Once I learned how to make almond milk, I was hooked on what other dairy-free milks I could make in my own kitchen. So let’s learn how to make oat milk with this super simple oat milk recipe and enjoy the rich creaminess of yet another dairy-free recipe!
Table of Contents
What is Oat Milk?
What is oat milk, you ask? In fact, it’s literally ‘milked oats.’ Oats soaked in water, then blended and squeezed through cheesecloth. Commercially sold, this milk often contains fillers and gums, yet a plant-based recipe can be achieved without these extras.
Many people like this alternative plant-based milk because it is gluten, nut and dairy-free. This provides an option for those suffering from many common allergies. Not all brands are certified gluten-free, so make sure to look for this label when purchasing.
It’s Simple, Plant-Based Milk
This time I’m sharing a clean + simple recipe. Grocery stores are becoming inundated with plant-based milk options, yet this doesn’t equal clean. It can be frustrating to read label after label in search of a whole food option, so I decided to create my own. This recipe is super simple, and is definitely less expensive than anything I’ve found at the store. Plus, it tastes great!
Which Oats Are Best?
Rolled, quick cook, gluten free, steel cut…Which one is the best for milking? You can really use any oats you have on hand. However, in my opinion, rolled oats are best for making this plant-based beverages. Steel cut oats (like the ones pictured here) are often too raw and can lead to a result that’s less creamy.
If you use quick cook oats, then that will take you in the opposite direction, as they are much more processed and can lead to a thinner, slimier beverage. And who wants a slimy drink?! Rolled oats (whether traditional or gluten free) seem to be the happy medium here to create the perfect creamy non-moo juice.
Benefits from Homemade Milk
While this porridge grain turned beverage doesn’t quite pack the nutritious punch that whole oats do, there are still many benefits from sipping this cold, creamy drink. These include:
- Lower cholesterol levels: A study conducted by the US National Library of Medicine showed this result through the regular consumption of oat milk for 5 weeks.
- Fiber boost: 1 cup of my recipe below contains 3.3 grams of fiber, 13.2% of the recommended daily intake. Use this as a base for a green smoothie, and your gut will be thanking you for helping to keep it regular.
- Promotes heart health: The soluble fiber in this easy blender based recipe is also excellent (and necessary) to keep hearts healthy
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: not only does oat milk promote human health, it also promotes environmental health. It takes hundreds fewer square miles to produce than dairy milk, and uses 1/8th of the water consumption used in the production of almond milk.
- Fortified with B vitamins: most commercially available milk is fortified (as are other dairy and non-dairy milk products). Oat milk specifically is loaded with B vitamins, which helps the body stay energized, and also promotes heart health.
Ways to Use Plant-Based Beverages
Another reason I love blending my own like this is for the creaminess. I’ve noticed many coffee shops starting to use this beverage in specialty coffee drinks. This is due to its ability to foam and nicely thicken beverages. I’ve even created my own Cinnamon Dolce Latte recipe, which capitalizes on the cream factor.
Now that I know how to make my own milk, I like using the leftover pulp in the cheesecloth from this homemade recipe, as extra fiber in some homemade granola bars, a smoothie boost, or dried and added to vegan yogurt with berries. Zero waste and a whole host of extra health benefits!
I use it all the time when blending, cooking or baking recipes from my two cookbooks – Simple Green Smoothies and Simple Green Meals.
How to Make Oat MilkFAQs
Good news! Yes! Making your own oat milk will save you a minimum of several dollars per week vs. store bought, depending on how much you use. Yet if you choose to buy your oat milk, then check out my master guide to the best oat milk brands.
Oat milk is higher in fiber than traditional dairy milk. It also contains extra B vitamins. Both fiber and B vitamins help lower cholesterol levels and promote heart health.
Oat milk is considered perishable and should be refrigerated. If kept well sealed in your fridge, it can last up to 10 days.
The answer is both! If you’re looking for additional B vitamins and are dealing with a nut allergy, then this oat milk recipe is for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking to lose weight, then almond milk is lower in calories and fat. There’s a right plant-based milk for everyone!
More Plant-Based Milk Recipes
Looking for other great + clean plant-based milk recipes? Check out some of our other great creations, or leave a comment below with your favorite homemade milk creation:
Don’t forget to rate + review this recipe once you’ve made it. Your feedback is so helpful!
How to Make Oat Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats or whichever kind you prefer
- 3 cups water + enough water to soak oats
- 1 tbsp coconut oil optional
- 2 tbsp maple syrup optional
- ½ tsp vanilla extract optional
- Pinch sea salt optional
Instructions
- Soak steel-cut oats in bowl of water (just enough water to completely cover the oats) for 20 minutes prior to blending. Drain excess water.
- Place soaked oats and 3 cups water in high-speed blender.
- Strain through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a wide glass bowl.
- Discard pulp from bag or cheesecloth.
- Rinse the blender and pour the milk back into the blender from the bowl.
- Add the coconut oil, maple syrup, and vanilla (if using), and salt. Blend for 10 seconds.
Notes
- Save pulp for using in smoothies, baked goods or overnight oats.
- As an alternative to maple syrup, use fresh pitted dates to sweeten instead.
- Alternate flavoring options include 2 Tbsps cacao powder for a chocolate option, or 1/2 cup berries for a berry flavored oat milk.
I wasn’t thinking and used extra virgin coconut oil (it’s the only kind I keep on hand). EVCO is solid at room temperature so blending it with my cool oat milk made it super clumpy. I’m guessing you used refined coconut oil?
Hi Courtney,
That’s a great point – if the water you’re using for your oat milk is cold, the coconut oil may not blend as well. I would recommend room temperature water, rather than using a particular type of coconut oil as a solution.
I used steel cut, soaked and drained as per directions, and I blended at a medium speed on my vitamix for exactly one minute. I skipped the oil. Very happy with the results.
I’m confused. The article says rolled oats are best for oat milk, but the recipe calls for steel cut oats.
It’s not so clear. Are you using the same water you soaked the oats in to blend with? Or did you discard the soaking water, and add mew wanter. What does drain excess water mean?
Ok I read additional comments, and understand now. Thank you!
Used this recipe while on vacation and away from my Almond Cow. Thanks!
I love oat milk and have never thought of making my own until now. Excited to give this a try!
What do you recommend as an alternative to coconut oil? I’m sensitive to coconut but I can see how adding an oil will be beneficial in the recipe.
This came out kind of slimy. Any thoughts? Better than other oat milk recipes I have made in the past though. Seems I can’t find a recipe with no sliminess
Hi Rosey, here’s what I suggest:
1. Rinse the oats after you soak them
2. Use ice cold water
3. Don’t over blend
4. Strain well but don’t over squeeze
5. A nut milk bag might work better than cheesecloth as cheesecloth isn’t tightly woven enough
Good luck!
How do you save the pulp?
Hi Andrea. You can let it dry out and put it into a container until you use it. I think it would keep best in the refrigerator.
Can you leave the pulp in? I do that with my almond milk. Thanks.
Hey Carina! I haven’t ever done that but if you do it with almond milk, I don’t see why you can’t with oat milk. 🙂
How long does this keep in fridge?
Never mind—answered!
🙂
About 4-7 days. 🙂
So excited to try this! I haven’t yet made my own nut or oat milks, so how long does this keep in the fridge?
Nvm…I see just below my question…..
No worries! 🙂
It will keep for 4-7 days.
How long will the oat milk last after making, also, assuming this needs to be refrigerated?
Hi Maura! After it’s blended and strained, pour the oat milk into an airtight jar then store it in the fridge. It will last between 4-7 days. And keep in mind, without any stabilizers or emulsifiers the milk will separate in the fridge. This is normal, just give it a good shake or stir before drinking. 🙂
I love how simple this recipe is. I’ve made my own oat milk before, yet want to try this recipe with the slight sweetness added.
So simple and easy! Give it a try and come back to let us know how it went!
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Do you have any suggestions on how to make it less “gummy”? I made it once (not with this recipe), and it was kind of gummy.
Hey Olivia! Here’s what I suggest: 1. Rinse the oats after you soak them, 2. Use ice cold water, 3. Don’t over blend, 4. Strain well but don’t over squeeze, 5. A nut milk bag might work better than cheesecloth as cheesecloth isn’t tightly woven enough. Good luck! 🙂