic fiber for you and a sustainable impact on our planet.
Now, we’re not saying that your morning oat milk latte will keep anxiety, depression or other mental illnesses at bay. We recognize the efficacy and importance of medication and mental health practitioners for treating mental illness — it’s that evidence supports that prebiotic whole grain oats can foster a healthy gut and in turn, a healthier mind.
Still curious about oat milk? Learn more about the [health benefits](/content/blogs/on-bar/8-health-benefits-of-whole-oats "8 Health Benefits of Whole Grain Oats"/index.html) of oats and oat milk in our On Bar series, and check out our Oat Milk FAQ. If we haven’t covered your question there, send us a message and we’ll get right back to you.
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/how-to-make-the-best-tasting-french-press-coffee-at-home2020-04-15T13:01:00-04:002022-03-05T13:07:31-05:00How to Make the Best-Tasting French Press Coffee at HomeWilla's KitchenIf you consider taste, simplicity, and affordability, it’s hard to beat the classic French press. We asked baristas for their tips on making the best French press coffee at home...
]]> The variety of ways you can enjoy a cup of coffee seems endless. Hot or iced, bitter or sweet, black or with a splash of Willa's Barista Oat Milk. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out how to get the best flavor your coffee at home. But if you consider taste, simplicity, and affordability, it’s hard to beat the classic French press. We asked baristas for their tips on making the best French press coffee at home.
What is a French press?
You may have seen someone pour hot water into a pot, push down on a plunger, do nothing for a few minutes, and somehow produce a cup of coffee or tea that blows your mind. That’s exactly what the French press method is. There’s a plethora of French press pots you can buy, but all you really need is a pot big enough for your brew with a solid plunger and strainer. Brewing French press is mostly a game of patience, so you can still make a great cup of coffee with an inexpensive set up.
What You Need
- French press pot
- Freshly roasted coffee beans
- Coffee grinder
- Hot water
- Kitchen scale (optional, but helps measure precisely)
- Choose the right beans
Great tasting coffee starts with great tasting beans. This part is up to your preferences, but we recommend a balanced, medium-dark coffee as a starting point for the French press method. We have been loving Dogwood out of Minneapolis, MN and Parlor Coffee out of Brooklyn, NY. Even if you can’t leave the house, you can still support your local roasters, order coffees online, and try something new!
- Medium-coarse grind
A medium-coarse grind is ideal for the French press method. A very coarse grind will clog the filter of your French press, while using a fine grind may allow grounds to sneak into your brew.
- Measure out coffee into French press
A common rule of thumb for the French press is to measure out 1 gram of coffee for every 15 grams of water. Having a kitchen scale will improve the precision of your measurements, but if you don’t have one this works out to about 3 tablespoons of coffee for each cup of water used to brew.
Raise the plunger, and add your coffee to the pot.
- Heat and pour in water
Bring your water to just under boiling. Pour in just enough hot water to soak the grounds and let the coffee stand for 30 seconds. Then pour the rest of the water.
- Let the coffee brew for 4 minutes
Don’t touch anything and give the French press some time to do its magic.
- Stir crust and scoop foamy layer
After four minutes of brewing, you’ll see that there’s a crust of coffee grounds and foam that has formed at the top. Take a spoon and stir that crust. You’ll start to see most of the grounds float down to the bottom. There might still be a little foam sitting at the top that you can scoop off as well to ensure a clean-tasting brew. Your coffee is essentially done brewing, but you should give the liquid a few seconds to rest and allow the coffee grounds to settle at the bottom of the pot.
- Lower the plunger and pour your coffee
Slowly lower the plunger until the filter is just under the surface of the liquid. Your coffee will now be ready to pour
- Enjoy (with Willa’s Oat Milk)
Your cup of French press coffee will taste great black, if that’s your preference. Otherwise, [Willa’s Oat Milk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html) is a healthier alternative to creamer that doesn’t sacrifice the rich flavor in order to soak in the nutrition of whole oats.
Shop Willa's Barista Oat Milk!
Don’t have a French press? We asked baristas for their tips on [brewing pour-over coffee at home](/content/blogs/on-bar/how-to-make-the-tastiest-pour-over-coffee-at-home "How to Make Pour-Over Coffee at Home"/index.html).
Want to learn more about [why baristas choose Willa’s Oat Milk](/content/blogs/on-bar/what-is-barista-oat-milk "What is Barista Oat Milk?"/index.html)?
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/how-do-i-know-whats-in-my-oat-milk2020-04-06T16:37:00-04:002023-02-16T19:11:27-05:00How Do I Know What's in My Oat Milk?Willa's KitchenOat milk champions are quick to tell you that it’s delicious and oats are super nutritious, and they’re right. But not all oat milks are created equal...
]]> Oat milk champions are quick to tell you that it’s delicious and oats are super nutritious, and they’re right. Thanks to their high fiber content, oats are associated with heart health, gut health, and even mental health. But not all oat milks are created equal. Some use an oat sugar base and don't have any protein or fiber at all, so it’s worth checking the ingredient list before assuming that a particular brand is made with the right stuff. And remember to check the serving size to be sure you’re comparing oats to oats!
Here’s what to look for (and look out for!) when assessing your oat milk options.
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WHAT MAKES A GREAT OAT MILK
Organic Whole Grain Oats. It’s pretty obvious that oat milk should include oats, but we’re not talking just any oats. Look for an [oat milk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html) made with [**organic whole grain oats**.](/content/blogs/on-bar/9%60-health-benefits-of-whole-oats "9 Health Benefits of Whole Grain Oats"/index.html)
Why whole grain? Some oat milks only use the starchy, sugary part of the oat. However, using the entire oat, including the bran, the germ and endosperm, makes the end result higher in nutrients like vitamins, minerals, prebiotics, and fiber. Using the whole oat also means Willa’s has no waste in our production process. Win win!
And make sure your oats are certified USDA Organic. Unsafe levels of Roundup (aka glyphosate, a potent weed killer) have been found in non-organic and GMO oats.
Water. Clean and pure. Look for oat milks made with filtered water.
Organic Sunflower Oil or Organic Sunflower Lecithin. Unless you’re making it at home one serving at a time, a teeny bit of oil is needed to emulsify oat milk and keep the oats and water from separating. Many oat milks use rapeseed oil (aka canola oil), but canola oil is known to be inflammatory. Sunflower oil and lecithin are higher quality emulsifiers. Again, look for organic!
Willa's Barista Oat Milk uses cold-pressed, ‘high oleic’ sunflower oil, which means it is high in monounsaturated good fats, much like avocado oil. If you're looking to avoid oil altogether, [Willa's Unsweetened Original](/content/collections/all/products/unsweetened-original "Willa's Unsweetened Original"/index.html) and Dark Chocolate Oat Milks contain no oil at all.
Calcium Carbonate. Plant-based milks don’t have naturally occurring calcium the way cow’s milk does, but calcium is an essential nutrient that we need in our diets. Willa's Barista Oat Milk is fortified with calcium to supplement your recommended daily dose.
Organic Gum Acacia and Gellan Gum. Gum from the acacia tree and gellan gum, a fermented plant-based bacterium, are good plant-based alternatives if you’re looking to avoid stabilizers like carrageenan and gelatin.
Organic Real Vanilla Extract, Organic Cane Sugar, and Salt. Our Grandmother Willa found that a sprinkle of salt, a tiny bit of sugar, and a dash of vanilla extract make for the best-tasting oat milk, and we’re still following her recipe to this day. Willa's Barista Oat Milk has only 1 gram of natural sugars from whole grain oats and 2 grams of added maple sugar per serving. If you're looking for an even lower sugar option, [Willa's Unsweetened Original Oat Milk](/content/collections/all/products/unsweetened-original "Willa's Unsweetened Original Oat Milk"/index.html) has no added cane sugar, just the 1 gram of sugar from whole grain oats.
OAT MILK INGREDIENTS TO AVOID
Carrageenan. While this food additive is plant-based (it’s derived from seaweed), some forms have been found to cause major digestive issues.
Too much sugar. The tiniest hint of sugar brings out the natural oaty-ness of oats. Anything more tends to taste overly sweet — and negatively impact the nutritional quality of your oat milk. Willa’s Oat Milk has the lowest sugar content of any barista oat milk. In fact, we use less than half of the average 7 to 10 grams of sugar per cup.
Natural flavors. This label is essentially meaningless, so if you care about what goes into your food, you might want to skip it.
Check out our Oat Milk FAQ. If we haven’t covered your question there, send us a message and we’ll get on it.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/how-to-make-the-tastiest-pour-over-coffee-at-home2020-04-03T11:33:00-04:002022-03-05T13:12:43-05:00How to Make the Tastiest Pour-Over Coffee at HomeWilla's KitchenMore
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Being stuck at home doesn't mean you're stuck without good coffee. We asked baristas if they had any advice for desperate coffee lovers who need a simple way to make delicious coffee at home. We decided to explore the pour-over method as you'll only need a few simple pieces of equipment and the force of gravity to make a stellar-tasting coffee.
What you need
- Your favorite freshly roasted coffee beans
- A pour-over cone
- Cone-shaped paper coffee filter (not needed if using metal mesh pour-over cone)
- Coffee grinder
- Pour-over coffee maker or coffee pot/mug (to drip coffee into during brewing)
- Kettle/hot water
- Willa's Barista Oat Milk
The Pour-Over Method
- Choose your favorite beans
Great tasting coffee starts with great tasting beans. This part is up to your preferences, but we recommend an aromatic, light-bodied coffee as a starting point for the pour-over method. We have been loving Dogwood out of Minneapolis, MN and Parlor Coffee out of Brooklyn, NY. Even if you can’t leave the house, you can still support your local roasters, order coffees online, and try something new!
- Grind your beans into a medium grind
A medium grind works best for the pour-over method. Your coffee grounds should be coarser than espresso grounds, but finer than French press grounds.
- Heat water to 200-210 °F
Heat water to about 200 °F or just before your kettle starts whistling. You can also bring water to boil and let it stand for 10-15 seconds before brewing. We love the gorgeous Kettles from Fellow.
- Set up your pour-over cone
You have a few options for a pour-over cone. The cheapest cones will be made of plastic or ceramic and you will line it with a paper coffee filter every time you brew. There are also metal cones which have a washable screen filter instead of using paper filters. Some cones will act as both a filter and a decanter, like Chemex style cones, while others will need to sit on top of some sort of decanter while brewing.
To prepare the pour-over cone, line your cone with a filter if necessary, and pour some hot water through the filter and cone. This washes the paper filter and heats up the cone to ready it for brewing. This water should be dumped out after it passes through the cone. Then, measure out 1 tablespoon of grounds into the filter for each cup of coffee you want to brew, and place the cone over a coffee pot. If you are only making a single serving and don’t want to create more dishes, you can also place the cone directly over your coffee mug.
- Begin pouring water slowly
Slowly pour hot water into the pour-over cone until the volume of water is about double the volume of coffee grounds. For example, if brewing 1 tablespoon of grounds, start by pouring 2 tablespoons of water. Then, let the coffee soak in this hot water for about 30 seconds to activate the brewing process.
- Add the rest of the water
After the first 30 seconds is up, pour in half of the remaining water and wait another 30 seconds to pour in the rest of the water. Allow the coffee to finish brewing and draining through the cone. The total time from beginning to pour to completing draining should be under 2 minutes. The amount of time the coffee spends brewing correlates to how strong the flavor will be, so if your brew comes out too light or too strong, consider tweaking the amount of grounds, the grind, or water temperature to affect brewing time.
- Enjoy (with Willa’s Oatmilk)
Your cup of pour-over coffee will taste great black, if that’s your preference. Otherwise, [Willa’s Oatmilk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html) is a healthier alternative to creamer that doesn’t sacrifice the rich flavor in order to soak in the nutrition of whole oats.
Shop Willa's Barista Oat Milk!
We also asked [baristas for their homemade French press secrets](/content/blogs/on-bar/how-to-make-the-best-tasting-french-press-coffee-at-home "How to Make French Press at Home"/index.html).
Want to learn more about why baristas choose Willa’s Oatmilk ?
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/9-health-benefits-of-whole-oats2020-03-18T12:42:00-04:002022-03-05T13:12:24-05:009 Health Benefits of Whole Grain OatsWilla's KitchenWilla’s makes oat milk using all parts of the oat kernel, both the bran and the germ. Our recipe delivers more fiber and protein...
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1. Boosts immunity
Whole oats contain beta glucans which stimulate your immune system. Double-blind trials have shown that beta glucan intake is linked to increased resistance and quicker recovery from common infections.
2. Keeps you full longer
Oats are packed with soluble fiber which has been shown to promote fullness. As both a complex carbohydrate and a whole grain, they break down more slowly, providing you more energy throughout the day. Foods made with whole oats also contain important nutrients like protein, iron, B vitamins, and more.
3. Helps protect the body from carcinogens
Studies show that beta glucans also have anti-carcinogenic qualities, which help to protect your body from cancer.
Whole oats help your body fight against carcinogens, particularly the digestive system. The low glycemic index and high fiber of oats create a healthier gut environment and lower the risk of colon cancer.
4. Better gut health
The beta glucans in whole oats also benefit gut health. Research shows that oats increase the diversity of your guts’ microbiome, which is essential for digestive regularity. That’s why we use whole grain oats, so you get all the benefits.
5. Helps control blood sugar
Foods that contain whole oats have been shown to have significant benefits for regulating blood sugar when compared to just plain "oats" or "oat base", which are more processed, starchier and have more sugar content (grains that have the germ, brand and/or endosperm removed). For those who want to reduce their risk for diabetes as well as those currently managing diabetes, oat milk supplies beta glucans that can help prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar.
Willa’s uses each part of the oat - the germ, the bran, and the endosperm, which are important to maintaining the soul of the whole oat as opposed to a highly processed oat that is not whole grain. We keep them intact to ensure the natural sugars in the oats are balanced with oats’ inherent protein and fiber. That’s why each cup of Willa’s Barista Oatmilk has less than 3 grams of sugar vs. 7-10 gs in other oat milks.
6. Healthier skin
Because dairy milk has been shown to be associated with causing acne, many people are switching to non-dairy alternatives like oat milk.
It’s no secret that oats can help balance your skin! You have probably seen soaps, face masks, or lotions that contain oats. Whole oats are well known to be effective for treating skin conditions like dermatitis and eczema. This is because they are rich in antioxidants which have potent anti-inflammatory and anti-itch qualities.
Skin health is also closely linked with healthy gut microbiota. Oats help improve the diversity in the microbiome as a prebiotic fiber. That means they increase the good bacteria and can affect the cells that produce keratin, the protein that forms a protective layer for your skin.
7. Rich in soluble fiber
Whole oats are so nutritious in part due to their rich soluble fiber content. Many processed oats remove the oat bran, which is the part of the oat with the most fiber.
Willa’s Oatmilk uses organic whole grain oats, packing as much of each oat kernel’s fiber into our milk as possible.
8. Maintains low cholesterol/prevents heart disease
The soluble fiber in whole oats has also been shown to have cholesterol-lowering effects. Studies have also shown that those who eat the most whole grains are at 21% reduced risk for heart disease.
9. Helps prevent diabetes
Foods containing whole oats have also been shown to have a beneficial influence on glucose levels in healthy adults, which is vital for reducing risk of diabetes.
[Willa’s makes oat milk](/content/products/willas-oatmillk "Willa's Barista Oat Milk"/index.html) using all parts of the oat kernel, both the bran and the germ, delivering a richer flavor and more protein and fiber.
See our FAQ.
]]> https://willaskitchen.com/blogs/on-bar/coffee-and-plant-milk-pairings2019-09-12T10:00:00-04:002023-02-08T11:22:34-05:00Coffee and Plant Milk PairingsWilla's KitchenEver wonder how plant milks impact that taste of your coffee, from oat milk to nut milks, and everything in between...
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Coffee and milk: what could be a more classic combination of flavors? The sweetness and creaminess of milk perfectly balances the bitterness and acidity of coffee.
Whether for dietary or ethical reasons, choosing a non-dairy partner/pairing/alternative for our daily coffee calls for careful consideration. Whereas cow’s milk tends to taste more neutral, plant-based milks have recognizable flavor profiles of their own. Choosing the right milk to blend with the right coffee can allow the flavor of both your coffee and your milk to shine! Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the best plant milk to pair with your coffee.
Soy Milk
Soy milk is the OG specialty coffee milk alternative. While public opinion of soy milk has been controversial in recent years - leading some coffee shops to drop it from their menu entirely - it’s still a popular and widely available plant milk. It’s also got some baggage on the sustainability side of things.
Soy milk’s flavor can vary widely from brand to brand, but in general, it is moderately sweet with a rounded, creamy mouthfeel. It has a distinct nuttiness and grassiness that pairs best with coffees that are sugar-sweet with balanced acidity and which have enough body to cut through the milk. Washed-processed coffees from Central and South America with a well-developed roast profile like Parlor’s Colombia Los Angeles make the perfect pairing.
Pro-tip: Avoid soy milk with a high content of thickeners and stabilizers. While these will definitely make for a creamier cappuccino, the added thickeners can make soy milk taste gritty or chalky when steamed.
Almond Milk
The brighter, fruit-forward notes of light roasts fare a little better in almond milk than soy milk. That being said, the watery, and, in some cases, chalky, texture of the almond milk can make for a less satisfying drinking experience. Almond milk has the sweetest profile out of most plant milks, which makes it trickier to pair with coffee. This sweetness balances coffees that are inherently ripe and juicy, like coffees grown in East Africa, particularly from Kenya, Rwanda, and Burundi. In general, almond milk is best paired with delicate coffees. And in our opinion, naturally-processed coffees, or “dry-processed” coffees make the most ideal pairing. Just be wary of the sugar content of some brands of almond milk since too much sweetness will overpower any coffee. In our opinion, the best coffees to pair with almond milk would be naturally-processed (also called “dry-processed”) coffees
For an almond milk espresso flavor bomb, try a perfectly steamed 6oz cappuccino made with a naturally-processed Ethiopian coffee. Our go to is Madcap’s Party Roast, a blend composed of both natural and washed Ethiopian coffees.
Oat Milk
Of all the popular plant milks, oat milk bears the closest resemblance to cow’s milk in taste, texture, and the way that it steams and pours into espresso. In fact, latte art poured with oat milk can be just as effortlessly crisp and detailed as when poured with cow’s milk. This is usually not the case with other plant milks. Barista oat milks need a bit of oil to steam and foam properly. Just make sure that the oat milk you’re using doesn’t have an excessive amount of a poor quality, highly processed oil, otherwise the latte art will be blotchy and hard to pour. Willa's Barista Oat Milk is recommended for latte art because it foams using only organic high-oleic sunflower oil, creating lovely layers of foam without the bad fats.
If you had to pick just one plant milk, oat milk would be the way to go for its versatility alone. Unlike other plant milks, oat milk’s more neutral flavor profile acts as a blank canvas—making it the goldilocks of plant milks. It pairs elegantly with coffees on the lighter side of the roasting spectrum, allowing for the inherent character of the coffee to take center stage. When combined with a more traditional, full-bodied and rich espresso (think coffees from Brazil and Indonesia), the resulting latte or cappuccino will be luscious, creamy, chocolate-y and toffee-sweet. For a truly memorable coffee drinking experience, we think lightly-roasted, honey-processed coffees from Central and South America (especially from Costa Rica and Colombia) make a stellar oat milk pairing. Honey-processing itself is a kind of “just right” processing method. You get the clarity and sharpness from a washed-process coffee, plus the depth of flavor, sweetness and floral qualities that make natural coffees so unique and delicious. These coffees are a little more expensive than others, but we believe they’re worth it.
The Other Milks
While they haven’t quite caught on to the mainstream yet, some coffee shops are experimenting with additional plant milks like hemp milk, cashew milk, rice milk, and coconut milk. These alternative milks tend to be either too thin to steam well or their flavor profiles overpower the coffee, making them less than ideal pairings.
How to Pair
In order to pair the right milk with the right coffee, you just need to get a little familiar with the flavor profiles of the various coffee origins. Here are a couple rules of thumb: Coffees from East Africa tend to be tart, juicy and floral, pairing best with plants milks with lots of natural sweetness; Coffees from Central and South America, Indonesia, and Hawaii pair well with plant milks that are creamy and have a nutty flavor profile; Naturally-processed coffees need a neutral plant-based milk to act as a backdrop in order for their complex bouquet of aromatics and ripe fruit qualities to come forward.
And of course, the right oat milk will always hit the right notes.
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