Make your own homemade Oat Milk in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s so quick, easy and budget friendly!
Two words : Oat Milk
This homemade vegan milk is a game changer.
You’ve all heard of, and no doubt use all kinds of non-dairy milk, like cashew milk and almond milk, but did you know that you can make your own milk from oats?
It’s almost as cool as making your own Vegan Butter! If you haven’t tried that recipe yet you must. Just look at it and it takes literally a few minutes to make!!!
But back to the oats…
This Oat Milk is so quick and easy to do. You need no special equipment. You don’t even need a nut milk bag.
See my video below to see what I mean!
All you need are 4 things:
- oats
- water
- optional add-ins such as a date, a pinch of salt and some vanilla
- a sieve
- a blender
I wouldn’t be without my Blendtec but because the oats are pretty soft, you don’t need a super-duper blender.
I used to make this Oat Milk in a really cheap $40 blender before I upgraded to my Blendtec and the results were fine. The milk will end up slightly creamier if you use a better blender though.
SUPER SPEEDY HOMEMADE VEGAN MILK
Most common vegan milks are nut-based and they take a little while to make because you have to soak the nuts for at least a few hours or overnight before you start. Oat Milk is different. You have to soak the oats, but only for 15 minutes. Then you can jump right in and make it. You’re talking 20 minutes tops.
The number of times this Oat Milk has saved me when I have been about to make a recipe and realized I have no milk in the fridge is unbelievable. We all do it, right? But as long as you have some rolled oats in the pantry, you are never more than 20 minutes away from having some homemade milk.
About to make some Gingerbread Pancakes and realize you’re out of milk?
No worries! Make some homemade Oat milk!
THE CHEAPEST VEGAN MILK
If you use a lot of nut-based milks, things can get pretty expensive, but this is ridiculously cheap to make, which is why I use it in most recipes that call for milk. Cakes, muffins, pancakes, sauces etc.
THE BEST PLANT-BASED MILK FOR COFFEE
This Oat Milk is excellent in tea and coffee and does not curdle.
It’s particularly good in coffee when it has the vanilla and date added.
I drink my coffee black and have never added milk or creamer to it, but tried this in a cup of strong coffee at the weekend. Just as an experiment really, to see if it curdled. It was so good I ended up having another right after. And no curdling.
It doesn’t work so well if you heat it independently before adding to hot drinks though so please do not do this. This includes using a steam wand. If you do heat it independently or use a steam wand you will end up with an oaty custard type concoction ????
Just remember that if you are using it for savoury things, it’s best to omit the date and vanilla.
Rolled oats are incredibly cheap to buy, and using this Oat Milk rather than more expensive nut-based milks will save you a small fortune.
PERFECT FOR CHILDREN OR ADULTS WITH NUT ALLERGIES
Oat Milk is a great option for people who avoid dairy but are also allergic to nuts. It is also a great gluten-free option as long as you are sure to buy certified gluten-free rolled oats.
Children tend to really enjoy the taste of Oat Milk because it’s so neutral.
WHAT TO DO WITH LEFTOVER OAT MILK PULP
You will be left with some oat pulp when you have finished straining your milk and there are a few ways you can use it:
- Make my chocolate chip oatmeal cookies
- Add to smoothies
- Add to oatmeal
- Use a dehydrator or spread out thinly on a baking tray and bake in a low oven until completely dry then use in granola recipes or blend up into flour
HOW TO MAKE OAT MILK
There are just a few simple steps when making your own Oat Milk.
FOR INGREDIENTS, FULL INSTRUCTIONS & AN INSTRUCTIONAL VIDEO, PLEASE SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END OF THIS POST
Step 1
Soak the oats but not for long (nothing about this process is long!)
Step 2
Rinse the oats well
Step 3
Add the soaked oats to a blender with the other ingredients and blend until smooth
Step 4
Strain through a sieve, nut milk bag or cheese cloth. I just use a sieve, and not a special one. It was from a cheap set and is very similar to these:
OAT MILK FAQ
WHY DO YOU HAVE TO DISCARD THE SOAKING WATER AND RINSE THE OATS?
Oats become slimy when they get wet. By discarding the soaking water and rinsing them well before making the milk, you wash off the slime. If you do not discard the water and rinse the oats well then your milk will be slimy.
HOW LONG WILL OAT MILK LAST ONCE MADE?
Oat milk will last for 3 – 4 days in the fridge.
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Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 90g / 1 cup rolled oats
- 960mls | 4 cups water for making the milk , plus extra for soaking
- 1 - 2 medjool dates , (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract , (optional)
- small pinch salt , (optional)
Instructions
- Add oats to a large bowl or jug and cover with water. Leave to soak for 15 minutes.
- Pour through a sieve discarding the liquid then rinse the oats very well a number of times under running water. This step is really important so don't skip it. (see my FAQ below if you want to know why).
- Put the rinsed oats, optional vanilla, optional salt and optional dates into a blender.
- Cover with around 3 cups / 720 mls water then blend until it smooth. The time it takes will vary depending on your blender. In a Blendtec or a Vitamix it will take around 1 minute. Don't blend it for too long as if it gets hot it will start thickening up and going weird. It's better to do it in short bursts if you have a super high powered blender. Check the thickness. It will likely be quite thick like cream now. Add enough extra water to get it to the thickness that you like and give it a quick pulse to mix. If you are using it as a coffee creamer then it's nice left pretty thick. For other things it's better thinner.
- Strain 2 or 3 times through a sieve. You can use a nut milk bag if you have one but it isn't necessary. If you use a nut milk bag straining once will be sufficient.
- Pour into a lidded container and store in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Margie says
What did I do wrong? I have a vitamix and followed the instructions, but I didn’t have any pulp left really after straining through my nut milk bag. Did I pulverize it too much? I haven’t tasted it yet, it’s in the fridge getting cold now. It looks great though.
A Virtual Vegan says
Maybe your blender is much better than my blender and made the oaty bits so small you had no pulp? At least there’s no waste! I have a Blendtec. I have never tried this in Vitamix. I hope you enjoy it once it’s chilled!
Shari Denker says
Just curious, I’d think the soaking liquid would be both flavorful and nutritious……why dump it?
A Virtual Vegan says
Oats become slimy when they get wet. By discarding the soaking water and rinsing them well before making the milk, you wash off the slime. If you do not discard the water and rinse the oats well then your milk will be slimy.
Betty says
Looking forward to making this recipe but I noticed that your ingredients call for 4 cups of water, plus more for soaking. But your directions say add the rinsed oats to 3 cups of water. Can you please comment on which is correct? Thank you!
A Virtual Vegan says
4 cups of water is the maximum you will need to make the milk. You start with 3 cups, blend, then I explain to add more to get it to the thickness you want. It’s different for everyone. Some people like it thick, some like it thin, so you might use the extra cup, you might not. The soaking water isn’t included in the quantity. Hope that helps!
Colin Pendlebury says
You have made my day….about a year ago I decided to stop using dairy and started using (relatively expensive) shop bought oat milk for my tea and porridge. So far so good but the idea of being able to make it at home is something I would never have thought of…. until now. Keep up the good work, it is very much appreciated.
A Virtual Vegan says
Thank you Colin. Comments like this make my day too!
Angel Karing says
I made this!!!! Thanks so much for this recipe, I tried it in my coffee a it would be a great creamer if I ran out and had to make some. I used it in my raisin Bran muffins instead of reg milk, A+++
A Virtual Vegan says
That’s awesome Angel! I’m so glad you like the recipe and thank you so much for stopping by to leave feedback. I appreciate it!
Lepidoptera says
Thank you for such well written post.
I made mine the second time by soaking the oats overnight, then blended with date (peeled). The main reasons to do this way were: thickness, better digestion, and trying to get rid of bitterness. To my frustration, it still has a bitter underlining taste to it…
PS: using organic rolled oats
Namaste!
A Virtual Vegan says
You’re welcome. I wonder what is making it taste bitter? I’ve never detected any bitterness in mine. The flavour is more slightly on the sweet side. Could it be your tap water perhaps?
yuliya murasina says
Thanks a lot for the recepie, can not wait to make it ????. Expensive at the supermarket but seems quite easy to make it.
A Virtual Vegan says
You’re welcome. I hope you enjoy it!
ABC says
I don’t understand how a liquid can get slimy? Isn’t the definition of slimy a solid that’s kind of liquidy? I’m honestly curious.
A Virtual Vegan says
Oats get slimy when they get wet then you are blending them up in water so if you don’t rinse them thoroughly the milk will end up slimy. And no I don’t think the definition of slimy is a solid that’s kind of liquidy. According to Wikipedia slimy means “covered by or having the feel or consistency of slime” which is exactly on point. If you made the milk you would understand.
Erica K. says
I think that the soluble fiber content in the oats is what makes it so slimy. I think this makes sense, given that soluble fiber essentially turns into a gelatinous matrix when metabolized, which in turn supports bowel movements. I like to think of a water slide to illustrate the role of soluble fiber in digestion…
Tan Mei Jing says
Thank you for recipe! I used 80g organic rolled oats + 450ml water and it turned out much better than the packet oat milk that I bought from stores. Not to mention it’s pocket-friendly! I didn’t strain the milk as I’m ok with some fine oat pulps in my milk.
A Virtual Vegan says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Trisha says
Hi Mel! Thanks for this recipe. I happened upon it on Pinterest and decided to try it as oat milk here in Madrid is pretty expensive and usually still has some additives. I really liked how easy it was to make and the taste is perfect! Thanks again!
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it Trisha!
gary d says
This works great, thanks! And so cheap.. 2 cups of oats, 2 blender fulls, and I have 1/2 gallon of “milk” that imo tastes actually better than commercial nut milk. I used a nutmilk bag to strain, worked fantastically.
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you are enjoying the recipe Gary!
Laetitia says
Wow this looks great. Tired of spending money on expensive store bought non- dairy milks so really looking forward to giving this a go. Just wondering if you could freeze the milk afterwards- not sure I would be able to finish in 3/4 days. Thanks!
A Virtual Vegan says
I have never tried freezing it. Perhaps try a small amount first and see what happens. You could maybe half or even quarter the recipe if freezing isn’t successful. I hope you enjoy it!
Tari says
Thank you so much for this recipe. This tastes great! I’ll never buy milk again now I can make this. I add: 1/8 tsp almond extract, 1/4 tsp truvia & 1/2 tsp sea salt.
A Virtual Vegan says
You are so welcome! I’m thrilled you are enjoying it. Love the almond extract addition. I bet it makes great coffee! Thank you for stopping by to leave feedback. It’s much appreciated!
Sonjachardé Mixon says
Can I use this to make oatmeal on the stove or as a replacement for other milks in cooking recipes? Or is it only for drinking? Made my first batch today 😉
A Virtual Vegan says
I use it all the time in things like cakes and muffins as it’s so much cheaper than using anything else. It’s fine in oatmeal too but it does really thicken when you heat it in a pan so I would advise using part milk part water so it doesn’t get too stodgy. If it does get too thick just thin it out with a little more water.
Margaret Flay says
About to make this using oat flakes for the first time (I always use steel cut oats) and am wondering if there is any difference in nutritional content between using steel cut oats and oat flakes for making oat milk. Thanks. Love all your content!!
A Virtual Vegan says
Thanks Margaret. You could use steel cut oats for this but I have never tried. I would guess you would need to soak them a little longer. Maybe an hour or two? There is no doubt that steel cut oats are less processed than flaked oats. I just had a quick look at the nutrition of them both online and they have identical fibre, carb, fat, protein stats. Steel cut oats tend to have a slightly lower glycemic index I believe but thats only because they take longer to digest than flaked oats. In this recipe they are blitzed to nothing anyway so that wont make any difference.
To be absolutely honest, by the time you dilute the oats with all the water and strain out the pulp, there probably isn’t a great deal of nutrition left anyway.
Chío says
Hi!! I always thought making this milk was hard and included stove… But this looks fast and yummy.
Can’t wait to prepare it.
The photo shows some kind of oat bar…. Do u have the recipe for those ??? They both look delicious together.
Tnks 😀
A Virtual Vegan says
I hope you enjoy it when you get to try it. The oat bar you are talking about is Weetabix. A breakfast cereal. Hopefully they will be available wherever you are so you can try them!
Claire Brady says
Thanks for the recipe. Made the milk last night and being used this morning. Will save a fortune.
A Virtual Vegan says
You’re welcome. I love that so many people are enjoying it and saving some pennies at the same time!
Tim says
Hi Virtual Vegan
I noticed you used what looks like a metal sieve instead of a cheesecloth to strain your finished milk. All the sites that I’ve seen have recommended a cheesecloth so as to eliminate the smaller particulates but I’d much rather use a sieve.
I’m just wondering:
1. Do you have an Amazon link to the sieve that you use?
2. Do you find that the sieve removes the smaller particulates from the milk?
Thank you
A Virtual Vegan says
Sieving 2 or 3 times works well enough for this recipe. I wanted to make homemade milk a little more accessible and avoid people having to buy something special to make it. That tends to put people off having a go. That’s why I recommend a sieve over cheesecloth or a nut milk bag. You can use either of those though and you will probably find that you only need to sieve once if you do. My fine mesh sieve was bought at a local store and isn’t on Amazon so I can’t link to it I’m afraid. It was only a super cheap one though. About $5 I think, so nothing special at all. JUst the kind that you would use to sieve flour for a cake. You do get a little sediment in the bottom of the milk bottle/jar when it settles but once it’s all shaken up I can’t notice it. Hope you enjoy it if you try it!
Tim says
Thank you, I am definitely going to make this as I’d like to switch from dairy and would like to encourage my kids away from it as well. I just know they are a bit fussy so well strained milk will go over better with them.
I read about a chinois and was thinking of picking one of these devices up as apparently these are ultra fine strainers.
Lepidoptera says
Hi, I used a 100% cotton cutouts of a t-shirt. It comes out better than strainer or cheese cloth
Abi says
This was great! Made this quick and easy in under half an hour and doesnt taste too bad either. Ive been trying to switch to vegan milks but have ted the taste of most of them and its quite dicouraging when its cheeper and tastyer just to buy the the evil cows milk ???? this is great that i can make it so cheep and easily at home and doesnt have that horrible chalky muskey taste some alternatives have, thank you very much for the recipe!
A Virtual Vegan says
So glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for letting me know!
Katie Koteen says
I’ve always wanted to learn how to make my own oat milk! This is the weekend for sure 🙂 Great way to cut down on unnecessary packaging too.
A Virtual Vegan says
Hope you enjoy it Katie!