Introduction
Oat yogurt has taken the plant-based dairy market by storm, offering a delicious and creamy alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. Made from oat milk, this cultured plant-based product is not only tasty but also environmentally friendly. In this report, we will explore the process of how oat yogurt is made, from oat milk to the final product.
How Oat Milk is Produced
Step 1: Harvesting and Cleaning Oats
The first step in making oat milk is harvesting and cleaning the oats. Oats are a type of cereal grain that is grown in various regions around the world. Once harvested, the oats are thoroughly cleaned to remove any impurities.
Step 2: Milling and Grinding
After cleaning, the oats are milled and ground into a fine powder. This powder will later be mixed with water to create oat milk.
Step 3: Mixing with Water
The oat powder is mixed with water in specific proportions to create a smooth and creamy oat milk mixture. This mixture is then strained to remove any remaining solids, resulting in a silky-smooth liquid.
Turning Oat Milk into Yogurt
Step 4: Heating and Pasteurization
Once the oat milk is ready, it is heated and pasteurized to kill any harmful bacteria and ensure the safety of the final product.
Step 5: Inoculation with Yogurt Cultures
After pasteurization, the oat milk is inoculated with yogurt cultures. These cultures contain beneficial bacteria that ferment the oat milk, turning it into yogurt.
Step 6: Incubation
The inoculated oat milk is then incubated at a specific temperature for a set period. During this time, the yogurt cultures work their magic, transforming the oat milk into thick and creamy yogurt.
Market Trends and Industry Insights
The plant-based dairy market has been experiencing significant growth in recent years, with oat-based products leading the way. Companies like Oatly and Califia Farms have been at the forefront of this trend, offering a wide range of oat milk and yogurt products to meet consumer demand.
According to a report by Market Research Future, the global oat milk market is projected to reach $490 million by 2026, with a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period. This growth can be attributed to the increasing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of plant-based products, as well as the rising demand for dairy alternatives among lactose-intolerant and vegan consumers.
Environmental Benefits of Oat Yogurt
Oat yogurt offers several environmental benefits compared to traditional dairy yogurt. Oats require significantly less water and land to grow compared to dairy cattle, making them a more sustainable option. Additionally, oat cultivation has a lower carbon footprint and reduces greenhouse gas emissions, further contributing to environmental preservation.
In conclusion, oat yogurt is a delicious and sustainable alternative to traditional dairy yogurt. By understanding the process of how oat yogurt is made and the market trends driving its popularity, consumers can make informed choices that benefit both their health and the environment.
