Do you ever find yourself concerned about the volume of waste (whether recyclable or not) that you’re generating? I’ve been there too. When it hit me that paper cartons couldn’t be recycled in my area, I found myself at a crossroads; forgo my cherished lattes or seek out a new method to create milk. That’s when I decided to make my own homemade oat milk.
Certainly, at the bare minimum, reducing my store-bought milk consumption would inevitably lessen its environmental impact.
If you’re anything like me, always trying to make “greener” choices, you’ve probably reached for plant-based milk on the grocery store shelves as well.
And it’s no wonder that so many of us are making the switch to plant-based diets for all sorts of reasons – our health, the animals, and our beautiful Earth.
Here are a few reasons people like oat milk:
- Nutrition Profile: Oat milk is naturally high in many nutrients, including fiber, and it’s often fortified with additional vitamins and minerals. It’s also typically lower in fat than dairy milk and other plant-based alternatives.
- Taste and Texture: Oat milk has a creamy texture and a mildly sweet, oat-like flavor. It’s considered one of the most similar to dairy milk in terms of taste and texture, making it a preferred choice for many, especially for use in foods like coffee, cereal, and baking.
- Allergy-Friendly Option: Unlike other plant-based milk (like almond or soy), oat milk is free of common allergens like nuts and soy, making it an excellent choice for people with allergies or sensitivities.
- Sustainable Choice: Making oat milk needs less water and produces fewer greenhouse gases than dairy or other plant-based milk. So every time I pick oat milk, I feel like I’m doing my bit to reduce my carbon footprint.
Paper cartons may not be recyclable in your area – You need to check
But when I realized that my local recycling facility doesn’t accept paper cartons and that they would all go to the landfill, I got thinking. Could I do even better? That’s when I started exploring making my own plant-based milk right in my kitchen.
Check out this mountain of cartons that we gathered in only a few short weeks! Shocking!
It’s been an interesting and exciting idea. It’s very empowering to make your own milk. And it’s fairly easy. So far, I’ve made almond milk and, now, oat milk.
It takes a little more time than buying it, and it tastes and feels different than store-bought oat milk, but I definitely think that the benefits outweigh the differences.
homemade oat milk versus homemade almond milk
| Homemade Almond Milk | Homemade Oat Milk | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Ingredient | Almonds – ($8 to 10/lb) | Oats ($1 to 3/lb) |
| Soaking Time | 8-12 hours | 15-20 minutes |
| Nutrient Profile | High in Vitamin E and healthy fats, lower in carbs | High in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, lower in fat |
| Taste and Texture | Mildly sweet, creamy, nutty flavor | Mildly sweet, creamy, oat-like flavor |
| Environmental Impact | Uses more water to grow almonds, higher carbon footprint | Uses less water, lower carbon footprint |
| Allergy Considerations | Not suitable for people with nut allergies | Suitable for most, including those with nut and soy allergies |
| Storage | Lasts about 3-5 days in the refrigerator | Lasts about 5 days in the refrigerator |
| Preparation Complexity | Requires longer soaking time and straining | Shorter soaking time and needs straining |
homemade Oat Milk – Easy to make
So, why is oat milk getting so popular? Well, we all have our reasons. Some are the taste, the health benefits, and the smaller environmental impact.
I have to say, though, that I definitely think oat milk is easier, more cost-effective, and creamier than homemade almond milk.
I also need to divulge that both almond and oat milk must be highly strained for use in coffee. But the good news is that both are a great additive to smoothies without excessive straining.
With a little practice, developing new habits, and trying new plant-based milk recipes, I know that I’ll make a huge difference in what my family contributes to the landfill.
On top of that, store-bought milk has a hidden environmental cost: the carbon emissions linked to transporting those cartons from factories to stores and then to your kitchen.
Let’s dive into this oat milk journey together!
Homemade Oat Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup organic, whole-grain oats
- 4 cups fresh water, plus more for soaking
- Optional: 2-3 pitted dates, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, pinch of sea salt
Step 1: Choose Your Oats
You’ll need a base to start your oat milk journey. Any regular oats will do, but if possible, organic, whole-grain oats are ideal.
Step 2: Soak and Rinse
The first step in the process is to soak your oats in water for about 15-20 minutes. This makes them softer and easier to blend. After soaking, make sure to rinse them thoroughly to get rid of any excess starch, which can make your oat milk slimy.
Step 3: Blend
Now, it’s time to blend! Add your oats to a high-speed blender along with fresh filtered water. I usually go with a 1:4 ratio (1 cup oats to 4 cups water), but you can adjust this to your preference. Blend until smooth – around 30-40 seconds.
Step 4: Strain
Pour the blended mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or nut milk bag into a large bowl. This removes any remaining oat particles and ensures your milk is silky smooth.
Step 5: Sweeten (Optional)
This is your chance to get creative! You can add a touch of sweetness or flavor to your oat milk by blending in some dates, vanilla extract, or a pinch of sea salt.
Step 6: Store
Pour your homemade oat milk into a glass jar or bottle and store it in the refrigerator. It typically keeps for up to 5 days. Give it a good shake before using it, as it can separate.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Now, pour yourself a glass of your homemade oat milk, and savor the fruits of your labor! You’ve just made a delicious, nutritious, and sustainable choice. And the best part? You’ve also played a role in reducing waste and taking care of our planet.
With just a few simple steps and ingredients, we can all be part of the solution, making the “greener” choice even greener! Here’s to a more sustainable future, one glass of oat milk at a time!
