The Oat Milk & Alternative Milk Scam: What They’re Not Telling You
- March 13, 2025
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Alternative milks—oat, almond, soy, and pea—have skyrocketed in popularity in recent years, touted as healthier, more sustainable alternatives to dairy. But what if I told you the alternative milk industry is built on misleading marketing, hidden harmful ingredients, and price gouging that makes Big Dairy look innocent in comparison?
Let’s break down the reality behind these trendy non-dairy drinks and why you might want to reconsider before pouring another oat milk latte.
What’s Really in Alternative Milk?
Unlike traditional milk, which comes straight from cows with minimal processing, alternative milks are heavily processed concoctions containing questionable additives. Some of the worst offenders include:- Canola/Rapeseed Oil & Sunflower Oil – Found in many oat and nut-based milks, these industrial seed oils are highly inflammatory and linked to various chronic diseases, including heart disease and metabolic disorders.
- Carrageenan – A common thickener in plant-based milks, carrageenan has been linked to gastrointestinal inflammation and even potential cancer risks.
- Synthetic Vitamins – Many non-dairy milks contain cheap, synthetic vitamins that are poorly absorbed by the body compared to natural sources in dairy.
- Glyphosate (aka Roundup) – Oats, a primary ingredient in oat milk, are often sprayed with glyphosate, a known carcinogen classified by the World Health Organization as “probably carcinogenic to humans.”
- Emulsifiers & Gums – Ingredients like guar gum and xanthan gum disrupt gut health, leading to bloating, inflammation, and digestive discomfort.
The Ridiculous Cost Markup
If you thought Big Dairy was making a killing, alternative milks take it to another level. Let’s compare the cost to produce vs. retail price:- Oat Milk – Costs around $0.08 to $0.15 per liter to produce, yet retails for $4 to $6 per liter. That’s a markup of 3,000-5,000%.
- Almond Milk – Costs pennies per carton (mostly water), yet is sold for $4+ per liter.
- Soy Milk – Similar cost structure, often cheaper than almond but still with massive markups.
Are Alternative Milks Worse Than Junk Food?
Some of the harmful ingredients in alternative milks are as bad—or worse—than other foods we already avoid. Consider these comparisons:- Glyphosate in oat milk = Equivalent to eating non-organic cereals known to be contaminated with the chemical, like Cheerios.
- Industrial seed oils in oat/almond milk = Similar to the inflammatory oils used in fast food fries.
- Carrageenan in some almond/soy milks = Found in some processed deli meats, which the WHO classifies as carcinogenic.
Why Dairy is Still the Better Choice
If you can tolerate dairy, real milk is superior in nearly every way:- Nutrient Density – Dairy is packed with bioavailable calcium, vitamin D, B vitamins, and complete proteins, none of which require synthetic fortification.
- No Harmful Additives – Raw or minimally processed milk contains no industrial oils, emulsifiers, or questionable chemicals.
- Better for the Environment – Despite claims that alternative milks are more sustainable, almond and oat farming require excessive water and contribute to deforestation. Grass-fed dairy, on the other hand, can be part of a regenerative farming system.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Scam
Alternative milk is one of the greatest marketing scams of our time. Consumers are led to believe they’re making a healthier choice when, in reality, they’re paying 5-10 times more for a drink full of questionable ingredients, processed beyond recognition, and sold at a premium for the sake of profit. If you’re truly looking for a better alternative, opt for whole, organic, or raw dairy milk whenever possible. It’s more natural, more nutritious, and less processed than the heavily marketed “health” drinks filling grocery store shelves today.
Michael Constantine
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