Oat Milk - Its Benefits, Facts And Uses

Oat milk really has taken over the world. Whether you’re in your local coffee shop, your favorite health food store, or just heading out to the deli next door, chances are you’re going to be able to find an overwhelming selection of oat milk. 

Oat milk is no longer a dairy milk alternative, for many, it’s the first choice. And there are loads of good reasons why.

But how do you navigate this new world of oat milk? There’s a heap of choices out there, and not all oat milk is created equal. So we’ve compiled a how-to (and a why-to) for all your oat milk needs. 

What is Oat Milk?

Ok first up, what even is it? Well, that’s a good question. Last time we checked, oats don’t have udders. So when you think about it, this whole concept of ‘oat milk’ is a little counterintuitive. 

Oat milk is basically the creamy liquid left over when we use water to extract the plant material from oats. The way the plant material is extracted from the oats depends on the brand, but usually the oats are soaked for a period of time and the liquid is drained to separate the solids from the liquids. And that’s about it! It’s a really fantastic (and simple) way of producing a milk-like substance that has SO many uses. 

Why Drink Oat Milk?

But before we get to that, let’s think about WHY we might drink oat milk. Well, first and foremost it’s delicious. With the mild taste of oats in the background and its luscious creamy texture, it is a beautiful, rich product that will have you craving for more. 

It’s also super healthy. With less fat than dairy milk, it’s a low-calorie alternative full of nutrients. Lots of oat milk producers also add fantastic vitamins and supplements that can turn your go-to oat milk into a proper health kick. 

And then finally, it’s a treat that is great for the environment. The dairy industry is not sustainable. Not only are dairy cows often treated with very little respect, but the sheer amount of produce that is necessary to keep the dairy industry alive is staggering. It’s an environmental nightmare. Opting for oat milk (especially organic oat milk) takes you out of that system. A win-win. 

What are the Uses of Oat Milk?

Ok. So. How best to use your oat milk? There are a whole bunch of fantastic ways. Here’s a list of ideas:

• First up, an obvious one: Use it in your coffee or tea. It needs no explaining really. But trust us: once you go there, you’ll find it hard to use anything else. 
• Use organic oat milk in your baked goods. It’s a great dairy alternative. Try and opt for the unsweetened organic versions when using oat milk for baking. 
• Add creamy textures to your cooking. Making a soup? A gratin? A mashed potato? All of these dishes can be creamified by your favorite organic oat milk. 
• What about in your smoothie? Again, this is a no-brainer. It is stone-cold delicious and just goes perfect in that morning blend. 
• And for a twist? Adding oat milk to your mac and cheese is always a great bet. And trust us, the kids won't notice the difference. 

A Selection of Great Oat Milks to Try

So now you know the whys and the hows, here’s a list of fantastic oat milks that you can experiment with. 

Oatly - The Original Oatly Oat Milk

Oatly really is the original. This oat milk is made from gluten-free oats and has no extra sugars or thickeners. It’s a real treat. This 64oz carton is also super helpful. Before it’s opened you don’t need to store it in the fridge either, which makes it a great space saver. You can’t go far wrong with Oatly’s oat milk. Full of all the oat milk benefits you’re looking for. 

Oatly - The Original Oatly Oat Milk Full Fat

Ok so this Oatly Oat Milk Full Fat is the same Oatly goodness but with all the full-bodied creamy luxury you need. It makes it just perfect to add to your coffee, or for any extra thick creamy needs. It really is beautiful. 

Minor Figures - Organic Oat Milk

This Organic Oat Milk from Minor Figures is the cool kid on the block. It’s been formulated by coffee professionals and it’s even tagged as a ‘barista standard’ oat milk. So for any of you coffee heads out there, look no further than Minor Figures Organic Oat Milk. It is thick and lush and will match perfectly with your bean of choice. 

Chobani - Plain Oat Milk (Regular & Extra Creamy)

Made with whole grain oats, this Plain Oat Milk from Chobani is delicious. It comes in two editions (regular and extra creamy) so you can choose for whichever occasion. It’s a great source of vitamins A and D and it even froths, so if you are in the market for a frothy coffee, then this Chobani oat milk might just be the one for you. 

Better Than Milk - Organic Unsweetened Oat Drink

This Organic Unsweetened Oat Drink from Better Than Milk is an oat milk with a twist. It is blended with spring water from the Lessini Mountains of Italy. This gives it an exceptionally smooth texture. It is gluten-free and the recycled packaging is super environmentally friendly too, with caps made sustainably and cartoons made from FSC material. In short, it’s a joy - for both people and the planet. 

Miyoko's - Organic Cultured Vegan Butters

For something artisanal maybe you want to have a try of this Organic Cultured Vegan Butter from Miyoko’s. They use organic oat milk to churn delicious plant-based butter. We know it’s not a traditional oat milk, but oat milk is used in the process and it’s just so good we couldn’t resist.

Oatzarella - Original Cheesecake, 25oz

Ok fine, one more. Oat milk + CHEESECAKE. Need we say more? Ok all we’ll say is that it is fully organic oat milk and… it’s just SO DELICIOUS. Creamy oaty goodness in a cake form. It’s what dreams are made from!

How to make your own Oat Milk:

Feeling particularly adventurous? Wanting to get creative in your kitchen? Well, homemade oat milk might just be the option for you. 

Here’s what you need: 

• Some whole rolled oats (half a cup should do)
• A little maple syrup or agave syrup
• Sea salt
• Vanilla extract 

And the process is really quite straightforward. 

1. Add your oats to three cups of water and blend. Do this until the liquid looks creamy and white. Be careful not to over-blend.
2. Now strain the liquid through a fine mesh cheesecloth. There will be a little oat pulp residue left over on the cheesecloth. That’s fine! Be sure NOT to press the liquid out of this pulp. Discard it into your compost.
3. Now give the liquid a second strain. This will give you a really clear, smooth final liquid. This step isn’t essential, it all depends on your preference. 
4. Now chill that oat milk in the fridge and ENJOY!

And that's a wrap on Oat Milk

So that’s everything you need to know to get you going on your oat milk journey. Whether you are pouring it over your cereal, adding it to your baking, or splashing it into your morning coffee, there are so many oat milk options out there. So be sure to go out and explore. And know that when you are drinking oat milk you are doing yourself and your environment a huge favor.