Plant-based brand Califia Farms debuts Protein Oat milk

US plant-based company Califia Farms has expanded its portfolio of oat-based drinks and creamers, with the launch of a new line of oat milk.

Protein Oat is available in Vanilla and Original flavours and is said to contain 8g of protein derived from plant sources, including peas, oat and sunflower.

According to Califia Farms, the ‘low-sugar’, gluten-free line delivers a blend of nine essential amino acids as well as vitamins D and E. The oat milk is also described as an ‘excellent source’ of calcium.

Founded in 2010, Los Angeles-based Califia Farms also produces dairy-free yogurts, RTD cold brew coffees and a range of Almondmilks.

Earlier this year, the company announced that it had secured $225 million in Series D financing and that a portion of the capital was earmarked for the further development of the brand’s oat platform.

Commenting on the company’s latest oat launch, founder and CEO Greg Steltenpohl said: “We’re excited to introduce a versatile, delicious oat milk that outperforms traditional dairy milk across major nutritional markers.

“Targeted especially for families with children, this now allows us to meet the demands of a previously untapped consumer segment – one whose primary barrier has been concern for nutrition, specifically protein.”

Califia’s vice president of research and development, Nagendra Rangavajla, added: “We created a healthier alternative for cow’s milk by leveraging diverse, plant-based ingredients such as peas, oats, sunflowers and flax oil to design our great-tasting Protein Oat product. 

“It delivers quality protein, healthier fats with significantly higher omega-3, -6 and -9 compared to dairy milk, as well as nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium and potassium that are deficient in our diets.”  

Califia Farms’ Protein Oat is available in the US, for an RRP of $5.99, from Whole Foods Markets and Sprouts Farmers Markets nationwide.