Ready to learn how to make oat milk? It’s creamy, healthy, and made with 4 ingredients in just 15 minutes. It tastes so good!
Here you’ll learn how to make oat milk, one of the most popular kinds of plant-based milk. It’s light, tasty, and lactose-free, but it’s hard to find store-bought oat milk that is not full of sugar and chemicals.
By making it at home, you’ll make sure that your drink contains only natural and healthy ingredients, and it’ll also be much more affordable! Besides, it’s a great way to start switching from dairy milk to plant-based milk.
To make this homemade oat milk you only need 5 simple and easy to get ingredients and it’s ready in just 15 minutes, which is awesome.
It’s perfect to make plenty of other recipes and you can enjoy it plain or sweetened. Whether you drink it hot or cold, this healthy, soft, and delicious oat milk needs to be a must in your meals!
How to make oat milk – Step by step
- Soak the oats in water for at least 30 minutes.
- Drain the oats and rinse them.
- Add the oats, 4 cups of clean water (1 liter) and all the remaining ingredients to a blender (photo 1) and blend until smooth (photo 2).
- Strain the milk using a cheesecloth, a strainer, a napkin or a nut milk bag (photos 3 and 4).
- Serve your oat milk hot or cold.
Pro tips
- You can use 1-2 Medjool dates (double the quantity if they are Deglet Nour) or any other sweetener if you like your milk sweet.
- I usually make unsweetened oat milk so I can use it to make savory and sweet recipes.
- Salt is optional, but it enhances the flavor.
- To make the milk, use just 3 cups of water (750 ml), try it and then add more water until you get the taste and thickness you’re looking for.
- Oat milk goes well with everything. Drink it plain, sweetened, with cocoa, or even add it to your coffee or tea to make a healthy and delicious hot beverage for the cold winter days!
- Use the leftover oat pulp to bake spectacular vegan donuts, vegan oatmeal cookies or even make chocolate truffles. You can also add it to your smoothies to incorporate more fiber into your diet.
What is oat milk?
Oat milk is a beverage made from oats and water. It is 100% plant-based and dairy-free, and it works as a great substitute for cow’s milk.
Is oat milk good for you?
Yes, it is! Especially if you make it at home, that way you can make sure to only use whole and healthy ingredients and avoid artificial additives and preservatives. Besides, it will not raise your cholesterol levels.
Is oat milk gluten-free?
Oats are naturally gluten-free, but they sometimes can be contaminated with gluten. So if you have gluten sensitivity or suffer from gluten intolerance, remember to buy certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe.
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How To Make Oat Milk
- Prep: 15 mins
- Total: 15 mins
- 3–4 cups (1 liter) 1x
- Drink, How-To
- American
- Vegan
Servings 3–4 cups (1 liter) 1x
Ready to learn how to make oat milk? It’s creamy, healthy, and made with 4 ingredients in just 15 minutes. It tastes so good!
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (100 g)
- 3–4 cups water (750 ml-1 l), I make my oat milk using 4 cups or 1 liter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp maple syrup or 1–2 Medjool dates (optional)
- A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Soak the oats in water for at least 30 minutes. I usually soak them overnight, but that’s not necessary.
- Drain the oats and rinse them. Discard the soaking water.
- Add the oats, 3 to 4 cups of clean water (750 ml-1 liter) and all the remaining ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth. Add more or less water depending on how thick you like your oat milk.
- Strain the oat milk using a cheesecloth, a strainer, a napkin or a nut milk bag.
- Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Notes
- You can use 1-2 Medjool dates (double the quantity if they are Deglet Nour) or any other sweetener if you like your milk sweet.
- I usually make unsweetened oat milk so I can use it to make savory and sweet recipes.
- Salt is optional, but it enhances the flavor.
- To make this oat milk, use 3 cups of water (750 ml), try it and then add more water until you get the taste and thickness you’re looking for.
- Use the pulp to bake spectacular vegan donuts, vegan oatmeal cookies, or even make chocolate truffles. You can also add it to your smoothies to incorporate more fiber into your diet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250 ml)
- Calories: 169
- Sugar: 31.1 g
- Sodium: 10.7 mg
- Fat: 0.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 41.7 g
- Fiber: 4.2 g
- Protein: 2.5 g
Update Notes: This post was originally published in March of 2020, but was republished with new photos, step-by-step instructions, and tips in February of 2022.
I liked the consistency but there was a slightly bitter aftertaste that I tasted that no one else was mentioning. I only soaked it for 45 minutes, so maybe a few hours is better. I wound up using 3 2/3 cup water to dilute the slight bitterness and I added 5 teaspoons agave syrup and 1/4 tsp vanilla. The soaking helps remove the outer husk where I think more of that bitterness originates. The initial water you strain off is more bitter too, though the main reason is to soften the oats and keep the texture creamier, instead of grainy. That was my experience, anyway.
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Hi Diana! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂
I made the Oat Milk today and it was so quick and easy!
I made it with a Vitamix Blender and when I got done blending their wasn’t anything to “strain.” I used 3 cups of water and the milk turned out a littler thicker than dairy milk. It also tasted pretty Oatmeally but I’m fine with that as I’ll use it in smoothies and with cereal. Thank you for sharing all your yummy wisdom!
It doesn’t LOOK like there is anything to strain but there actually is if you go ahead and pour it into a nut milk bag. It was only about 1/2 cup of “mash” but it’s there.
Hi Diana! Yes, I prefer to strain my milk, but it’s optional 🙂
Hi Honoria! Sounds so good 🙂 You’re so welcome!
What’s the science behind presoaking the oats?
After making it, I discovered most of the natural bitterness is on the outside husk. You want to dump that. Even when I made it with 3 cups it was thick (creamy looking) but it was too bitter for me. I upped it to 4 cups and still used 4 teaspoons of agave syrup and just a few drops (1/4 teaspoon or less) of vanilla. And I wasn’t going after “sweet” but just the natural sweetness in cow’s milk.
Hi Diana! Thank you so much for your comment 🙂
Hi Jim! They’re easier to digest, but it’s up to you 🙂
This oat milk is simple and ok but it just isn’t quite the same as shop bought. I’ve tried a number of different recipes. I read that commercial oat milk uses enzymes to break the starch down first. Has anyone tried this? Would it be the same enzymes as used in wine making?
Hi Cara! I’m so sorry, but I can’t help you. Store-bought is usually made with fewer oats and more water, you could try 🙂
Cheap, easy, tastes great but what is it missing in terms of added vitamins, minerals, calcium etc compared to store bought oat milk?
Hi Alan! I always buy oat milk made with only oats and water, so it’s pretty much the same 🙂 You can get all the nutrients you need from a healthy and balanced diet. Have a nice day!
So easy and worked a treat. Thank you
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Hi Sarah! You’re so welcome 🙂 I’m glad you enjoyed it!
But what do I do with the leftover oat solids on my cheese cloth ?
Hi Vaishnavi! You can discard them, compost them or make other recipes like burgers, smoothies, soups, cookies, etc.
Hello, just wondering why you need to discard the soaking water? Thanks
Hi Anne! I discard it to get a better texture, but it’s up to you 🙂
It’s pretty bitter. I don’t think it has any redeeming qualities.
Hi Diana! Yes, it’s quite bitter 🙂
Why do I have to drain and rinse before blending?
Hi Betty! To get a better consistency 🙂
also because the outer husk is where the most bitterness is.
Hi Diana! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Thank you for this post. What does the calcium carbonate do in the store bought ones as from the pics it looks like you can get a decent milk without it?
Hi Leah! You can get a decent milk without it, this milk is so good 🙂
Calcium carbonate is included in commercial vegan “milks” because they lack the calcium of cow’s milk, so feeding children and others with a high calcium requirement predominantly on veggie milks, (so called), could lead to a calcium deficiency. Adult RDI is 1000mg calcium a day, over 50s RDI is 1200 mg, and children, RDI is 1300 mg.
I enjoy these veggie products, but some nutritionists suggest use of the term “milk” for oat, coconut and other nut derived dairy substitutes could lead to calcium and vitamin D deficiencies, unless compensatory dietary sources or supplements are included in the diet. I’ve had B vitamin group, and B12, clinical deficiency, and am wiser now.
I’m so sorry haha I didn’t read the other comments!
Hi Lucy! No problem 🙂
Is there anything that can be made with the leftover strained oats? Biscuits or energy bites?
Hi Lucy! I usually add the pulp to my smoothies, but you can make cookies, balls, burger patties, etc.
Straining off the water from the soaked oats will remove some of the phyllic acid which is an important anti-oxidant. I only use these veg based milks on cereals or in cooking so never strain them, but just give a good shake before I use them, so keeping all the goodness. Different of course if you use in coffee or tea.
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Hi Joe! Thanks for your comment 🙂
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I know this sounds like a silly question, but do I need to strain the milk if I’m using it to make porridge?!
Hi Bethan! You can do whatever you want, but I would strain it 🙂
Can you use instant oatmeal in packets with cinnamon and spice since it’s already sweetened?
Hi Carl! I don’t understand your question… If you’re asking if you can use this milk to make instant oatmeal, yes, you can 🙂
I think Carl is asking if you can use instant oatmeal to make oat milk.
Instant oatmeal often contains milk powder, so wouldn’t be vegan unless it specifically states it on the packet.
Hi Walker! Thanks for your comment 🙂 I’ve never tried it myself. I’ve only used rolled and quick oats and both work amazing.
Thank you for this simple recipe. I can now enjoy this delicious and healthy beverage for a fraction of the cost of a store brand.
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Hi Mike! You’re so welcome 🙂 Have a nice day!
Hello! You mentioned the healthy doughnuts in this article but I can’t find it on your website. Could you point me in the right direction?! Making the oat milk now, thank you!
Hi Bethan! This is the recipe you’re looking for: https://simpleveganblog.com/vegan-gluten-free-donuts/ 🙂
I do not use electric mixers or juicers, so used my suribachi (Japanese ceramic sesame-grater bowl) to first grind the soaked oats, and then used a whisk in a glass bowl to blend the spring water with the ground oats. It is the first time I have drunk oat milk, but the ultimate test was in a cup of coffee, and it was delicious! It is much easier than making soy milk (which I use only occasionally, as only fermented soy should be consumed regularly), so I suspect I will be making a lot of this. Thank you for your helpful informative site!
Hi Eli! You’re so welcome 🙂 Thank YOU for your comment!
I made your recipe and it is as easy and tasty as you indicated. I’m now approaching day 5 and wonder how I can tell if my milk is no longer good. Can you explain?
Hi Peggy! If it tastes, smells and looks good is okay 🙂
Hi there what can I make with the remain oat after straining the milk? Any suggestion?
Hi Maryelle! You can add it to your smoothies, make cookies, burger patties, compost it, etc. Hope it helps!
You could use it as a gentle facial mask for lovely soft skin.
I think it would freeze well, too, for later consumption in food or as a facial cleanser.
I don’t even bother straining mine. Since all I use it for is my morning cereal, I just shake and pour.
Hi David! It’s a great idea 🙂
Put half the strained oat’s back in the blender with, 1 large very ripe banana, cinnamon, a little squeeze of agave syrup and enough of the oat milk to make a thick pancake batter, so good!
Hi Scott! Thanks a lot for your comment 🙂
Trying to cut cow and soya milk from my diet for health reasons. I make my own almond milk but am concerned about calories. Does oat milk contain less calories?
Hi Carole! Don’t worry about calories, just eat healthy food 🙂 However 1 cup oat milk = 130 calories, approx. Hope it helps!
Do you use the pulp for anything afterwards, would be interesting to know if I can use the “waste” in another recipe. Thank you
Hi Louise! You can add it to smoothies or soups to add more fiber, make veggie burgers, balls, cookies, whatever you want!
Is this suitable for freezing?
Hi Cara! I’ve never tried it myself, so I don’t know, sorry!
I just came across your website on a search for oat milk recipes, as we ran out of creamer and I wanted to try making my own oat milk this morning. It was very easy. I blended it in my Vitamix for quite a while, and had almost NO leftover fiber in my cheesecloth after straining the oat milk. I must have gone crazy blending it LOL. It is delicious and now I plan to visit often. That arepa recipe is next on my list. Thanks so much!
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Hi Marla! You’re so welcome 🙂 Hope you enjoy the arepas too!
We were just talking and can’t think why you would discard the first soaking water?
Hi David! Because I get a better texture discarding it as it has starch in it 🙂
Thank you for the simple recipe. My blender is a Kitchen Aid and it did not blend the oats as smoothly as the photo in you blog. What blender brand and model do you use?
Hi Dana! You’re so welcome. I used a Vitamix 5200 🙂
Hi Iosune ! I love oat milk and prefer it to dairy and nut mills, but I have never made it myself I am receiving my Vitamix 750 tomorrow along with a dry mix container to make flour and bread dough, do you think using oat flour to make this after starting with rolled oats would be ok ? Don’t laugh, you guys , I am a newbie at this cooking thing !
Hi Mark! I’ver never tried it myself, but I think probably rolled oats are a best choice. You could try, though…
It was perfect. However, you may consider to change the timing in the listed procedure, preparation 15 min, total time should be 45 min, as the soaked oats have to rest at least half an hour. In any case, thank you.
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Hi Daria! I don’t include the soaking time in my recipes as you’re not cooking, but thanks for the idea 🙂
Hiya! Excited to find this recipe – I’m trying to avoid plastic so this should be great. Your cookie recipe sounds ace too, if using the pulp in that recipe, would I be using it in place of part of the rolled oats amount?
Hi Sarah! Yes, you can use the pulp to replaced part of the oats 🙂
I wanted a really simple recipe as I’ve never made plant milk drinks before and my confidence levels were low!
I can honestly say that it was easy.
I usually only have milk for smoothies or coffee, so it was perfect for me.
I had a teeny taste on its own and I had to add a little maple syrup.
Really impressed with the simplicity and the quality. Thank you.
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Hi Karen! I’m so glad you enjoyed it 🙂 Have a nice day!
Your Oat Milk is the best!
Have you ever made Oat Ice Cream?
Years ago there was a product called “Oatscream” (until about 10 years ago). It was the only vegan or any ice cream product given the okay by Heart Doctors.
Then the product vanished.
I would love to make it myself. Do you know how to make it??
Thanks,
Marsha
Hi Marsha! Thanks a lot 🙂 I’ve never heard about it before, so I can’t help you, sorry!
I have become a great fan of oat milk in a few short months. I branched out from a very simple recipe of oats, water , vanilla flavor & pancake syrup to experimenting with fruits,nuts , berries & varied other delicious sweetners. Good quality honey, ummm! Tomorrow it’s blueberry + home roasted pecans with 🍯🐝‼️
Hi Jerry! Sounds great 🙂
Once again, I feel more analysis of the benefits of physical acid for sufferers of colon or breast cancer should be done. Throwing away phytates may be misguided… let’s say the jury is still out.. after all, holistically, nothing is ever black or white. Perhaps a link to medical articles would be informative for those who are curious about this issue. As an NHS employee I will use our national library resources to see what exists and post any links later on
Hi Carol! I prefer to discard the water because the milk has a better texture when you use clean water, but it’s up to you!