Making oat milk at home is a simple and super cost-effective way to enjoy a dairy-free milk alternative. In my vegan quest, I have tried many different types of milk alternatives, but once oat milk arrived on scene, it was the clear winner. Not only is it creamy and delicious, but it’s also incredibly easy AND cheap to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
To make oat milk, all you need are rolled oats, water, and a blender. Simply blend the oats and water together, strain out any remaining solids, and you’re left with a smooth and creamy milk alternative. Oat milk a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan, or really anyone looking to save something like $5/gallon (USD) at the grocery store.
Oat milk is also a more environmentally sustainable and cruelty-free option than traditional dairy milk (but I’m sure dairy farmers will inform me that vacuum cups to the teats are a blissful and relaxing experience). I know, I know, I still eat cheese once a week and I shouldn’t throw stones. I asked for good vegan cheese recommendations on my Podcast a couple weeks ago, go check it out! Plus, making your own oat milk at home allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives.
Table of Contents
Understanding Oat Milk
In my vegetarian days before the Boyfriend, I just didn’t use or need milk of any kind, I wasn’t a coffee drinker back then. But as coffee became a necessity in life, and lattes were helping with all my late night work travel days, I realized I wanted to make lattes at home, which meant I would need to venture into the waters of non-dairy milk.
I’ve tried all the vegan milks: soy, coconut, cashew, coconut-cashew, and almond milk, before I found oat. As someone who has been using and then making oat milk at home for a while now, I can tell you that it is my favorite alternative to dairy milk. It’s creamy, nutty, and has a mild sweetness that makes it perfect for adding to coffee (or lattes), smoothies and nice cream, and baked goods.
But what exactly is oat milk, and how is it made? Let’s break it down.
What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is a plant-based milk made from oats and water. It’s a great alternative to dairy milk for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. Oat milk is also vegan and has a lower environmental impact than dairy milk. It’s on my growing “list” to try to plant some oats next year in our side yard and see if we can produce any oat milk ourselves. Realistically, it might end up being like one batch…but I like a good experiment.
How is Oat Milk Made?
Making oat milk at home is easy and requires only a few ingredients. I make enough oat milk for 3-4 large lattes at a time, here’s the general gist of how it’s make it:
- Add oats and water to a high powered blender.
- Blend.
- Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.
- Funnel into container, and store the oat milk in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
You can also add sweeteners like maple syrup, vanilla extract, or dates to the mixture before blending for a sweeter taste.
Nutritional Information
Oat milk can be a good source of fiber from the carbohydrates, and contains more protein than other non-dairy alternatives such as almond or rice. 1 cup of oat milk has approximately the following (depending on the brand or how you make it at home):
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
Store bought oat milk can be a good source of calcium and vitamin D if it’s fortified. If you make it yourself, your oat milk won’t have the “added vitamins and nutrients” unless you specifically add them to your blender.
I don’t use my oat milk for any specific nutrition need; I’m not over here like, I gotta get my daily fiber with my oat milk. Rather, I use it in my latte every morning as part of a (mostly) well-balanced vegetarian diet. Overall, oat milk is a delicious and nutritious alternative to dairy milk.
Benefits of Homemade Oat Milk
Making oat milk at home has a lot of benefits that you may not be aware of. Here are a few reasons why I prefer making my own oat milk:
- Cost-effective: Making oat milk at home is much cheaper than buying it at the store. Oat milk averages around $4/half gallon (64 ounces) at my local grocery store. To make a half gallon at home, I would need approximately 3 cups of oats (I like mine thick and creamy). We last bought our oats in bulk 10 pound bags for about $11/each, which averages to about 0.22 cents per cup of oats. Are you fucking kidding me: 0.66 freaking cents for a half gallon of oat milk? I could make three gallons of oat milk for the price of the carton at the store.
- Customizable: When you make oat milk at home, you can customize it to your liking. You can add sweeteners like honey, agave, or maple syrup, or flavorings like vanilla or cocoa powder. You can also adjust the thickness of the milk to your preference.
- Freshness: Homemade oat milk is fresh, and you can make it whenever you need it. You don’t have to worry about it going bad in the fridge, and you can make just the amount you need. I make about 3 days worth at a time, mainly because that’s all that fits into the fridge and the largest glass containers we have at once
- No additives or preservatives: When you make oat milk at home, you know exactly what’s in it. There are no additives or preservatives, and you can control the amount of sugar and salt that goes into it.
- Eco-friendly: Making oat milk at home is eco-friendly. You don’t have to worry about the packaging that comes with store-bought oat milk, like it going to a landfill or trying to figure out if your local recycling will accept it. And if you reuse your oat pulp into brownies or other recipes, then your oat milk becomes essentially zero waste--your carbon salary is just in blending the milk.
Overall, making oat milk at home is a simple and rewarding process that can save you money, reduce waste, and give you a fresh and customizable product that you can enjoy in a variety of ways.
Gathering Supplies to Make Oat Milk
Kitchen Tools
To make oat milk at home, you will need a few basic kitchen tools. Here is what I need:
- Blender: A high-speed blender is recommended, but any blender will work.
- Fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth: To strain the milk and remove any solids.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
- Large bowl: To hold the oat milk while straining.
- Glass jar: To store the oat milk in the refrigerator.
When it comes to making oat milk, choosing the right oats is crucial. There are three main types of oats to choose from: steel cut oats, rolled oats, and instant oats. Each type has its own unique qualities that will affect the taste and texture of your oat milk.
Steel Cut Oats
Steel cut oats are the least processed of the three options. They are made by cutting the whole oat groat into small pieces, resulting in a dense and chewy texture. Because of their texture, they are not the best option for making oat milk. However, if you prefer a thicker and creamier oat milk, you can add a small amount of steel cut oats to your blend.
Rolled Oats
Rolled oats are the most common type of oats used for making oat milk. They are made by steaming and flattening the oat groat, resulting in a flaky texture. Rolled oats are a great option because they blend easily and create a smooth and creamy texture.
Instant Oats
Instant oats are the most processed of the three options. They are made by precooking and then dehydrating the oat groat, resulting in a fine and powdery texture. While they are not the best option for making oat milk, they can be used in a pinch. However, keep in mind that they may result in a thinner and less creamy texture.
When selecting oats for your oat milk, it is important to choose high-quality oats that are free from any additives or preservatives. Look for oats that are labeled as “organic” or “non-GMO” to ensure that you are getting the best quality oats possible.
Oat Milk Recipe
This delicious plant based milk takes minutes to make and is a great milk substitute for any recipe that requires milk. Make homemade oak milk with two simple ingredients and start reducing the cost of your latte obsession (or is that just me?).
{Basic Bitch} Oat Milk
Ingredients
Method
- Soaking the Oats: I start by soaking 1.5 cups of rolled oats in 5.5 cups of water for at least 30 minutes. This helps to soften the oats and makes them easier to blend. I usually soak them overnight in the fridge, so they’re ready to go in the morning.
- Blending the Oats: Once the oats have soaked, I add the oats and water to the blender and blend them on high for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. I sometimes add a pinch of salt. Here is where you would add optional sweeteners like maple syrup or dates or vanilla extract to the blender for added flavor.
- Straining the Oat Milk: Next, I strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a large bowl. I used to use a cheesecloth, but our youngest fur child literally ate the entire cloth in like a minute while she was unsupervised 🤦♀️ Straining removes any remaining chunks or grit from the oats and ensures a smooth and creamy consistency. I gently squeeze the bag or cloth to extract as much milk as possible.
- Storing Your Oat Milk: Finally, I transfer the oat milk to a glass jar with a lid and store it in the fridge for up to 5 days. I usually give it a good shake before using it as it can separate over time.
Notes
That’s it! Making oat milk at home is so easy and much cheaper than buying it at the store. Plus, you can customize the flavor to your liking and avoid any unnecessary additives. Let me know if you make this recipe in the comments below, and how you use your homemade oat milk.
Tips for Making the Best, Creamiest Oat Milk
When making oat milk at home, there are a few tips that can help you achieve a creamier texture. Here are some of my favorite tips:
- Soak the oats – Soaking the oats for at least 30 minutes before blending can help soften them and make the milk creamier. You can also soak them overnight in the fridge for even better results. This does make straining the oat milk take a little longer though because of the fine oat pulp.
- Use rolled oats – Rolled oats are thinner and softer than steel-cut oats, which makes them easier to blend and results in a creamier milk.
- Blend for longer – Blend the oats and water for at least 30 seconds to a minute to ensure that the oats are fully broken down and the milk is smooth. I’ve been told blending longer makes oat milk slimy, but I haven’t had that happen yet. I blend between 30-45 seconds.
- Strain twice – Straining the milk through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth twice can help remove any remaining bits of oat and make the milk smoother. I often find this isn’t necessary, but I don’t mind the oat flour that ends up in the bottom of my jar.
- Add a pinch of salt – Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of the milk and make it taste creamier.
- Sweeten to taste – Adding a natural sweetener like maple syrup or dates can also help make the milk creamier and more delicious.
By following these tips, you can make oat milk that is just as creamy and delicious as store-bought milk, but without any of the additives or preservatives.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As someone who has made oat milk at home many times, I have learned a few things along the way. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making oat milk:
- Not soaking the oats long enough: Soaking the oats is important because it helps to soften them and makes them easier to blend. If you don’t soak the oats long enough, your milk may end up watery and not creamy enough. I recommend soaking the oats for at least 30 minutes, but you can also soak them overnight for best results.
- Using too much water: If you use too much water, your oat milk will end up thin and watery. I recommend using a ratio of 1:3 or 1:4 oats to water, depending on how creamy you want your milk to be.
- Not straining the milk properly: Straining the milk is important because it removes any bits of oats that didn’t blend well and gives the milk a smoother texture. If you don’t strain the milk properly, it may end up gritty or lumpy. I recommend using a nut milk bag or a fine mesh strainer to strain the milk.
- Adding too much sweetener: While it may be tempting to add a lot of sweetener to your oat milk, it’s important to remember that oats are naturally sweet. Adding too much sweetener can overpower the flavor of the oats and make your milk too sweet. I recommend starting with a small amount of sweetener, such as a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey, and adjusting to taste
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can make delicious and creamy oat milk at home that’s perfect for adding to your morning coffee or smoothie.
Make your Own Oat Milk with Customizations
Sweetening Options
When it comes to sweetening your oat milk, there are a variety of options to choose from. I don’t normally sweeten my milk, but Here are a few of my favorites:
- Dates: Dates are a great natural sweetener that add a caramel-like flavor to your oat milk. Simply soak a few dates in water for a few hours, then blend them with your oat milk.
- Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a classic sweetener that pairs perfectly with the nutty flavor of oat milk. Add a tablespoon or two to your oat milk and blend well.
- Honey: If you’re not a vegan, honey is another great option for sweetening your oat milk. Just be sure to use a high-quality, raw honey for the best flavor.
Flavor Variations
One of the best things about making your own oat milk is the ability to customize it to your liking. Here are a few ideas for adding extra flavor to your oat milk:
- Vanilla: A splash of vanilla extract can add a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to your oat milk. Add a teaspoon or two to your blender before blending.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is a warming spice that pairs perfectly with oat milk. Add a pinch or two to your blender before blending.
- Cocoa Powder: For a chocolatey twist, add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to your blender before blending. You can also add a bit of maple syrup or honey to sweeten it up.
Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your perfect oat milk recipe. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Making oat milk at home is a simple and rewarding process that I highly recommend trying. Not only is it a cost-effective alternative to store-bought milk, but it also allows you to customize the flavor and consistency to your liking.
All you need are high-quality oats and a blender. One of the great things about making oat milk at home is that you can experiment with different flavors and sweeteners, as well as the consistency.
Another benefit of making oat milk at home is that it produces less waste than buying packaged milk. Simply compost the leftover oat pulp or use it in recipes like oatmeal cookies or brownies. Overall, making oat milk at home is a fun and sustainable way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious beverage. If you’ve tried it, let me know! What fun things do you do with yours?
