How to Make Oat Milk

By Alexandra Caspero on April 3, 2019

How to make oat milk! If you love oatmilk, then you’ll want to save this simple oat milk recipe. Only 4 ingredients and ready in less than 10 minutes. 

oat milk recipe ingredients

I’ve been singing the praises of oat milk ever since I discovered it a little over a year ago. It’s my secret weapon in creating perfectly moist vegan cakes and the star in making fluffy, plant-based pancakes (coming soon!) and rich, vegan ice cream (also coming soon!)

Since oat milk can be close to $5 for a half gallon, I figured that it was time to show you how to make your own, for much less! Not only does this homemade oat milk recipe save you money (even using organic oats), it’s also easy to do and the taste is incredible.

Imagine the creamiest plant-based milk you’ve ever tried. That’s oat milk! Here’s how to do it.

oat milk ingredients in blender

How to Make Oat Milk

  1. Place oats, water, salt into a blender and puree until creamy. Since I use this oat milk in cereal and for making, I add a date (and sometimes a little vanilla) for a sweeter milk.
  2. Pour contents into a nut milk bag (or cheesecloth lined bowl) This allows you to easily strain out the solids and creates a creamy oat milk. You can grab a nut milk bag for less than $10 and I use mine almost weekly in making juice and homemade milks (this same process works for cashew, hemp, almond and other non-dairy milks.)
  3. Done! Now you are ready to enjoy creamy, delicious oat milk.
oat milk ingredients blended

Is Oat Milk Gluten Free? 

Yes! As long as you use certified gluten-free oats, then your milk will be gluten-free. My favorite brand for certified gluten-free oats are Bob’s Red Mill and the one’s from Thrive Market. 

Is Oat Milk Good For You? 

As a Registered Dietitian, I’m a big fan of alternative milks to dairy. I try to limit dairy intake as much as possible and homemade dairy-free milks make that possible. Oatmilk is higher in carbohydrates and lower in fat and protein than some other non-dairy milks, but it’s still a healthy option. I prefer oatmilk in my cereal and for vegan baking. See below for more on that! 

oat milk being strained through nut milk bag

How to Make Oat Milk that Isn’t Slimy

Homemade oatmilk can be slimy, but there are a few ways to avoid this.

  1. Make sure you are using very cold water to blend your oats and not over blending them. Heating the oats will create more slimy milk.
  2. Soak the oats for 15 minutes, then rinse in cold water to remove excess starch. You don’t have to do this, but will create a creamier milk.
  3. Double strain it. Pour through a nut milk bag once, then do it again. This will help ensure that your milk is extra-creamy and not at all slimy.
oat milk pouring

Why Oat Milk is Best for Vegan Baking

While I use this milk in several ways, it’s usually my go-to milk for baked goods.

One, oat beverage is higher in carbohydrates than other plant-based beverages and that’s a good thing. The reaction behind every golden brown baked temptation is known as the Maillard reaction. Catalyzed by the heat in the oven, reducing sugars with amino acids (protein!) yields a golden brown exterior and that characteristic ‘something is baking‘ aroma.

You need two things in order for this to happen: sugar, usually in the form of sugar in the recipe and/or ingredients like milk, and protein, usually in the form of milk or eggs. This is why when you swap in artificial sweeteners for baked goods the color is off.

It’s also why, in making vegan baked goods, removing both protein (eggs/milk) and reducing sugar can lead to pale baked goods. Tastes fine, but the color is off. Oat milk is naturally higher in carbohydrates than almond, making it a superior choice to getting a beautiful golden brown color and ‘baked good’ flavor.

Since having this ah-ha realization after one-too-many pale vegan cupcakes, cookies and cakes, I’ve fully converted to oat beverage! And, I think you should too.

Once you make this milk, try it with homemade baked oatmealhealthy banana muffins, pear muffins and espresso brownies.

homemade oat milks

Watch how to make oat milk here:

Ready to make your own oat milk? My guess is that you already have most of these ingredients in your pantry. And don’t forget- if you are planning on using this milk recipe for savory recipes then you’ll want to omit the vanilla. 

 

Print
creamy homemade oat milk

Homemade Oat Milk Recipe

  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 5
  • Yield: ~3 cups
  • Category: drink, beverage, milk
  • Method: blend, no cook
  • Cuisine: american

Description

How to make Oat milk! This creamy homemade oat milk recipe is so easy and quick to make and tastes delicious too! It’s ready in 5 minutes and only 5 ingredients are needed.


  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 5
  • Yield: ~3 cups
  • Category: drink, beverage, milk
  • Method: blend, no cook
  • Cuisine: american
  • Author: Alex Caspero
  • Prep Time: 5
  • Cook Time: 5
  • Total Time: 5
  • Yield: ~3 cups
  • Category: drink, beverage, milk
  • Method: blend, no cook
  • Cuisine: american
Scale

Ingredients

  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 3 cups water
  • 12 dates
  • 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
  • a pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Add the oats, water, dates, vanilla and salt to a high-speed blender and blend for 15-30 seconds until smooth.
  2. Strain through a nut milk bag or a cheesecloth. The leftover pulp can be used in smoothies to add extra fiber.
  3. Pour into a milk bottle and allow to chill for at least 2 hours before drinking.

Notes

See notes in the post above about how to reduce slimy oat milk!

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Tag @delishknowledge on Instagram and hashtag it #delishknowledge

If you love this homemade oat milk recipe, then you’ll love these over vegan oat recipes: Vegan Baked Oatmeal with Fresh Berries, Super Seedy Baked Oatmeal, Vegan Apple Crisp, Pumpkin Oatmeal 

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Meet Alex Caspero

Alex Caspero is a Registered Dietitian, New York Times Bestselling Plant-Based Chef and mom of two. She aims to cut through the nutrition noise by providing real-life, nourishing tips for body and mind. Learn more about Alex.

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    1. Carter Douglas
      November 9, 2019 AT 1:32 pm

      I really enjoy this oat milk and its even more perfect in my coffee!

      1. Alex
        November 10, 2019 AT 12:09 pm

        Yes! It’s fantastic in coffee 🙂

    2. Ethan
      October 22, 2019 AT 2:36 pm

      This was easier to make than I was expecting. I now put this in my morning smoothie. Great, rich flavor.

    3. Leah
      September 29, 2019 AT 9:44 am

      How long does it take to strain it? Don’t want to start it if ends up taking >30 minutes to do. I could go to the market to grab a carton of the stuff in less than that amount of time.

      1. Alex
        October 1, 2019 AT 8:29 am

        Hi Leah, it doesn’t take long to strain- about 5 minutes.

    4. Nancy
      July 9, 2019 AT 10:53 am

      Can I use instant oats? Or any other type other than rolled oats?

      1. Alex
        July 9, 2019 AT 7:10 pm

        I worry that instant oats will be more starchier- but if you try it and it works, let me know! Thanks.

    5. cera
      July 6, 2019 AT 11:57 am

      Followed all your tips!! Soak for 10 mins, rinse to get rid excess of starch, ice cold water, double strain …. and AMAZING!!!! Just wanted to share a tip I use for all home made milks: I add a date label – as no preservatives it doesn’t last in the fridge as long as store bought alternative milks.

      Great recipe!!

      1. Alex
        July 7, 2019 AT 6:33 am

        So glad you liked this! And yes- great idea for a date label.

    6. linda
      June 26, 2019 AT 8:40 pm

      Hi I was wondering if there is a way to make this less starchy tasting. I have only used store bought oat milks and feel like I don’t have a mouthful of starch. should I let them soak more? or use quick oats instead? any input would be helpful. thank you!

      1. Alex
        July 1, 2019 AT 10:03 am

        Hi Linda- I’m not sure- what kind of oats did you use? Did you strain afterwards?

        1. Linda
          July 1, 2019 AT 10:18 am

          I used extra thick rolled oats whole grain by bobs red mill

    7. Kimberly Brumsey
      June 21, 2019 AT 7:15 am

      How long will this keep for in the refrigerator?

      1. Alex
        June 24, 2019 AT 9:14 am

        About 5 days. Thanks!

    8. Chana Johnston
      June 10, 2019 AT 6:27 am

      I wonder if there’s a use for the oat mash after it is strained. Have you done anything with it?

      1. Mercy
        October 19, 2019 AT 3:47 pm

        I add some of the oat mash to the pan when I make oatmeal. It appears to make it creamier. I am also thinking of using a bit in oatmeal cookie recipe but I haven’t tried it yet.

      2. cera
        July 6, 2019 AT 11:58 am

        crunchies!!!!

      3. Alex
        June 11, 2019 AT 1:28 pm

        Hey Chana- I haven’t found anything that I like using the oat mash. Let me know if you find anything for it!

        1. PGJU
          July 17, 2019 AT 5:14 pm

          Try the oat mash in meatloaf? Or a smoothie?

          1. Alex
            July 18, 2019 AT 3:09 pm

            Great ideas!

    9. Nicole
      May 9, 2019 AT 10:59 am

      Hey Alex! I plan to try this over the weekend, as my son who is almost 2 only drinks oat milk. I currently buy Oatly, but it’s expensive! Does this yield the same sort of flavor/texture or would you only recommend this for baking? Thanks!

      1. Alex
        May 21, 2019 AT 12:49 pm

        It’s close, but not exactly the same. Oatly adds oil to give it a nicer mouthfeel.

    10. Jen
      April 5, 2019 AT 9:49 am

      Thank you! I made this after soaking the oats overnight. Looking forward to trying it in my favorite pancake and muffin recipe