I recently had the opportunity to sample a new, fermented, yogurt-like product being made in the Seattle area. BetaOats is 100% vegan, probiotic, gluten free non-GMO, high in beta-glucan, high in oat fiber, soy and coconut free, allergen free.
Here's what the BetaOats creators have to say about their product on their Web site: "Oats are a superfood. Not only are oats delicious, but they are healthful. They are 100% whole grain, packed with soluble fiber beta-glucan, and rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. People from around the world have been using oats as a staple in their diets in various forms. A traditional method of fermenting oats, found in many cultures, produces a yogurt-like product, enhanced in flavor and nutritional value. Such fermented cereal yogurt-type snacks are called vellies.
At BetaOats we revitalize this old tradition and deliver a delightful and healthy oat-based experience to our customers. We work hard to make a product that will blow your mind with its goodness. It's all natural. It's free of gluten and dairy. It's a delicious probiotic. There is nothing not to love about it. Hungry already? Grab BetaOats and enjoy this guilt free mouthwatering snack.
Each package of our oat vellie contains 6.5 oz of oat goodness, prepared with only the essential natural ingredients, no preservatives or gmo's. Naturally high in beta-glucan, BetaOats vellie combines the beneficial live bacterial cultures of fermented oats, the creaminess of your favorite yogurt, and the refreshing flavor of tree-ripened fruit sourced from the Hood River Valley in Northern Oregon."
I loved the taste and texture of the product. It didn't have the tang or consistency of yogurt, but was more pudding-like, with a thickened, velvety quality. Although the number of grams of sugar seems high, the taste wasn't overly sweet. It was a perfect balance of tart berries and sweetness.
It's true I enjoyed my sample cups of BetaOats, but I tend not to buy foods with added sugar, and I usually avoid additives like xanthan gum. BetaOats seemed more like a dessert to me, and as such would probably be a much healthier dessert choice than most sweet products people select — especially for kids. It was extremely appealing in both taste and texture, very low in fat, and is a good source of probiotics.
I realize that sweetened yogurts are extremely popular, and it's usually easier to find a sweet variety than an unsweetened one. Everyone has their own opinion about what should or shouldn't be in their food, which is why I provide ingredient and nutritional information about products I review, as well as information about taste and appeal.
If you live in the PNW, and have access to Vegan Haven in Seattle, or Marlene's Market in Tacoma or Federal Way, you can try the delicious, new BetaOats. Or, if Beta Oats appeals to you, and you can't find it in a store, you could request that your local stores (PCC?, Whole Foods?) begin to carry it.
Have you tried BetaOats? Would you be interested in a product like this?
Disclosure: I was provided with two free cups of BetaOats to try. All opinions are my own except as stated in the review. I wasn't paid for my time or opinion.
