A non-dairy liquid made from steel cut oats and water that is inexpensive, simple to make, and works as a delicious milk substitute. Read to find out all you need to know about oat milk and try my quick and easy homemade oat milk recipe.
What Does Oat Milk Taste Like?
It may seem like an odd question, but oat milk actually doesn't strongly taste like oats or oatmeal. It is creamy, thicker in texture, and naturally a bit sweeter than other non-dairy milk options. The taste of oats is definitely there, but in a very subtle, neutral way.
Why is Oat Milk So Creamy?
As it is made from only oats and water, it may seem odd that oat milk has a creamy texture and taste. Due to the process to make it - soaking and blending of oats - oat milk ends up very creamy due to the ability of the oats to absorb the water. Additionally, the inclusion of pulverized oats thicken the liquid.
How Healthy is Oat Milk?
Drinking oat milk isn't quite the same thing as having a bowl of oatmeal, and it doesn't have the same amount of nutrients as whole oats. However, it is a great source of fiber and other vitamins and minerals (especially in fortified oat milk) such as vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
It has more calcium than cows milk, and there are many articles out there about its positive effect on heart health and bone health. Remember that oat milk is lactose, soy and nut-free, so it is a great milk substitute for those with dietary restrictions.
Is Oat Milk Good for Weight Loss?
This is subjective depending on whether you make your oat milk yourself or buy a brand name. Many oat milks at the store will have added sugar, oils, and other ingredients with differing calorific values as a result. Always check the label before introducing it to your diet.
Oat milk is low in fat and high in fiber, and with a balanced diet and exercise may assist weight loss. However, simply replacing your regular milk with oat milk won't yield miraculous results.
Which is Better for You - Oat Milk or Almond Milk?
Both oat milk and almond milk are good non-dairy alternatives. Compared with each other, oat milk is higher in calories but has more fiber and protein. Almond milk has less fat and carbohydrates. Neither can really be judged as better - it's a personal preference.
Do You Have to Refrigerate Oat Milk?
Refrigerate your oat milk and it will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. Shake well before use!
Can I Heat Oat Milk?
You can heat oat milk, but be careful. If you heat it up too quickly or for too long, the oat milk will cook and become thick and lumpy.
Can I Sweeten Oat Milk?
To sweeten your oat milk, blend it with 1-2 tablespoons of a sweetener like maple syrup, then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and a pinch of sea salt.
Is Oat Milk Good in Coffee?
Oat milk works great in caffeinated drinks! It's neutral, creamy flavor makes for an amazing latte or matcha latte!
What is the Difference Between Oat Milk and Oat Milk Creamer?
Unlike milk, a creamer has an added emulsifier (usually some kind of oil) that makes it easier to froth. However, since oat milk is so creamy, it can work just as well as a creamer.
How to Make Homemade Oat Milk
The only ingredients you'll need are water and steel cut oats. You can use regular oats, but they tend to yield a slimy texture.
Begin by rinsing the oats thoroughly and draining. Cover the oats with more water and soak them - you can leave them anywhere from 20 minutes to overnight.
Drain the soaked oats of the water and add the oat pulp to a blender with another three cups of water. Blend the oats and water for around 30 seconds.
Strain the oats and water mixture 3-4 times until you are left with your oat milk liquid. Transfer it to a sealable container, and it will keep in the fridge for 4-5 days. It will separate when left in the fridge, so shake well before using again.
Use your oat milk to make delicious beverages like:
Or make some simple homemade nut milk.
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Homemade Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats oats
- 3 cups drinkable water
Instructions
- Rinse the oats well. Drain.
- Cover with water. Soak 20 minutes-overnight.
- Rinse well. Drain.
- Add to a blender with 3 cups water.
- Blend ~30 seconds.
- Strain 3-4 times.
- Add to a sealable container. Keep in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It will separate, so shake well before use!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in June of 2017, but was republished with new photos, step by step instructions, and tips December of 2019.
This was really interesting. I have been drinking almond milk for years but never have seen oatmeal milk. I've tried making my own almond milk but it just seemed not to be worth the cost but I can see how oatmeal would be much more inexpensive. Definitely going to try this!
So happy to hear it, Denise! Almond milk can really be so expensive. This is such a great (and hearty) alternative.
Such a great recipe! I didn't know it was that easy and fast to make your own oat milk! Thank you for the inspiration!
So happy to hear you were inspired to make your own... enjoy, Nicoletta!
Thanks so much for all the info! I've been interested in jumping on the oat milk craze, and I love the idea of making my own.
Can't wait to hear what you think, Amanda!
This is fantastic as I am such a DIYer. I've got my first batch soaking right now. Question, can I use the soaked & strained oats in something else? Maybe you mentioned it and i missed it, but I hate to throw them away if there are still some benefits from including them elsewhere (muffins, cookies)?
I'm so happy about it, Tara! You can definitely use it in baking. I have used it to make cookies - oatmeal cookies. Try these oatmeal raisin ghee cookies.
Wow, I had no idea you could make oat milk from scratch! My sister is always going off about how amazing it is - especially for lattes - so I am going to pass this on to her! Thanks!
Oh yay! Can't wait to hear what she thinks!
I had no idea making my own oat milk at home could be so easy. Next time I'm skipping the store brought carton.
Yay! No more wasting money at the grocery store!
I am really excited about how easy it looks to make oat milk with your recipe. Definitely something to experiment with in the beginning of the month!
Can't wait to hear what you think, Elaine!
I have had oat milk from the store but never made it myself. I don't care very much for the taste of cow's milk so I've been drinking nut milk for years now. Love that I can now try my own oat milk too 🙂
I'm the same way, Tammy... Love that you're making it now, too!
I've never tried oat milk but now after reading this I feel like I really need to give it a chance. Sounds wonderful!
I can't wait to hear what you think, Jess!
I love all the excellent info on this post!! Thanks!! I'll definitely be making some next week!!
Can't wait to hear what you think, Aline!
Oatmilk does not look as good as soy milk, but once noted on cereal it feels more like real milk than soy milk. Plus more fiber. It's a win-win.
I'm so glad you like it, John! And yes, not as pretty, but a win-win.