• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About

Boulder Locavore® logo

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Free Bonus
  • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Free Bonus
    • About
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Drinks (Non-Alcoholic) » How to Make Oat Milk

    PUBLISHED: September 2, 2020 • By Toni Dash 19 Comments

    How to Make Oat Milk

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    OAT MILK TITLE IMAGE

    Homemade Oat Milk is a delicious dairy-free milk that’s easy to make at home. No fancy equipment is needed. No soaking of the oats is required. It’s a great ingredient in breakfast recipes, a tall glass of cold brew coffee and so much more!

    OAT MILK TITLE IMAGEIf you are on the hunt for a dairy-free milk alternative, you’ll love this recipe!

    It can be made at home very affordably.

    This delicious oat milk recipe is quick and easy to make. 

    It doesn’t take much planning.

    It will last about 5 days in the fridge.

    This gives you plenty of time to enjoy it in granola, in baked breakfast recipes or over ice by itself.

    What is Oat Milk?

    It’s a dairy-free milk option made using oats. It’s easy to make at home and has the wholesome flavor of oats.

    • It’s vegan 
    • It’s allergy-friendly (use certified gluten-free oats for those gluten-free)
    • It’s less expensive to make than other plant based milks such as almond milk or cashew milk
    • It’s faster and easier to make than most other non-dairy milk
    • It’s filling 
    • It has a mild flavor compared to some other milks

    pouring oat milk into cold brew coffee

    Recipe Ingredients

    • Rolled Oats
    • Cold Filtered Water
    • Sea Salt

    What Type of Oats to Use?

    Rolled oats which are also called Old Fashioned Oats are the best choice for making oat milk.

    They are whole unprocessed oats and work well for this recipe. Either regular or gluten-free rolled oats may be used.

    Steel Cut Oats do not make a very creamy milk. 

    Instant Oats or Quick Oats are processed and also do not make a very good milk.

    Making Flavored Oat Milk

    To make it sweet choose an option:

    • 1-2 pitted dates, or
    • 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup

    For flavor variations choose an option(s):

    • 1 teaspoon vanilla bean seeds
    • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 tablespoons cacao powder
    • 1 tablespoon pistachio paste
    • ¼ cup berries

    How to Make it – Step-by-Step

    Pour 1 cup of rolled oats into a blender.

    rolled oats in the blender

    Add 4 cups of cold filtered water. Also add the pinch of salt and any optional ingredients for flavor at this step.

    rolled oats in the blender with water

    BLEND IT – 30-45 seconds is all you need. DO NOT OVER BLEND! It should look white and creamy.

    homemade oat milk

    STRAIN THE MILK – Pour the milk into a nut milk bag, clean fine-weave kitchen towel or a fine mesh strainer lined with a clean cloth.

    oat milk in a nut milk bag

    DO NOT squeeze the nut bag or cloth to wring extra liquid out. This can contribute to the milk becoming slimy.

    Straining a second time creates an extra creamy result.

    oat milk in a nut milk bag squeezing

    Chill in the refrigerator before using for best flavor.

    The strained oat pulp may be discarded or used in oatmeal cookies, muffins, or quick bread recipes.

    How to Make Oat Milk Creamer

    For a creamer version, use 2-3 cups of water, 1 cup rolled oats and add a few tablespoons of a sweetener.

    Proceed with the recipe as described.

    How to Use it

    Because of the oat flavor it works best in sweeter recipes. 

    Baked Oatmeal, Oatmeal Pudding and Overnight Oats recipes are a perfect match.

    Smoothie recipes, Smoothie Bowls

    Using it in baking recipes like Little Apple Oat Cakes

    Roasted Banana Chia Pudding Breakfast Bowl or  Overnight Quinoa-Chia Chocolate Breakfast Pudding

    Try it in non-savory recipes that call for milk

    oat milk in cold brew coffee

    Recipe FAQs

    Why can Oat Milk get ‘Slimy’?

    ‘Slimy’ is never a description of milk we want. When oats soak too long in the water the end result can be a thickening or more gelatinous texture as you experience when making oatmeal for instance.

    They absorb the water and the texture changes. Avoid this by only quickly blending as noted in the recipe.

    The Milk Separated in the Refrigerator!

    This is normal. Shake it up or stir it before using.

    What Special Equipment is Required to Make it?

    You can use a nut bag OR a clean tightly woven cloth, like a thin kitchen towel (flour bag towels are great).

    A blender is required for this recipe. If you have a powerful blender like a Vitamix that’s great! A regular blender will work too.

    Can it be Heated?

    Heating oat milk is not recommended. Due to the thickening behavior in oats, it can develop an unpleasant texture.

    Pro Tips – Make it Perfectly Every time!

    Use newly purchased Oats. The milk will take on the flavor of the oats. So if the oats are old, you’ll taste it!

    Do not presoak the oats.

    Do not over blend! This can cause the slimy texture in oat milk. Blend 30-45 seconds only. 

    If using a nut milk bag don’t squeeze, wring or press hard on the pulp to release more milk. This also can contribute to a slimy texture.

    Strain it twice for the creamiest consistency.

    How to Store it

    Store it in a glass jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

    Stir as needed (if it separates).

    oat milk in a bowl

    More Recipes to Try!

    • Pumpkin Spice Cookies
    • Homemade Taco Seasoning
    • Asparagus Soup
    • Lemon Coconut Loaf Cake
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

    Please SUBSCRIBE and FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK , TWITTER , INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST !

    OAT MILK TITLE IMAGE

    Homemade Oat Milk

    Easy Oat Milk can be whipped up in a flash! No soaking of the oats required. Use it in cereal, smoothies, iced coffee and baking recipes!
    5 from 22 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 8 1/2-cup servings (total yield 4 cups)
    Calories: 38kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup rolled oats regular or gluten-free
    • 4 cups cold filtered water
    • ⅛ teaspoon sea salt

    Instructions

    • Place the oats, water, and any chosen optional ingredients (see notes below) into a high speed blender.
      Place the lid on the blender and blend for 30-45 seconds on high. NOTE: do not over blend for best results.
    • Using a nut milk bag or clean tea towel, strain the oat milk into a large bowl. You may wish to double strain the mixture depending on your consistency preference.
    • Transfer the oat milk to a container with a lid and store refrigerated for up to 5 days.

    Notes

    Optional Variations
    To make it sweet choose an option:
    ● 1-2 pitted dates
    ● 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup
    For flavor variations choose an option(s):
    ● 1 teaspoon vanilla bean seeds
    ● ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    ● 3 tablespoons cacao powder
    ● 1 tablespoon pistachio paste
    ● ¼ cup berries
    To make Oat Milk Creamer:
    • Use fresh rolled oats (not instant or quick oats, or steel cut oats)
    • Reduce filtered water from 4 cups to 2-3 cups.
    • Use 1 cup of rolled oats.
    • Add a few tablespoons of a sweetener.
    • Proceed with the recipe as written.
    Pro Tips
    • Do not over blend the milk. Blend 30-45 seconds max.
    • Do not wring or squeeze the nut milk bag or cloth when straining the milk.
    • Strain twice for a creamier consistency.
    • Do not pre-soak the oats. This can lead to a slimy consistency.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 38kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 43mg | Potassium: 37mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting recipe
    Coconut Curry Soup recipe »

    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

    Free Email Course

    5 FAST & EASY 15-MINUTE RECIPES
    Spending too much time in the kitchen?
    These recipes are fast, easy, and perfect for every occasion.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Suzy says

      September 04, 2020 at 10:33 pm

      5 stars
      This is a genius idea! So easy and inexpensive to make! Loved it!

      Reply
    2. Kevin says

      September 04, 2020 at 9:52 am

      5 stars
      I love when I come across recipes that I want to try out like this! Love how easy you made this to follow!

      Reply
    3. Catalina says

      September 04, 2020 at 12:08 am

      5 stars
      I’ve never tried to make oat milk at home! Sounds so easy with your recipe!

      Reply
    4. wilhelmina says

      September 03, 2020 at 10:30 am

      5 stars
      This is such a useful how-to! I had no idea it was so easy to make oat milk at home. It turned out really delicious!

      Reply
    5. Beti says

      September 03, 2020 at 6:57 am

      5 stars
      Homemade is the best! I am so excited to try this! It looks amazing!

      Reply
    6. katerina says

      September 03, 2020 at 6:56 am

      5 stars
      I love oat milk! This was really helpful! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

      Reply
    7. Erin says

      September 03, 2020 at 2:56 am

      5 stars
      This Homemade Oat Milk looks incredibly delicious!

      Reply
    8. Jamie says

      September 02, 2020 at 7:03 pm

      5 stars
      This was easier to make than I thought it would be!

      Reply
    9. Jocelyn says

      September 02, 2020 at 6:35 pm

      5 stars
      I never thought to make my own oat milk.. but this looks easy enough I might try it soon! Thank you for the easy recipe!

      Reply
    « Older Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    About Toni Dash

    Toni Dash BoulderLocavore.com Head Shot

    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

    AS FEATURED ON….

    BoulderLocavore.com Featured By Press

    Easy Dinners

    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs with lime wedges on a pewter platter Instant Pot Smoked Paprika & Garlic Chicken Legs
    • Korean BBQ Chicken title image Easy Korean BBQ Chicken recipe
    • Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket title image Instant Pot Corned Beef Brisket: an Easy One Pot Meal
    • Shrimp Salad title image Shrimp Salad Recipe
    • Green Chile Stew title image Hearty New Mexican Green Chile Pork Stew

    TRENDING RIGHT NOW

    • Hummingbird Cake title image The Best Hummingbird Cake recipe
    • Instant Pot Jambalaya Instant Pot Jambalaya Recipe: Quick & Easy Comfort Food
    • LIMEADE IN A GLASS WITH ICE Fresh Homemade Limeade recipe
    • How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast title How to Make Moist Homemade Shredded Chicken Breast Recipe
    • cilantro lime rice title image Easy Instant Pot Cilantro Lime Rice Recipe
    • Easter Rice Krispie Treats title image Easter Rice Krispie Treats: Fast & Festive with a Surprise Ingredient!

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Contact | About | Privacy Policy | Disclosure Policy | Accessibility Statement | Cookie Policy


    SIGN ME UP to get FREE recipes directly to my inbox!

    Don't miss our TRAVEL SECTION!


    Copyright © 2010-2023 All Rights Reserved

    Boulder Locavore is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC associates program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.