Easy DIY recipe for oat milk

Are you tired of store-bought non-dairy milk options that are full of additives and preservatives? Look no further than homemade oat milk! This simple and cost-effective alternative is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking for a healthier choice, oat milk is the perfect solution for all your plant-based milk needs.

Making your own oat milk at home is easy and requires only a handful of ingredients. Plus, it allows you to control the sweetness and consistency to your liking. So, grab a bag of oats and let’s get started! In this article, we’ll guide you through the simple steps of making your own oat milk and show you some creative ways to use it in your everyday life. It’s time to ditch the carton and try this homemade oat milk recipe.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make your own oat milk, you’ll need only a handful of ingredients that are easily accessible at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Oats

The main ingredient of oat milk is, of course, oats. You can use any kind of oats you prefer, whether it’s rolled oats or steel-cut oats. However, make sure that they are plain, not flavored or sweetened.

2. Water

You’ll need clean water to blend with the oats. You can use filtered or tap water.

3. Sweetener (optional)

If you prefer your oat milk to be sweeter, you can add a sweetener such as maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar to taste.

4. Salt (optional)

Adding a pinch of salt can enhance the flavor of oat milk and also act as a natural preservative.

5. Vanilla extract (optional)

If you like a vanilla flavor in your oat milk, adding a few drops of vanilla extract can do wonders.

6. Nut milk bag

A nut milk bag will be needed to strain the oat milk. If you don’t have a nut milk bag, you can use a cheesecloth or a fine-mesh strainer.

7. Blender

A high-speed blender is the best option to get a smooth and creamy oat milk. However, any blender will work just fine.

8. Jar or bottle

You’ll need a jar or bottle to store the oat milk in the fridge.

9. Time and patience

Making oat milk is a quick process, but soaking and blending the oats does take some time and patience.

10. Kitchen towel

A kitchen towel can be used to cover the jar or bottle while soaking the oats in water.

Soak the Oats

Before blending the oats, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This will make the oats softer and easier to blend. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip this step and use hot water to soak the oats for 10-15 minutes.

Blend the Oats and Water

Once the oats are soaked, add them to the blender along with the water. The ratio of oats to water should be around 1:4. Blend the oats and water on high speed for 30 seconds to a minute until the mixture is smooth and creamy.

Strain the Oat Milk

Pour the oat milk mixture through the nut milk bag into a large bowl or pitcher. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the bag. You should be left with a thick oat pulp in the bag; you can save this for other recipes like oatmeal or pancakes.

Flavor Your Oat Milk

Add any optional ingredients at this stage, like sweetener, salt, or vanilla extract, until you get the desired taste. If the oat milk is too thick, add more water to thin it out.

Store Your Oat Milk

Store your fresh oat milk in an airtight jar or bottle in the fridge. It can last for up to 5-7 days. Give the jar or bottle a gentle shake before using, as the oat milk may separate slightly.

Use Your Homemade Oat Milk

Now, your homemade oat milk is ready to use! You can use it in smoothies, coffee, tea, cereal, or any recipe that calls for milk. Enjoy the creamy and delicious taste, knowing that you made it yourself at a fraction of the cost of store-bought oat milk.

Benefits of Making Homemade Oat Milk

Making homemade oat milk has several benefits that are worth considering. In this section, we’ll explore some of the advantages of making your own oat milk at home.

1. Control Over Ingredients

One of the most significant benefits of making homemade oat milk is having control over what goes into it. With store-bought oat milk, you don’t really know what’s in it or how it’s made. By making your own, you can choose your oats, sweeteners, and add-ins, ensuring that you’re drinking something that aligns with your values and preferences.

2. Cost-Effective

Compared to other plant-based milk alternatives, oat milk is relatively affordable. However, making homemade oat milk is even more cost-effective. A single cup of oats can make up to four cups of oat milk, meaning you can make a large batch for much cheaper than you can buy the same amount at the store.

3. Low Carbon Footprint

Making your own oat milk also has a low carbon footprint compared to buying it at the store. Store-bought oat milk requires packaging, transportation, and refrigeration, all of which contribute to the food’s environmental impact. By making your own at home, you minimize the carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of the milk.

4. Customizable Flavorings

Another benefit of making homemade oat milk is being able to customize the flavorings. For instance, you can add vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or cinnamon to your oat milk, giving it a unique flavor that’s different from what you’d find at the store. This variety allows you to experiment with various flavors to find your perfect blend.

5. All-Natural Ingredients

Many store-bought oat milk varieties contain additives, emulsifiers, and sweeteners that you might not want to consume. By making homemade oat milk, you can ensure that all the ingredients are natural and free of chemicals. This results in a healthier and more wholesome drink option.

6. Longer Shelf Life

Homemade oat milk also lasts longer than store-bought varieties. This is because there are no preservatives added, so the milk’s shelf life is determined by the freshness of the oat milk. You can keep your homemade oat milk in the fridge for up to five days, giving you more time to enjoy it before it goes bad.

7. No Waste

Making homemade oat milk also means you don’t have any waste from packaging or discharged liquids. All the oats you use in the recipe are edible and portioned to cover your needs, meaning you don’t throw away material or product.

8. Nourishing for the Body

Oats are an incredibly nourishing ingredient that can benefit the body in several ways. They contain fiber, protein, and a range of vitamins and minerals that can support good health. By drinking homemade oat milk, you’ll get the benefits of these nutrients in an easy-to-consume and tasty form.

9. Dairy-Free Option

For people who are lactose-intolerant or have a dairy allergy, oat milk is an excellent alternative to cow’s milk. Making oat milk at home means you can create a dairy-free milk option that’s just as delicious and nutritious as dairy milk.

10. Support for Local Farmers

Choosing to make your own oat milk can support local farmers as the oats are sourced and bought locally. This supports their businesses, strengthening regional agriculture and communities. Plus, you can feel good about supporting small-scale farmers whose farming practices align with sustainability values.

How to Make Homemade Oat Milk: Tips and Tricks

Oat milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative that is healthy, creamy and delicious. It is also very easy to make at home and requires just oats, water, a blender, and a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.

Here are some tips and tricks to ensure that your homemade oat milk turns out perfectly every time:

1. Use Rolled Oats Instead of Steel Cut Oats

Rolled oats are the perfect type of oats to use when making oat milk. They are softer, cook quicker and make a creamier milk. Steel cut oats, on the other hand, are too hard and will not blend well, leaving you with a lumpy and grainy texture in your milk.

2. Soak Your Oats Overnight

Soaking your oats overnight helps to soften them and make them easier to blend. Soaking also helps to reduce the slimy texture that can sometimes be associated with oat milk. Simply add your oats to a bowl, cover them with water, and let them soak overnight or for at least 30 minutes before blending.

3. Use Cold Water

Using cold water when blending your oats helps to prevent the milk from becoming too slimy or gummy. It also helps to preserve the sweetness and natural flavor of the oats. Avoid using hot water or boiling water as this will result in a bitter taste and a slimy texture.

4. Strain Your Milk Twice

Straining your milk through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth twice can help to remove any remaining oat solids and ensure a smooth and creamy texture. After the first straining, give the bag or cheesecloth a good squeeze to extract as much milk as possible and then strain the milk again for a second time.

5. Sweeten and Flavor Your Milk as Desired

Homemade oat milk has a very mild and neutral flavor, which means that it can be easily flavored or sweetened according to your taste preferences. Some popular sweeteners and flavors to add to oat milk include vanilla extract, cinnamon, honey, agave syrup, or dates. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.

In conclusion, making homemade oat milk is a simple, healthy and tasty alternative to regular dairy milk. Follow these tips and tricks to ensure that your oat milk turns out perfectly every time and you can enjoy it on its own, in your coffee or tea, or in your favorite recipes.

That’s all for now!

Thanks for reading till the end. I hope you enjoy making your very own oat milk. Don’t forget to let me know how your oat milk turned out in the comments below. If you’re curious about making other plant-based milk, I have many more recipes that I would love to share with you. So, be sure to visit my page again soon. Have a great day!