Want to make creamy oat milk at home with just 2 ingredients, 1 blender, and in 5 minutes! Let us show you how!
What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is simply rolled oats and water blended together then strained to leave the pulp behind. The result is easy, creamy, DIY oat milk!
How to Make Oat Milk
To make oat milk simply add 1 cup rolled oats + 4 cups water to a high-speed blender and blend on high for 30-45 seconds. Then strain through a clean t-shirt or towel for best results.
We found nut milk bags let too much pulp through. Fine mesh strainers also let too much pulp through, so we don’t recommend using them.
This method yields creamy oat milk every time that’s perfect for adding to coffee, matcha, cereal, oats, baked goods, granola, and more!
How to make Flavored Oat Milk
You can also optionally add sea salt, a date, vanilla extract, cacao powder, or berries when blending for added flavor!
Oat Milk FAQs
How do you make oat milk not slimy?
- Over-blending can make the oat milk slimy in texture, which is why we recommend blending for about 30-45 seconds.
- Soaking your oats can also make the oats more prone to sliminess. Just add to the blender with water and blend!
- Sometimes heating your oat milk can make it become slimy, so we don’t recommend it. Good news: We have an oat milk recipe coming soon that’s inspired by Oatly Barista milk and is perfect for heating / frothing!
- We recommend straining twice to remove any of that excess starch which can also lend to a slimy texture.
- We recommend straining with a towel or clean t-shirt as nut milk bags and fine mesh strainers let too much pulp through.
Can you use steel cut or quick oats to make oat milk?
In our experience, rolled oats are the way to go. Steel cut oats are too unprocessed and make less creamy milk. Rolled oats are just right and make nice and creamy oat milk. And quick cooking oats are too finely processed and tend to create slimier oat milk.
Is oat milk gluten-free?
This can be controversial as some consider even gluten-free oats to be problematic for those with gluten sensitivity and celiac disease. But in our experience, certified gluten-free oats make oat milk gluten-free
How long does oat milk last?
Well sealed in the refrigerator, oat milk should last about 5 days. You’ll know it’s gone bad when it smells funny.
Why did my oat milk separate?
Separation is totally normal with oat milk and many other dairy-free milks. Simply shake well before use!
How do you get oat milk to froth?
If you’re looking to make frothy oat milk for adding to your favorite warm beverages, check out our Cashew Coconut Oat Milk (Our Oil-Free Take on Oatly Barista Milk!).
Want to make more dairy-free milk?
Check out our Guide to Making Dairy-Free Milk!
How to Make Oat Milk
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats (gluten-free if GF // or sub steel-cut oats*)
- 3-4 cups water (use less water for thicker, creamier milk!)
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 whole date, pitted (optional // for sweetness // or 1 Tbsp (15 ml) maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 2 Tbsp cocoa or cacao powder for “chocolate milk” (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh berries for “berry milk” (optional)
Instructions
- Add oats, water (the lesser range will yield thicker, creamier milk, the higher range will yield thinner milk), salt, and any additional add-ins (optional) to a high-speed blender. Top with lid and cover with a towel to ensure it doesn't splash. Blend for about 30 seconds – 1 minute or until the mixture seems well combined. It doesn't have to be 100% pulverized. In fact, over-blending can make the oat milk slimy in texture.
- Scoop out a small sample with a spoon to test flavor/sweetness. If it’s not sweet enough, add more dates.
- Pour the mixture over a large mixing bowl or pitcher covered with a very thin towel or a clean T-shirt. In my experience, it benefits from a double strain through a very fine towel to remove any oat remnants. A nut milk bag seemed to let too much residue through.
- Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate. Will keep in the refrigerator up to 5 days (sometimes more). Shake well and enjoy cold. DO NOT HEAT or it will thicken and become gelatinous in texture. It's delicious as is or added to granolas, smoothies, and baked goods!
Video
Notes
*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with no additional add-ins, and the oat “pulp” nutritional content removed.
Nutrition (1 of 8 servings)
Liked this recipe? Check out our Guide to Dairy-Free Milk for 5 more dairy-free milk recipes!
Ruth says
I have made this 3 times now. Using the 1:4 oats:water made it far too watery, I then did 1:3 which was still too watery. Just made my 3rd batch today and decided to use 2.5cups oats to 5 cups water which seems to have worked for my liking 😀 and it looks like milk.
I am just wondering what you do with the oats once strained if anything? Thanks
Thank you for sharing your experience, Ruth! You can use it similarly to almond pulp. We have some ideas for that here. Hope that helps!
Makenzie says
Hello! I am so excited to make this recipe. I am wanting a non-dairy half and half substitute and I was wondering how I should change the ratios to make a thicker consistency?
Hi Makenzie, we’d suggest using this recipe or this recipe instead. Hope that helps!
Emily says
When will you have the dupe of the Oatly Barista oat milk? I use that all the time and would love to save some money! lol
Hi Emily, we have a recipe for our version of Oatly Barista milk here!
Linda says
My understanding is Oatly secret ingredient is digestive enzymes added to keep the milk homogenized. It would be listed on the ingredients if they added this to the milk.
Sydney says
Hi! I made this with 1c oats, 3.5c cold water, two dates, vanilla and salt. 45s in ninja. Strain thru mesh strainer and then once in a nut bag. Consistency is amazing and no grittiness – although it tastes a bit chalky. Thoughts?
Hi Sydney! Hmmm… Maybe try rinsing the oats next time!
Steph says
I used some stevia to sweeten it up. Works well. My boy loves it.
Carla Davis says
I love that it only takes 5 minutes to make. It’s much healthier than store-bought, and the addition of dates or vanilla really makes it special. Thanks for the great tutorial minimalist baker!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Carla! Thanks so much for the lovely review. xo
Javelin Rivera says
My oatmilk comes out chalky. I wait for the smaller particles to settle down and decant it, but then it came out really diluted.
Do I need those smaller particles to make it more creamy?
Taste was very good.
Hi Javelin, removing the small particles likely is making it less creamy. We’d suggest leaving them in and shaking before use!
Olivia Santos says
how many ounces or milliliters is it per serving? for 19 calories? cuz cup measurements aren’t accurate. like with just the water and oats no add ins.
-olivia
Hi Olivia, the amount per serving and nutrition info is a rough estimate, but ~120 ml.
Estelle says
Hi!
So I tried this with my slow juicer. Worked perfectly and taste is great! However the milk tastes weird in it’s third day already. Everywhere I see 5 days, but for me it’s barely more than 2 days. And I even used airtight bottles and place the second one in the coolest place of my fridge. Anyone facing that, what would you recommend? Thanks!
Hi Estelle, hmm, we’d guess some bacteria might be getting in there and causing it to spoil. We’d suggest sterilizing your slow juicer with hot water, or if it can go in the dishwasher, try that! Also, making sure to use filtered water vs. tap water might help if you aren’t already doing that.
Estelle says
Thanks I’ll try and let know if it works!
Lucie says
I followed this recipe exactly. Immediately after making the oat milk, the texture was smooth and the taste excellent. After an overnight in the refrigerator, it was so slimy that it was unusable. I am not a person with texture issues but truly, it was disgusting, I threw it all out.
Hi Lucie, we’re so sorry that happened! Was it slimy straight from the refrigerator or when heating?
Ovi says
You mention a thin cloth towel.. would you mind sharing the exact one you use for this recipe? I tried using a nut milk bag and that did not go over well at all… too slimy.
Hi Ovi, we can’t remember where we got the ones we typically use to make this recipe, but what you want is a thin, cotton kitchen towel. Similar to this, but a little less absorbent.
Veronica Wolf says
Do you have that oatly recipe yet? Would love to try it!!
Yes, it’s here!
ira says
Hi
First of all, thanks so much for the wonderful advice, recipes and lovely website !
A question, please: in making oat milk, you say rinse through a towel — do you mean a paper towel or a cloth towel ?
Thanks again.
Be well :-)
Thank you for your kind words and support, Ira! This should be filtered through a cloth towel. xo
ira says
Thanks :-)
Be well
Esra says
Hi there!
I have just done this oat milk following your recipe . I have enjoyed the taste however I think rather than 4 cup of water I will try to use 3 cup to experiment the difference as with 4 cup of water it was too watery for my liking .
Thank you so much for this amazing page <3
We’re so glad you enjoyed the flavor, Esra! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Ame says
I loved it my first time making it but I slightly warmed it and it was little slimy but my baby love it 😘
Hi Ame, that can happen to oat milk when it’s warmed! So glad you enjoyed it overall!
Anne says
Please don’t give oat milk or any other milk substitute to babies. It doesn’t have all the nutrition babies need to thrive. For your child’s sake, always consult a paediatrician.
Anonymous says
Soy milk and pea milk (e.g., Ripple milk brand) are nutritious alternatives to dairy milk for toddlers (12 months of age and older). They contain appropriate calories, protein, fat, and other required nutrients. See resources from Plant Based Juniors, pediatric dietitians supporting a plant based diet at all ages. Babies less than 12 months do require breastmilk or baby formula (dairy, soy, etc.). Oat milk would not be harmful to give a toddler here and there as long as it’s not being used as a replacement for the types of milk they do need. For instance, toddlers can have water as a beverage, and oat milk is water + oats. They typically still also need some other type of milk with more protein and fat for their growth and development.
Linda says
Try adding digestive enzymes to reduce sliminess. open one capsule and add to the whole batch and then blend.
Meghan says
As the parent of a child with celiac disease, I just wanted to comment on the gluten free FAQ. Gluten free oats mean that the oats are processed in a gluten free setting (often, oats are processed in settings where wheat is also processed and therefore the risk of contamination is high). So gluten free oats ARE gluten free. But a small proportion of people with celiac disease are sensitive to the protein in oats (avenin), which acts similarly to gluten — so even if the oats are gluten free, they cannot eat them.
Thanks for sharing, Meghan!
Nora McDowell says
This is actually a question.
The commercial oat milk I buy says it has 4 g of protein per cup.
This recipe says .6 g / 1/2 cup.
Why is it so much lower?
Hi Nora, perhaps the brand you’re using has an ingredient besides oats that’s contributing to the protein content.
brenda pasieka says
I just made this and it’s wonderful. I used the pulp as a face mask, very nice
Great idea, Brenda! Thanks so much for sharing!
Lori says
I have a question, i made this but I didn’t like how it had a watery taste, so I added more oats but then it was too thick.I would like something in between. How can I change that?
Hi Lori, it might have gotten thicker because more oats were added later? You could try increasing the amount from the beginning (something in between the total amount you tried) and see how it goes. We also have a cashew coconut oat milk you might like!
Ali says
Planning to try this soon. Is it possible to freeze the oat milk?
Yes!
Jen says
the milk separate into two layer when settle. how to prevent this?
Hi Jen, most plant based milks will separate when stored. We suggest giving it a good shake before using it!
LMS says
Would a paper coffee filter work well for straining?
Hi LMS, we haven’t tried it ourselves and we aren’t sure if the filter might be too “fine” for the liquid to get through. Let us know how it goes if you try it!
Julie R Edwards says
What do you do with the “waste” product of making oat milk (the oats that get filtered out)? Can it be used as porridge?
Hi Julie, that could work! You can use it similar to almond milk pulp, which we have ideas for here. Hope that helps!
Jade says
So I tried this just now and it came out watery. I used quick oats so that might be why but it’s so watery tasting. I must be doing something wrong
Hi Jade, sorry to hear that! Quick oats could be causing that, but we haven’t tested with them. We’d suggest adding more oats to see if that helps.
shirley tong says
i m very keen to know what brand of juicer you are using. looks so good n nice its cover (transparent)
Hi Shirley, we used this high speed blender for this recipe!
Anna Maria Kjellgren says
Why would you say this takes a total of 10 minutes when simply ONE straining takes AGES??
Hi Anna, the straining time will depend on how fine of a material you’re straining through. For a quicker strain, we’d suggest using something less finely woven.
Charlotte says
I made this with the date and the vanilla essence and it is great! Thank you for the recipe. Do you have any suggestions of what to do with the pulp?
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Charlotte! You can use the pulp similar to almond pulp. We have some inspiration here!
Jay says
I love oat milk for it’s subtle taste. Thank you for your great recipe.
I’ve recently bought a dehydrator and wish to make powdered oat milk, for the convenience of always having it on hand.
Any suggestions would be highly appreciated.
Hi Jay, we’re so glad you enjoyed it. We are not sure about making powdered oat milk, but let us know if you try it!
Tony says
How can this be made for a cup of tea? It always leaves my tea looking dark and watery.
Hi Tony, you could try adding less water to make it thicker. Or we’d recommend this cashew coconut oat version instead.
Waseela Mohamed says
Thank you so much.mine came lovely n creamy. God bless.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for the lovely review, Waseela! xo
Giselle says
Can I use this oat milk to make yogurt? Or will heating it change the consistency? (I use Oatly oat milk to make yogurt)
Hi Giselle, we haven’t tested that, but fear it wouldn’t thicken fully. Let us know if you try it!
Isabelle says
Do not heat… So don’t put in coffee?
You can put it in coffee. We just don’t recommend heating it on the stovetop.
Erin Mehaffey says
Is there a recipe for making oatmilk that will be steamed for a latte?
Hi Erin, we have this one!
Linda says
Do you have a recipe for coffee that does not use cashew or coconuts? I am allergic to both these along with almonds. Would pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds work if mixed with oat milk? I am trying to find something without the off tastes of many nut or grain milks. I have tried avocado today too, but think was too think. May need to use less avocado and this may work better if I mix it with something too. I have used macadamia nut but has an off taste in coffee too. I may also be allergic to the macadamia nut too as I have a decent headache after drinking this. Pumpkin seeds are just okay. Sesame seed has a grassy flavor. I will try your rice recipe but can only use rice once or twice a week due to allergies. Any other suggestions for a milk that will give creamy consistency without lots of flavor that will work well in coffee that does not entail almonds, coconut, or cashews? Also allergic to pistachio nuts. Not sure if other grains would work. Millet? tapioca? Quinoa (this may be a bit strong tasting)? Amaranth? Anyone have any experience with these?
Hi Linda, we have an almond-based dairy free creamer here which we find has a neutral flavor. Pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds would produce a more bitter result, but perhaps when combined with oat milk the bitter flavor would be lessened. We think millet, quinoa, and amarnath would all be bitter. Tapioca could work, but we’ve never tested it!
Joshua says
Thank you so much for this recipe. I have always wanted to use oat milk for our overnight oats but store bought oat milk is too pricey. May I ask for the recipe for the oat milk that can be heated? Thank you!
Hi Joshua, the only recipe we have that might be what you’re looking for is our cashew coconut oat milk. It’s our homemade take on Oatly barista milk and it can be heated. Hope this helps!
CJ says
Delicious! The ratio of 4 cups water to 1 cup oats was perfect. Blending for 35 seconds in the Vitamix (high power; 10) made for a creamy and non-slimy consistency. I strained it once through a nut milk bag and decentered the oat milk into a Weck jar. So easy, will not but store bought again. I added vanilla bean paste, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg for added flavor. Thank you, Minimalist Baker
Sounds delish! Thanks so much for the great review and for sharing your modifications, CJ!
Janice says
First batch was 1 cup of oats to 4 cups of water. Result was too watery so did 2.5 cups of water to 1 cup of oats which came out more creamy. Tried the tee shirt, but took forever to strain and ended up using my nut bag twice which worked well.
Love it! Thanks so much for the review and for sharing your experience, Janice. So glad you enjoyed the results!
Gina says
Do you do something with the leftover “pulp”. I think maybe cookies, but wanted to ask before
Yes! You can use it similar to almond pulp – we have recipe ideas here. Hope that helps!
Grace says
This is really good, I needed milk to make waffles and this worked perfectly. I left out the dates. I would totally do this again and it’s so easy!! I used muslin cloth the strain the milk, where would you getthe actual stuff to strain it with?
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Grace! We typically use a thin kitchen towel (available at any kitchen/home goods store). Hope that helps!
Maggie says
I just made this today for the first time, and I followed some of the suggestions in the comments to use a 1:3 ratio of oats to water. However, I found the result to be much too watery to my liking, so I tried a 2:3 ratio and found it to be much creamier, though it took a litter longer to strain through a thin shirt than it did the first time due to the increased amount of pulp. I just mixed it in with some iced coffee and it’s not too bad! I still prefer the Chobani extra creamy, Planet Oat, or Oatly brands from the store, but this is a great recipe to have in a pinch or when trying to save money in these times.
Thanks so much for the thoughtful review, Maggie!
Milda says
Thanks for the recipe! I made this and double strained it, but there seems to be two issues still. It takes forever to strain. It took about five minutes to have half a cup full, and I think I’ll just stick the entire batch in the refrigerator so it can drain and I can go about my life for the next hour or so. The second strain was done over something a little bit denser than a cheesecloth. Did it take this long for you?
Also, even with the double strain, it taste a little bit gritty. any suggestions on how to improve?
Hi Milda, Have you tried squeezing it (similar to how you would a nut milk bag)? If that’s not the issue, it does sound like the material you’re using to strain it might be a little too dense. For the grittiness, we’d suggest trying to blend a little longer, especially if not using a powerful blender. Hope that helps!
Britt says
So warming it up to cook oatmeal is a no? 😭😭
Hi Britt, we think it would be fine in oatmeal!
Jacq says
I’ve made this several times and it is consistently delicious. So much cheaper and healthier than store bought. Not to mention it frequently saves me a trip to the store! Thanks for all of the simple and tasty recipes!
Woohoo! So glad you enjoy this recipe, Jacq. Thanks so much for the great review!
Kimberly Kuhn says
You mentioned a towel would a tea towel or cheese cloth work for this ?
Yes!
Tomas Albracht says
I appreciate articles like this, but I hate drinking from plastic or metal. Even Lexan tastes weird to me. My solution? Buy Voss glass water bottles and reuse them. They have a slightly enlarged opening which makes it easier to pour water, tea or juice in. The oversized caps don’t strip out, and the hefty design takes abuse without failing. Granted the weight is a real penalty, if you are carrying it.
gresham says
Hello,
The Oat Milk turn out well. I use it mostly for baking and cooking. My wife likes it in her coffee. What I did notice is that it curdles/ separates when put into the coffee or hot liquid. In store bought oat milk they add things to the milk to keep it from doing this. Would you have any suggestions? I do not wish to add oils or binding agents that are hard to purchase or make the milk less palatable.
Thanks for your time.
Kindly Gresham
Hi Gresham, another reader mentioned that baking soda can help prevent curdling, but we haven’t tried it. Hope that helps!
gresham says
Hi and thanks for that recommendation. I will sprinkle just the bare minimum of bi carb on it. If too much you can easily get the bitter soda taste.
I will let you know what comes of it.
Cheers
gresham
Veronika says
Hi Gresham!
Did you try it? What was the end result? Do you have further tips? We only want to use it to put it in coffee.
Thank you!
Veronika
Paulo says
When I make coffee using oat milk, I add a few tbs of cold water to the cup, then I add the coffee, then the oat milk. This way I find that the slightly lower temperature of the coffee with the cold water reduces curdling significantly. Of course, you could wait for the coffee to cool slightly before adding the oat milk, but adding the cold water is quicker if you need to get on with other things.
Joanne Morrison says
What do you do with the oats that are left?
Hi Joanne, you can use it similarly to almond pulp. We have some ideas for that here. Hope that helps!
Allison says
Will quick oats work for this recipe?
Hi Allison! We haven’t tried it so we can’t say for sure, but we think it should work!
Lilly says
Hi,
Just made it for the first time and it looked and tasted like oat milk, even better than some supermarket brands I’ve had! Do you have any suggestions how to use the pulp? Seems abit of ashame it goes in the bin.
Thanks,
Lilly
Hi Lilly, we’re so glad you like it! You can use it similar to almond pulp (recipe inspiration here).
Michele says
Appreciate these basic vegan product recipes—would be so easy to make instead of buying oat milk! I have been buying unsweetened almond milk for smoothies, but i am wondering if there is a preference for nut vs grain milks in different uses—does oat milk perform as well in baking without that protein? Any applications where one is or is it recommended (other than your latte milk)?
Hi Michele, we find oat milk subs well for almond milk in almost all recipes, including baking. Hope that helps!
Jennifer says
Is your recipe ready for an
Oat milk that can be heated? I have a recipe that I want to use it for. Thank you!!
That should work, yes!