How To Produce Industrial Oat Milk?

1. Why is oat milk popular?

Oat milk is popular partly because it provides a healthy alternative to milk for people with lactose intolerance. Many people cannot digest the lactose in milk properly due to the lack of lactase, and oat milk does not contain lactose, making it an ideal choice for them. In addition, choosing oat milk also contributes to global sustainable development. Compared with dairy production, the production process of oat milk produces less greenhouse gas emissions, land use and energy consumption, making oat milk a first choice for environmentalists and consumers concerned about climate change.

2. Nutritional value of oat milk

The nutritional value of oat milk mainly comes from its oat raw materials, which contain important nutrients such as carbohydrates, dietary fiber, calcium and B vitamins.

The nutritional value of oat milk is mainly reflected in the following aspects:

1. Dietary fiber: Oat milk is rich in dietary fiber, especially beta-glucan, which is a soluble dietary fiber that is good for heart health. Beta-glucan can bind to cholesterol, reduce its absorption, and help lower cholesterol levels in the blood. In some oat milk products, the dietary fiber content can reach 0.8 grams per 100 ml.

2. Vitamins and minerals: Oat milk is a good source of B vitamins, including vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and vitamin B12, which are essential for maintaining healthy mood, physical strength, and normal growth of hair, nails and skin. In addition, oat milk can also provide a certain amount of minerals such as calcium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, etc.

3. Protein: The protein content of oat milk is about twice that of milk, but the protein in oats is an incomplete protein and contains an incomplete variety of essential amino acids, so it is not better for the human body than the high-quality protein contained in milk.

4. Fat content: The fat in oat milk mainly comes from additional vegetable oils, and the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids is higher, which is more beneficial to cardiovascular health. Compared with milk, the fat in oat milk contains a higher proportion of unsaturated fatty acids.

5. Lactose and gluten-free: Oat milk does not contain lactose and gluten, so it is suitable for people with lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity.

6. Low in calories and cholesterol: Oat milk is generally considered a low-fat, low-calorie, 0-cholesterol drink, suitable for people who pursue a healthy diet.

7. Calcium content: Oat milk has a high calcium content, which plays an important role in maintaining bone health and preventing osteoporosis.

3. Environmental impact of oat milk

The environmental friendliness of oat milk is another important factor in its popularity. Compared with traditional milk production, the production of oat milk has a smaller impact on the environment. It not only reduces dependence on animal agriculture, but also helps reduce land degradation and water consumption. As a drought-tolerant crop, oats require far less water resources than pasture or other grains during cultivation, making oat milk a good choice for reducing water footprint. At the same time, the methane emissions generated during the production of oat milk are also low, which is of positive significance for alleviating global warming.

4. The production process of oat milk

Oat milk is a plant-based drink made from oats and water as the main raw materials. It does not contain any ingredients from animal milk. During the production process, in order to simulate the texture and taste of milk, producers usually add vegetable oil and enzymatically hydrolyze the oat pulp. This step can improve the texture of oat milk, making it more delicate and rich, while increasing its nutritional value. The purpose of enzymatic hydrolysis is to break down the large molecular carbohydrates and proteins in oats into smaller molecules, which are easier for human digestion and absorption, and improve the flavor.

In addition, whether to remove the residue after enzymatic hydrolysis during the production of oat milk depends on the product characteristics pursued and the consumer preferences of the target market.

1. Retain the residue after enzymatic hydrolysis

• Increase dietary fiber: Retaining the residue means retaining more dietary fiber, especially beta-glucan, which is good for health. Dietary fiber is very important for maintaining intestinal health, lowering cholesterol and controlling blood sugar levels.

• Improve nutritional value: Many nutrients in oats, such as protein, minerals and vitamins, may be retained in solid particles during the enzymatic hydrolysis process, so retaining the residue can increase the nutritional value of oat milk.

• Improve taste and texture: Retaining the residue can increase the taste and texture of oat milk, making it thicker and richer, which some consumers may prefer.

  
  

2. Remove the residue after enzymatic hydrolysis

• Achieve a smoother taste: Removing the residue can produce a smoother and more delicate liquid, which is more similar to the texture of milk and may be more in line with the expectations of some consumers for drinks.

• Improve product stability: Removing solid particles can reduce the precipitation of oat milk during storage and improve product stability.

• Meet different market needs: Different markets and consumer groups may have different preferences for the taste and appearance of oat milk. Removing the residue can meet the needs of consumers who prefer clear and non-granular drinks.

Of course, if the residue after enzymatic hydrolysis is removed during the production process, some calcium and dietary fiber will be lost. In order to make up for these losses and enhance the nutritional value of oat milk, producers need to add additional nutrients such as calcium, vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin B12 to the product to make it a more comprehensive nutritional drink.

In summary, whether to remove the residue after enzymatic hydrolysis is based on a comprehensive consideration of product positioning, target consumer groups and market trends. Different oat milk brands may adjust their production processes to meet different needs and preferences based on their own market strategies and consumer feedback.

5. What equipments are needed for the industrial production of oat milk?

In the production process of oat milk, reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment machine and stainless steel enzymatic mixing tanks each play a key role.

Reverse osmosis water treatment equipment is mainly responsible for providing pure water. It removes impurities such as suspended matter, colloids, and organic matter in the water through a pretreatment system, and then uses reverse osmosis membrane technology to further remove ions, bacteria and other harmful substances in the water to ensure that the water quality meets the high standards required for the production of oat milk. This equipment is essential to ensure the safety and taste of oat milk because it can reduce contaminants that may affect product quality.

Stainless steel enzymatic mixing tanks are used in the enzymatic mixing process in oat milk production. In this process, oats are mixed with water and enzymes are added to decompose them, converting the starch and protein in the oats into a more absorbable form. The enzymatic tank has heating, cooling and insulation functions to ensure that the enzymatic reaction is carried out at a suitable temperature. At the same time, the stirring device in the tank ensures that the oats and enzymes are fully mixed to improve the reaction efficiency. After the enzymatic hydrolysis is completed, the tank can also be de-enzymed to stop the enzymatic hydrolysis reaction and transfer the product to the next production stage through the discharging system. This equipment has a direct impact on the nutritional value and taste of oat milk because it can maximize the extraction of nutrients in oats while maintaining the natural flavor of the product.

If you have more ideas, you can contact IMMAY by clicking on the contact information on the right and bottom. IMMAY is an excellent manufacturer specializing in the manufacture of oat milk production equipment. Our professional team is at your service at any time.