An Oat Milk Revolution
The Instagram algorithm has been highlighting a few relevant brands in our social media feed this month, and one that has popped onto our screens is Overherd. Launched in 2023, Overherd have a novel approach to delivering oat milk to our homes, and we are surprised it has taken so long for them to hit our radar. Currently we have a regular delivery of Minor Figures Everyday Oats milk, but are always happy to explore alternative choices.
Overherd
Ingredients: gluten free organic oats, coconut MCT powder (corn fibre), chicory root fibre, calcium carbonate* and vitamin B12
"If oat milk is 90% water, then why not add the water at home instead? ."
Overherd
Minor Figures
Ingredients: water, gluten free oats, rapeseed oil, calcium carbonate, dipotassium phosphate, salt, vitamin D, riboflavin, vitamin B12, iodine
100% plant-based. B Corp Certified. Tetra Pak cartons (recyclable in some places but not everywhere). Oats sourced from the UK and Northern Europe. GMO-free oil. Oat residue (insoluble fibre that is left as a byproduct of production) donated to livestock feed.
Our view
We invested in the Overherd Starter Kit which contained a large bottle, making it super easy to mix the powder with water, and a little scoop for measuring the powder out. To ensure it mixes well, use the 'add the powder to half the water' approach and give it a good shake-up before topping up to the correct level. The idea of mixing our oat milk at home seems so simple and we can't believe someone hasn't thought of this before.
Our current Minor Figures oat milk delivery comes via Amazon as it's easier than lugging boxes of pre-mixed milks back from the supermarket. Looking at the cupboard stacked with our milk alternatives, the Overherd approach is sitting on a single shelf in a resealable package, while the other shelf is stacked with Minor Figures cartons that were just delivered. The space comparison is easy to see.
Overherd make it seem so simple and by only mixing the milk as needed, it saves fridge space too. Once opened, Minor Figures are best used within a few days. The same goes for each mixed bottle of Overherd. It can be used straight away or chilled and used the same as regular cartons. My personal favourite is adding a scoop of cocoa in the mix. It is the best chocolate milk drink we have found, and I think this even got used on the cornflakes one morning.
Having tried many varieties of alternative milk over the years, Minor Figures Everyday Oats became our choice of ready-mixed milk. It is used for everyday drinks, cereals, and in our overnight chia seed bowls. However, I personally don't like drinking it on its own, and it takes a heavy drop or two in my coffee to get the balance I need. Overherd powder can be used unmixed as a coffee-creamer and doesn't reduce the temperature of my drink.
Minor Figures works for those who like a thicker, creamier mouthfeel due to the rapeseed oil used. Rapeseed oil is low in saturated fats and is a good source of omegas 3, 6, and 9. Without oil, Overherd has a cleaner mouthfeel. It is crisp and non-cloying.
The ingredients speak for themselves. We can't decide between the two, and don't think we should. Both products have a place in our home. Both are ethical companies and suit our needs. With Overherd, the delivery arrives without the water, meaning reduced packaging, a lower carbon footprint, and our delivery driver is very happy at the weight reduction. I am sure it will be on the shopping list going forward, and Minor Figures will still get some shelf space - just not as much. It all boils down to who prefers which in taste and at present we have room for both.