what is the willa’s oat milk origin story?

At Willa’s Kitchen, we set out to create an oat milk that tastes as good as it is for the planet. Inspired by our Grandmother Willa’s original oat milk recipe, we use only simple organic ingredients – never any artificial flavors, gums, rapeseed oil, or cane sugar. Our unique process uses the whole entire oat for a creamier taste, more protein and fiber, and lower sugar.

What’s different about Willa’s oat milk?

Willa’s is the only brand that uses the whole entire oat for a creamier taste, more protein and fiber, and lower sugar. We use only the simplest organic ingredients to create a delicious, rich flavor without any artificial flavors, gums, rapeseed oil, or cane sugar.

Is Willa’s made locally? Are any ingredients sourced locally?

The Willa’s team is primarily based in the Twin Cities, and we manufacture our oat milk in Ontario, Canada. Willa’s ingredients are ethically and sustainably sourced. Ingredients are sourced locally whenever possible – including Willa’s oats. Willa’s cacao is sourced directly from Indigenous farmer cooperatives in Peru paid above Fair Trade wages.

What’s special about Willa’s Kids Oat Milk?

Creating Willa’s Kids Oat Milk, we vetted every ingredient, worked with parents and pediatricians on the recipe, AND made sure they’re kid taste bud approved. They’re made with simple, organic ingredients and each serving contains 8g of protein, DHA for brain health, and calcium for strong bones! Plus, adults love it too. 😊

How is Willa’s committed to sustainability?

Willa’s organic oats and zero-waste practices actually help fight climate change! Willa’s uses certified organic, non-GMO ingredients, including oats which are climate-change-fighting superheroes. Oats are a cover crop, helping improve soil health and draw carbon out of the atmosphere and send it into the soil where it belongs.

While other oat milks process oats down to syrup and throw away 20-30% of what’s left, Willa’s uses the whole oat, like steel-cut oats. Nothing filtered. Nothing discarded. Because when food waste is one of the biggest drivers of climate change, wasting perfectly good nutrition isn’t just inefficient. It’s irresponsible.

how are Willa’s products zero waste?

While other oat milks process oats down to syrup and throw away 20-30% of what’s left, Willa’s uses the whole oat, like steel-cut oats. With Willa’s, you get a richer, smoother taste, less sugar and all of the protein and fiber. Nothing good is wasted!

What is your favorite Willa’s oat milk pairing?

Our team has been loving using Willa’s Kids Oat Milk to make at-home lattes, matchas, and chia puddings for an easy, delicious boost of protein! Check out our recipes for more inspiration.

Does Willa’s have less sugar than other oat milk brands?

Yes! Willa’s Unsweetened Original has only 1g of sugar (from the oats)! When we do sweeten our products, we use just a touch of organic coconut sugar, which is a low-glycemic sugar that doesn’t cause the sugar spike and crash that cane sugar can.

What are the health benefits of oats?

• Nutrition: Willa’s uses organic whole oats similar to steel cut oats, which provide more protein than nuts, and more prebiotic fiber.
• Immune Support & Longevity: Whole grain oats are a Blue Zones food. They provide fiber, protein, and omega-3s, which have been shown to help support the immune system and longevity.
• Gut Health, Skin Health, & Longevity: Willa’s whole oats are fiber rich and easy to digest. Our products are free of dairy, difficult-to-digest isolates like whey, as well as inflammatory oils and ultra processed ingredients.
• Heart Health: Whole plant based ingredients and whole grains like Willa’s whole oat groats have been shown to support heart health and lower cholesterol.
• Diabetes Support & Prevention: Using the whole oat like steel cut oats and organic, USA-based pea protein in our kids products means no blood sugar whiplash. Supports steadier energy without the spikes.
• Helps Fight Obesity: Nutrient-dense organic whole plant ingredients support satiation and minimize glucose spikes in adults and children.

What is it like being a CPG founder/entrepreneur in Minnesota?

The food and beverage founder community and co-op community is made up of an amazing, brilliant people who all want to support each other in improving our food system. We love partnering with other local brands including, but not limited to Peace Coffee, and Seven Sundays. We help each other, inspire each other and we love our hometown community!