Oat drinks in Finland: who makes what, and how to choose

November 4, 2026

Finland is one of the biggest oat growers in Europe, so it’s no surprise the oat drink shelf here is long. Walk into any Prisma or K-Citymarket and you’ll find a dozen brands, each with a plain, a barista and a chocolate version.

They are not all the same. Some are made in Finland from Finnish oats, some come from Sweden, and the shops’ own brands are often made by one of the big names. Here’s a quick guide.

The main brands on Finnish shelves

You’ll also find S Group’s and Lidl’s own oat drinks, usually at a lower price.

Barista, plain or “plus”: what’s the difference?

• Barista versions contain a little more fat and are made to foam in coffee without splitting. Use these for lattes and cappuccinos.
• Plain versions are lighter and work best on cereal, in porridge and for baking.
• “Plus” or fortified versions have added calcium and vitamins, often D and B12. Worth it if oat drink replaces cow’s milk in your diet.

Five things to check on the label

1. Added sugar. Many oat drinks contain none: the sweetness comes from the oats themselves. Flavoured ones (chocolate, vanilla, caramel) usually do have added sugar.
2. Gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free but can be contaminated during farming. Look for a gluten-free label if you’re coeliac.
3. Calcium and vitamin D. Not every oat drink is fortified. Check if it matters to you.
4. Fat content. Barista versions can have twice the fat of light ones.
5. Price per litre. Own brands often cost much less for a very similar drink.

How oat drink is made

The basic recipe is simple: oats and water. The oats are ground and mixed with water, and enzymes break part of the oat starch down into natural sugars. That’s why a drink with “no added sugar” can still taste a little sweet.

The mix is then filtered so it’s smooth, not gritty. For barista versions, makers add a small amount of plant oil and sometimes acidity regulators, so the drink foams and doesn’t split in hot coffee. Fortified versions get calcium and vitamins on top.

Cooking and baking with oat drink

Oat drink works in most Finnish kitchen classics where you’d normally use milk:

• Morning porridge: cook oat flakes in oat drink instead of water for a creamier bowl.
• Pannukakku (oven pancake): swap the milk one-to-one. It browns nicely.
• Sauces and soups: use a plain version without sweetness. For creamy sauces, oat-based cooking creams (kaurakerma) are thicker and don’t separate.
• Baking: buns and cakes work well. The dough can be slightly softer, so add flour little by little.

Chilled or long-life?

Most oat drinks in Finland are sold as long-life (UHT) cartons on the ordinary shelf. You can keep them in the cupboard until opened. A few are sold chilled next to the milk.

Once opened, both need the fridge and should be used within a few days. Check the carton: most say how many days. Shake it before pouring, because the oats settle at the bottom.

Which one is best?

Taste is personal. Some people swear by Oatly in coffee, others won’t touch anything but Oddlygood or Elovena. The fastest way to decide is to read what other people think and then try one or two.

See ratings and reviews of every oat drink on Aitoarvio, and add your own once you’ve tried them. Your review helps the next person standing in front of that long shelf.

FAQ

Is oat milk healthier than cow’s milk? It depends on what you need. Oat drink has less protein but no lactose and less saturated fat. Fortified versions come closest to milk in calcium.

Why does my oat drink split in coffee? Plain oat drinks can curdle in hot, acidic coffee. Barista versions are made to prevent that.

Are oat drinks made in Finland? Many are. Oddlygood and Elovena are Finnish, and several shop brands are made here too. Check the label for the country of origin.

Can I use oat drink for my baby or toddler? Ask your child health clinic (neuvola) first. Plant drinks are not a substitute for breast milk or formula, and young children have special nutrition needs.

What’s the difference between oat drink and oat milk? Nothing, really. In the EU, the word “milk” is reserved for animal milk, so on Finnish shelves it’s sold as “oat drink” (kaurajuoma).