Oat Milk vs Cashew Milk: Which Is Creamier? A Complete Dairy-Free Comparison

If you’ve ever stood in the dairy aisle (or browsed online) wondering which plant-based milk to choose, you’re not alone. Oat milk and cashew milk are two of the creamiest options on the market, but they have very different personalities. One is a barista favourite, the other a silky smooth alternative. In this head-to-head comparison, we’ll explore oat milk vs cashew milk to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your fridge.

We’ll look at texture, taste, nutritional profiles, and how each performs in hot drinks, cold brews, and cooking. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or a smoothie lover, understanding the creaminess factor is key. And if you’re already a fan of oat milk, you might be surprised by what cashew milk has to offer.

What Makes a Plant Milk Creamy?

Creaminess in plant milks comes from fat content and emulsification. Cashew milk is naturally rich in healthy fats because cashews have a high oil content. When blended, they release a velvety texture that feels almost like double cream. Oat milk, on the other hand, achieves creaminess through starch. The oats are broken down with enzymes, creating a smooth, thick liquid that mimics dairy milk’s mouthfeel.

Both milks are excellent for coffee, but they behave differently. Oat milk tends to froth beautifully and holds its structure in lattes, while cashew milk is thinner but can be thickened with stabilisers. If you’re after a barista-style foam, oat milk usually wins. But for a naturally rich, nutty flavour in smoothies or sauces, cashew milk is hard to beat.

• Fat content: Cashew milk has more natural fat, oat milk uses starch for thickness.
• Frothing ability: Oat milk foams better; cashew milk is silkier but less stable.
• Calorie comparison: Oat milk is generally higher in calories due to added starches.

Taste Test: Oat Milk vs Cashew Milk

Oat milk has a mild, slightly sweet flavour with a cereal-like aftertaste. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with coffee, tea, and cereal. Cashew milk is nuttier and richer, with a buttery finish that can enhance chocolate or caramel notes. In a blind taste test, many people find cashew milk creamier in texture but oat milk more neutral in flavour.

For those who enjoy a subtle nutty undertone, cashew milk is a treat. But if you want a milk that doesn’t overpower your coffee or tea, oat milk is the safer choice. Some brands add vanilla or sweeteners, so always check the label. Our Unsweetened Original Oat Milk is a great option if you prefer a clean, unsweetened profile.

• Oat milk: sweet, mild, cereal-like.
• Cashew milk: nutty, buttery, rich.
• Best for coffee: oat milk; best for desserts: cashew milk.

Nutritional Showdown: Oat Milk vs Cashew Milk

When comparing nutrition, oat milk typically has more carbohydrates and fibre, while cashew milk is lower in carbs but higher in fat. A 240ml serving of unsweetened oat milk contains around 120 calories, 3g of fat, and 16g of carbs. The same amount of unsweetened cashew milk has about 60 calories, 5g of fat, and 2g of carbs. That makes cashew milk a better choice for low-carb or keto diets.

Both are fortified with calcium and vitamin D in most commercial brands. Oat milk often contains beta-glucan, a soluble fibre that supports heart health. Cashew milk provides magnesium and copper, which are important for bone health and energy production. If you’re looking for a protein boost, neither is a standout, but oat milk edges ahead slightly with around 3g per serving versus 1g for cashew milk.

• Oat milk: higher carbs, more fibre, moderate calories.
• Cashew milk: lower carbs, higher fat, fewer calories.
• Fortification: both typically have added calcium and vitamin D.

How Each Milk Performs in Coffee and Hot Drinks

For coffee lovers, the creaminess of oat milk is a game-changer. It steams beautifully, creating microfoam that holds up in lattes and cappuccinos. Oat milk also resists curdling when added to hot coffee, a common issue with nut milks. Our Barista Oat Milk is specifically designed for coffee and is a favourite among baristas for its stable foam and neutral taste.

Cashew milk, while creamy, is thinner and can separate in hot coffee unless it’s barista-blended. However, it adds a lovely nutty richness that complements dark roasts and espresso. For iced coffee or cold brew, both work well, but cashew milk’s thinner consistency blends more easily without feeling heavy. If you’re making a dairy-free iced latte, cashew milk is a refreshing option.

• Oat milk: excellent for hot coffee, stable foam, resists curdling.
• Cashew milk: better for cold drinks, nutty flavour, may separate in heat.
• Tip: Use barista blends for best results in hot beverages.

Cooking and Baking: Which Milk Holds Up Better?

In cooking, oat milk’s thicker consistency makes it ideal for creamy sauces, soups, and porridge. It can be used as a 1:1 substitute for dairy milk in most recipes. Cashew milk, because of its lower viscosity, works best in smoothies, salad dressings, and desserts where you want a rich taste without heavy texture. It’s also popular in vegan cheesecakes and puddings.

For baking, both can be used, but oat milk adds moisture and a slight sweetness, while cashew milk contributes fat and richness. If you’re making a chocolate cake, cashew milk enhances the cocoa flavour. For a classic vanilla sponge, oat milk is more neutral. Experimenting with both can lead to delicious results.

• Oat milk: great for savoury dishes, porridge, creamy soups.
• Cashew milk: ideal for smoothies, dressings, vegan desserts.
• Baking tip: oat milk for moisture, cashew milk for richness.

Environmental and Cost Considerations

Both oat milk and cashew milk have lower environmental footprints than dairy, but they differ. Oats are grown in cooler climates like the UK and Scandinavia, requiring less water than nuts. Cashews, primarily grown in Vietnam, India, and West Africa, have a moderate water footprint but are often shipped long distances. Oat milk is generally more sustainable and locally produced in the UK.

In terms of cost, oat milk is usually cheaper than cashew milk because oats are less expensive than cashews. A standard 1L carton of oat milk costs around £1.50-£2.00, while cashew milk can be £2.50-£3.50. If you’re on a budget or want to reduce your carbon footprint, oat milk is the more eco-friendly and affordable choice.

• Oat milk: lower water usage, often locally grown in UK.
• Cashew milk: higher transport emissions, more expensive.
• Cost: oat milk is £1.50-£2.00; cashew milk is £2.50-£3.50.

Which One Should You Choose?

The answer depends on your priorities. If you want a milk that froths like dairy, tastes neutral, and works in everything from coffee to baking, oat milk is your best bet. If you prefer a rich, nutty flavour, lower calories, and a silky texture for cold drinks and desserts, cashew milk is a fantastic option. Many households keep both on hand for different uses.

For coffee lovers, oat milk is the reigning champion. For smoothie enthusiasts, cashew milk adds a creamy base without overpowering fruit flavours. And if you have children, oat milk is often more palatable and less likely to cause nut allergies. Our Kids Oat Milk is a great choice for little ones, offering a mild taste and essential nutrients.

• Choose oat milk for coffee, baking, and everyday use.
• Choose cashew milk for low-carb diets, desserts, and cold drinks.
• Both are excellent dairy-free alternatives—try them side by side!

Ultimately, both oat milk and cashew milk have unique strengths. If you’re after the creamiest, most versatile option for your morning coffee, oat milk is hard to beat. Explore our range of premium oat milks, including the best-selling Barista Oat Milk, and discover why it’s become a staple in UK kitchens. Your perfect dairy-free latte is just a pour away.