A simple way to make this delicious plant-based milk
There are so many alternative milks out there (“alt-milks,” if you’re in the know). There’s soy milk and almond milk and cashew milk and hemp milk, to name a few, and of course we still have traditional dairy milk…but if you’re lactose intolerant and/or allergic to soy or nuts, this homemade oat milk is definitely for you. And it tastes great.
We’ve long known the health benefits of oats, so in a world–the one we live in–where so many people are looking for plant-based alternatives to traditional foods, it just makes sense that someone would have invented oat milk. That someone was suposedly Rickard Oste, a food scientist at a university in Sweden, whose research into lactose intolerance and sustainable food systems led him to invent oat milk–his brand is Oatly, probably the most popular oat milk on the market. And while Oatly is pretty delicious, so is our homemade oat milk–and it’s so much more economical, too.
With a wonderfully creamy texture and a pleasing flavor profile from the combination of oats, maple syrup, vanilla, and a bit of salt, this homemade oat milk is so satisfying and takes no time to make. Just combine the ingredients, strain them, and chill. That’s it. Before you know it, you’ll have a healthy, really tasty plant-based milk that is also very versatile.
Use your homemade oat milk the way you would use any milk–in coffee or tea (it makes amazing iced coffee), as an ingredient in a smoothie, an addition to sauces, soups, or stews…so many possibilities. And if you really like the flavor of oats, try it in this Baked Oatmeal for a hearty, healthy breakfast.
The Best Oats for Homemade Oat Milk
There are several kinds of oats–whole rolled oats (the kind we recommend in this recipe), Old-Fashioned oats (the same as whole rolled oats, just another name for them), steel cut oats, instant oats…what’s a homemade oat milk maker to do? Use the whole rolled/old-fashioned variety for the best homemade oat milk. Steel cut oats won’t give you as creamy a texture and instant oats end up producing an unpleasant sliminess to the oat milk.
There are other benefits to using whole rolled oats in this recipe. Usually, this type of oat is more readily available and less expensive than some of the others (especially steel cut oats). Plus, whole rolled dry oats, if kept in an airtight container in a dry place, such as your pantry or even in your freezer, have an incredibly long shelf life–easily a year or longer.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Homemade oat milk can be stored in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator; try storing it in mason jars, as you’ll need to shake it after it sits for a while and these jars are great for shaking. You can also freeze homemade oat milk in an airtight container for up to 3 months; it’s possible that once thawed, the texture will be grainy, but you can still use this oat milk in smoothies or for cooking.
What are the health benefits of oat milk?
Oat milk is packed with protein, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. It is also high in fiber. Many people claim that oat milk is the healthiest of all the plant-based milks, and it is obviously a great alternative for people who are lactose-intolerant, or allergic to soy or nuts.
What is a nut milk bag?
Nut milk bags are usually made of ultra-fine cotton weave or nylon mesh; they have tiny holes in them and work like a strainer. They are reusable and many brands can be machine washed. They do a great job of straining the oat milk (many think they’re more effective than a regular fine mesh strainer). If you are planning on making lots of oat milk–and once you try this recipe, that will be your plan), you should get a nut milk bag!
Serving Suggestions
While this recipe for homemade oat milk is already wonderfully flavored, that doesn’t mean you can’t go even further. Add some warm spices like cinnamon and cardamom (and drink this version with Swedish Cardamom Buns), or make a chocolate milk version by adding cocoa powder; one of the things I love to do is add some cocoa powder and a touch of mint extract and then serve up a cold glass of this chocolatey minty oat milk with Chocolate Peppermint Cookies. An addition of homemade oat milk to soups takes the homey comfort food up a notch, particularly in something like Corn and Cheddar Chowder, where the natural sweetness of the corn is enhanced by the mild sweetness of the oat milk. It’s also a great addition to recipes that call for milk to produce a velvety texture, like Stove Top Mac and Cheese. Or use homemade oat milk in this wonderful recipe for Maple Oatmeal Muffins to bring even more maple-y oatmeal flavor. Yum.
How to Make Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup whole rolled oats
- 3 cups water
- 2 teaspoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Blend the ingredients: Combine the oats, water, maple syrup, vanilla extract, and sea salt in a blender. Blend for 30 seconds until well mixed.
- Strain the mixture: Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl. Pour the blended mixture through the strainer to separate the liquid from the oat pulp. Do not press the pulp to avoid a gritty texture.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the oat milk and add more maple syrup if a sweeter flavor is desired. Mix well to incorporate.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, chill the oat milk in the refrigerator overnight. If you prefer to enjoy it immediately, serve over ice for a refreshing drink.
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