Your milk options at this point may seem endless, whether you prefer alternatives for milk or are completely dairy-free. You may have heard of almond milk, rice milk, or soy milk… but what about oat milk? This might just be the milk alternative that you have been missing out on.
Surprisingly, oat milk tastes a lot like cow milk, but the aftertaste is slightly oat-y. Compared to many non-dairy kinds of milk, oat milk is naturally sweeter and thicker. Think somewhere between 2 percent and whole milk, but way lighter.
What is oat milk
Oat milk is blended with water and made from whole oats or steel-cut oats. Once blended, the milk is strained so that the liquid can be just as creamy and smooth as regular cow milk.
Brands sometimes fortify oat milk to add in additional minerals and vitamins. Other brands add flavors and sweeteners. For anyone who is sensitive to gluten or has an allergy to nuts, oat milk is a good non-dairy option.
Because of the study of Rickard Öste on sustainable food systems and lactose intolerance, oat milk was birthed during the 1980s. The process of oat milk being created involves enzymes being used for raw oat kernels to be liquified into a milk-like substance.
Since then, oat milk comes in various flavors, including vanilla, dark chocolate, and strawberry.
How to store oat milk
Strain the oat milk after blending it. For storing, pour the milk into a jar with an airtight lid like a mason jar or a juice jar. You can store this in the fridge for up to two weeks.
You may notice that the milk starts to separate in the fridge if it’s homemade. That’s because it does not have any emulsifiers or stabilizers. Just know that this is normal. Before drinking, give the oat milk a good stir. In the freezer, oat milk can last for up to 6 months.
How do you know if oat milk has gone bad
Start by emptying your oat milk into a crystal. Then, discard the milk if:
- Color has changed: Oat milk is white. Most likely, something bad has happened if yours isn’t.
- The texture is not smooth: Throw the oat milk out if it is slimy, thick, or lumpy.
- It smells off: It’s uncommon for milk alternatives to smell bad or sour. But that’s a clear sign of spoilage it if does.
Dishes with oat milk
A selection of recipes that use oat milk has been compiled. You can still enjoy some favorite treats using this milk alternative. The oat milk used in these recipes can be one that you’ve made yourself, or store-bought.
- Oat milk French toast: Top this with maple syrup and fresh berries
- Loaded oat milk Mac’ n Cheese: Oat milk can add a new level of creaminess to this dish.
- Chocolate oat milk: You don’t even need any added sugars
- Oat milk London Fog cake: What’s better than a dairy-free dessert? Nothing.
- Rice pudding made with oat milk: Sprinkle a layer of sugar on top for the finishing touch.
- Cinnamon hot chocolate: Nothing better than this on cold winter nights.
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