How To Make Oat Milk
Written by: Suzanne Kvilhaug
You know when you think you’re ahead of the game but then someone comes along and bursts your bubble. When I was having a smoothie phase years ago, I felt like a creative genius behind the blender. Using all of the healthiest plant-based ingredients and superfood add-ins had me feeling like I needed to trademark everything that I came up with. Until I was telling a friend who’s also a vegan foodie about my alchemist ways and she said “I’m surprised you’re using store-bought almond milk. You might want to read more about the ingredients in that, some are really unhealthy. I always make my own nut milks at home.” Bubble burst. Since that day, I haven’t had store-bought milk.
Oat milk is the new favorite dairy-free milk alternative in the United States. It’s been a long time popular milk alternative in Europe thanks to Oatly. Founded in 1994, The Swedish company, Oatly was the first brand to commercialize oat milk. After launching in the U.S. in 2016 the product became a sensation, and can now be found in select Starbucks locations. Oatly targeted coffee shops because if the milk alternatives neutral flavor, and ability to foam. More than 2,500 coffee shops, and 1,500 grocery stores carry Oatly today.
What is oat milk?
Oat milk is made of oats and water blended together, then strained to create a smooth, creamy liquid. It has a smooth and creamy texture, with a naturally sweet and neutral flavor.
How nutritious is oat milk?
Since brands fortify oat milk with extra vitamins and minerals and add flavors and sweeteners, the nutritional content varies. Oats have been praised as a healthy addition to any diet because they are a 100% whole grain filled with fiber, plant-based protein, B vitamins, and minerals, including iron, calcium, and magnesium.
Can I make oat milk at home?
Yes! It’s really easy and the best part is, when you make it, you know what’s in it. This Minimalist Baker Oat Milk recipe makes a homemade creamy oat milk with 2 ingredients in just 5 minutes.
How to make oat milk:
A quick and easy 2-ingredient, 5-minute way to make homemade oat milk! Naturally creamy and sweet, and perfect for smoothies, granola, and more!
Ingredients
1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if GF // or sub steel-cut oats*)
4 cups water (use less water for a thicker, creamier milk!)
1 pinch salt
1 whole date, pitted (optional // for sweetness // or 1 Tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup)
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
2 Tbsp cocoa or cacao powder for "chocolate milk"(optional)
1/4 cup fresh berries for "berry milk" (optional)
Instructions
Add oats, water, salt, and any additional add-ins (optional) to a high-speed blender. Top with lid and cover with a towel to ensure it doesn't splash. Blend for about 1 minute or until the mixture seems well combined. It doesn't have to be 100% pulverized. In fact, over-blending can make the oat milk slimy in texture.
Scoop out a small sample with a spoon to test flavor/sweetness. If it's not sweet enough, add more dates.
Pour the mixture over a large mixing bowl or pitcher covered with a very thin towel or a clean T-shirt. In my experience, it benefits from a double strain through a very fine towel to remove any oat remnants. A nut milk bag seemed to let too much residue through.
Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate. Will keep in the refrigerator up to 5 days (sometimes more). Shake well and enjoy cold. DO NOT HEAT or it will thicken and become gelatinous in texture.