The Oat Milk Scandal

Have you replaced cow's milk with oat milk, thinking you're making a healthier choice? Big mistake! Oat milk is like the Coca-Cola of smoothies, soda in your coffee, and more... Let’s break it down.

For decades, we’ve been told, “Dairy products are our lifelong friends.” Since 1947, when the dairy lobby was established in France, we’ve been consuming milk, cheese, cream, and other dairy products. The surplus production had to go somewhere! With well-placed marketing, effective ads, and an unforgettable slogan, children grew up convinced that without cheese, their bones would crumble, and parents thought their kids wouldn’t grow properly without milk.

Growth did happen, but primarily in milk consumption! Europe is now the second-largest consumer of dairy products globally, with over 250 kg (550 lbs) consumed per person annually, and the USA is close behind, with about 200 kg (440 lbs) per person per year. While figures might vary slightly depending on the source, the general trend is consistent—and it’s clear that dairy consumption is incredibly high, raising concerns about the long-term impacts on health.

Then the Studies (and Numbers) Came In

The realization that milk isn’t as good for us as we thought—since the countries with the highest dairy consumption also have the highest rates of bone fractures—shocked old-school doctors and vindicated the “hippies” who had been saying it for years.

Calcium Leaching: Responsible for Our Fractures?

The idea that dairy products could contribute to bone fractures is based on the concept of "calcium leaching."

This phenomenon occurs when the consumption of animal proteins, such as those found in large quantities in dairy products, increases the acidity in the blood.

To neutralize this acidity, the body uses calcium, often extracted from the bones, which, over time, weakens bone structure. Repeated and prolonged calcium loss can make bones more fragile and increase the risk of fractures, not just in the elderly, but also in children.

Statistical studies highlight a troubling paradox: countries with high dairy consumption, like the United States, Sweden, and Finland, also have high rates of osteoporosis and bone fractures. In Sweden, where per capita milk consumption is one of the highest in the world, hip fracture rates are also among the highest. This established correlation exposes the true role of dairy products in bone health.

These findings have led consumers to seek alternative dairy sources, particularly plant-based ones.

Almond milk became popular, and then, one day, thanks to aggressive marketing and the endorsement of Hollywood stars, oat milk took over our food landscape.

Everyone thought it was the right choice... great for these brands, but not so much for our health.

Let’s Break It Down...