In the evolving landscape of dietary preferences, a notable new entrant is making waves with its unique blend of dairy and oats. Available at selected Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrisons, this range by SMUG Dairy offers a delicious, healthier, and more environmentally friendly dairy alternatives to traditional products.
A unique blend
With many consumers reducing their dairy intake—42% according to a recent survey — this approach is timely. These dairy alternatives combine the creamy texture of dairy with the nutritional benefits of oats, promising to deliver on taste while offering health-conscious options.
Health and Environmental Benefits
These products are crafted to be healthier:
- Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar: 35% less saturated fat than standard cheddar, high in protein and a source of Vitamin D and calcium.
- Blended Oat & Dairy Milk: 30% less saturated fat than semi-skimmed milk, with added calcium and vitamins.
- Blended Oat & Dairy Butter: 30% less saturated fat and rich in essential vitamins.
- Blended Oat & Dairy Spreadable Butter: 40% less saturated fat, providing Omega 3 and essential vitamins.
This range also emphasises its lower environmental impact. For instance, using their Cheddar for a year can save enough carbon emissions to charge an electric car four times, with the range boasting up to 54% fewer CO2 emissions compared to traditional dairy products.
Personal Experience
These products evoke flavours reminiscent of my childhood in Italy during the 70s. The combination of dairy and oats brings back nostalgic tastes, blending tradition with modern health and environmental considerations. I’ve found that this dairy blend fits seamlessly into my daily meals, making it easy to enjoy the creamy flavours I love while being mindful of my health.
Recipe Suggestions
Here are a few ways I’ve been incorporating these products into my cooking:
- Creamy Cheddar Pasta: Melt Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar into a saucepan with a splash of Blended Oat & Dairy Milk to create a rich, tangy cheese sauce. Toss with your favourite pasta for a delicious and lighter take on mac and cheese.
- Breakfast Smoothie: Blend Blended Oat & Dairy Milk with a banana, a handful of spinach, and a scoop of protein powder for a nutritious and creamy breakfast smoothie.
- Garlic Butter Spread: Use Blended Oat & Dairy Butter to make a garlic spread. Mix with minced garlic, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt. Spread on toast or use to top grilled vegetables for a flavourful side dish.
- Cheese Toastie: Create the perfect cheese toastie by using Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar and Blended Oat & Dairy Butter. Grill until the bread is golden and the cheese is wonderfully melty.
- Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Add Blended Oat & Dairy Butter to your mashed potatoes for a creamy, rich flavour with less saturated fat. It’s perfect for a comforting side dish.
- Oat Milk Pancakes: Use Blended Oat & Dairy Milk in your pancake batter for a fluffy, light texture. Top with fresh fruits and a drizzle of honey for a delightful breakfast treat.
Availability
These blended dairy products are available at Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Morrison. To my disappointment, this range is not widely available yet:
- Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar (320g): £4.00
- Blended Oat & Dairy Grated Cheddar (160g): £2.25
- Blended Oat & Dairy Cheddar Slices (150g): £2.25
- Blended Oat & Dairy Milk (1 litre): £1.95
- Blended Oat & Dairy Butter (200g): £2.00
- Blended Oat & Dairy Spreadable Butter (400g): £3.75
These innovative dairy alternatives offer a forward-thinking option for those seeking to balance taste, health, and environmental impact in their dairy consumption. Give it a try and enjoy the best of both worlds in every bite and sip.
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