Trend Alert: Oat Milk & How to Make Oat Milk

What is oat milk? Is oat milk healthy? How do you make oat milk? Find out about this trendy new plant-based milk now!

I'm a little embarrassed to say that up until a few months ago, I hadn't heard of oat milk.

Not because I think I know everything food-related (close, maybe). But because I have so much love for everything oat related. So obviously, I should have known about oat milk way before now. (If you're like Mr. Table and are thinking, WTF is oat milk? the answer is coming.

The truth is, up until I visited the expo floor at FNCE, the annual Food and Nutrition Conference and Expo held for registered dietitians, I had never seen or tasted oat milk. But after the expo and wandering Washington, DC, where the conference was held this past year, one thing was clear - oat milk is trending in a major way. And it seems everyone is jumping on board.

I sampled oat milk from Oatly and Quaker at the expo. Elmhurst carries oat milk, and Silk is introducing oat milk this year.

What is oat milk?

Oat milk, much like almond milk and other plant-based milk alternatives, is a non-dairy beverage made from blending oats with water, that is then strained into just the 'milk'. It tends to be a little more creamy than other plant-based milks because oats absorb more water than nuts might.

Is oat milk healthy?

What makes oat milk different than other plant-based milks is that it is free from the top 8 allergens. Oat milk is nut-free, soy-free, and (obviously) dairy-free, so it's safe for people with allergies or sensitivities. And as long as it is made with certified gluten-free oats, oat milk is also gluten-free.

Nutritionally, oat milk has more protein and fiber than nut milks or rice milk - it has about 3-4 grams of protein per cup, plus 2 grams of fiber. It's also a little higher in carbohydrates, around 15 grams per cup. Oat milk still doesn't stack up to dairy milk or soy milk in terms of protein, but it's got a little.

If you're buying oat milk at the store, you'll need to check the label to see if it has been fortified with calcium, vitamins A and D, and B vitamins - nutrients that are in dairy milk that are especially important for vegans. Homemade oat milk won't have these. Which brings me to …

How do you make oat milk at home?

Oat milk is fairly simple to make at home. You'll need a high-powered blender and something to strain it with, such as cheesecloth. Or, if you make plant-based milk at home often, you might invest in the Almond Cow, which makes it easy to make plant milks at home.

Oats don't have to be soaked near as long as nuts - only about 15 minutes - but you will want to soak and rinse them to prevent your milk from becoming slimy. Then simply blend the oats with water, salt and any spices or flavorings you like (I like cinnamon and vanilla), strain, and pour! You'll want to store homemade oat milk in a covered container, such as a mason jar, in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

How do I use oat milk?

Oat milk can be used just like any other plant-based milk. Add it to smoothies, use in baked goods, or pour over your cereal. Store-bought oat milk is usually great for coffee because it foams well, although homemade oat milk doesn't have as much fat, so it doesn't do so great (I tried it). Be sure to shake your oat milk before using it!

Have you tried oat milk? What do you think about it?

If you made this recipe, please leave a star rating in the comments!

Cinnamon Vanilla Oat Milk

Print Recipe

Easy homemade oat milk with cinnamon and vanilla is perfect for coffee, smoothies, baking, and more! (vegan, gluten-free, nut-free)

• Author: Kaleigh
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: about 3 cups 1x
• Category: drink
• Method: blended
• Cuisine: plant based

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• Pinch salt
• 3 cups filtered water (or more for a thinner consistency)
• (optional) 1-2 pitted dates or 1 teaspoon maple syrup, for sweetness

Instructions

1. In a bowl, cover oats with water and soak for 10-15 minutes. Drain and rinse. This will help prevent the milk from becoming slimy.
2. Add soaked oats, vanilla, cinnamon, salt, water, and dates or maple syrup (if using) to a high powered blender or nut milk maker (such as Almond Cow).
3. Blend for about 30 seconds. Avoid over-blending, as this may cause the oats to gel.
4. Strain mixture through cheesecloth 1-3 times.
5. Store oat milk covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Shake before using.

Notes

Add leftover oat pulp to smoothies, overnight oats, pancakes, etc.

Keywords: vanilla oat milk, cinnamon oat milk