In a word: Yes. You absolutely can substitute oat milk for milk.
If you’ve been going without your favorite dairy-based dishes because of lactose intolerance or environmental concerns, it’s time to invite them back into your life. You can substitute oat milk for cow’s milk, and you can do so without sacrificing taste or texture.
All you need to do is learn a few basic tricks. We’re going to make this simple, so bookmark this page and come back to it anytime you’re attempting a recipe that calls for cow’s milk. Let’s quickly go over the basics.
Oat beverages usually come in original and extra creamy. Generally speaking, if you’re substituting oat milk for regular milk, use original. If you’re substituting for cream, use extra creamy oat milk.
If it’s your first time cooking with oat milk, we suggest you purchase a few different kinds. When the time comes to add it, think about which consistency feels right for the moment. You can always adjust the next time you make the recipe. Just be sure to note anything you’d want to remember for the next time around!
According to Epicurious Associate Editor Joe Sevier, “Oat milk replicates the viscosity of dairy milk more closely than other alt-milks do.” He tested oat milk, almond milk, coconut milk, and cashew milk in the same blueberry corn muffin recipe. The only one that was identical to a muffin made with dairy was the one made with oat milk.
Because oat milk has the most neutral taste of all the milk alternatives, it’s not likely to change the flavor of what you’re making. That can be especially important with a savory recipe where tastes such as coconut or almond might overpower other flavors in the dish.
Since oat milk has gained popularity in the last several years, studies have shown it to be the most sustainable of all of the milk alternatives. Oat milk uses the least resources to produce, and it impacts the environment less than any other milk alternative.
Some people use milk alternatives because of sensitivities to dairy. Some use them as a way to reduce the damage the production of cow’s milk does to the planet. No matter what your motive is, it’s good to know you’re using a product that’s actually good for the environment.
Because oat milk comes in so many varieties, anything you can make with cow’s milk can be made with oat milk. Just use the simple tips in this post to minimize mistakes. Cooking is an art and a science, so experimentation is key.
Remember these three tips for bakers using oat milk instead of cow’s milk:
In baking, you sometimes need a liquid to be thicker or thinner. Because of oat milk’s neutral taste, you can use it for any liquid in a recipe. Just be sure to use oat milk that is similar to the original liquid in texture and thickness.
Oat milk can be heated (that’s one of the reasons baristas love it). But if you’re heating oat milk, you have to be careful not to heat it too quickly or it can become too thick. Microwaving is okay, but it’s not ideal. Heating oat milk slowly on low heat will help you control the results.
We recommend experimenting with different oat beverages. It might actually be fun to discover what happens to different oat beverages when you heat them. You might discover that a very thick hot chocolate made with your favorite oat milk is just the ticket.
Here’s a reminder of the three top tips for cooking with oat milk:
If you’ve been cooking with other milk alternatives for a while, you’ll be surprised at how well oat milk works. It is, by far, the best of the milk alternatives for cooking.
Here are a few recipes using oat milk that we’ve found to be most consistently appreciated among our staff and readers.
This gem of a dessert is as delicious as it is beautiful. The presentation reminds us of a time when people used to knock on their neighbor’s door and there was always something tasty in the kitchen.
See the full recipe: Dairy-Free Blueberry Lemon Streusel Coffee Cake
You won’t believe it’s not cream cheese, and neither will your friends and family. These vegan cinnamon rolls make the perfect breakfast. But make extra. You’re going to love these.
See the full recipe: Vegan Cinnamon Rolls with Dairy-Free Cream Cheese Frosting
It used to be that anytime you saw the terms “vegan” and “gluten-free,” it meant you’d be sacrificing taste or texture (or both). Well, times have changed. No one will suspect these aren’t traditional, dairy-based muffins.
See the full recipe: Vegan, Gluten-Free Very Berry Mini Muffins
Ever spent time on a farm? This is some old-time baking right here, but with a dairy-free, vegetarian twist.
See the full recipe: Dairy-Free Berry Cobbler
If you’ve read this far, you obviously care about the wellbeing of you, your loved ones, and the environment. You want better options and you’re tired of sacrificing taste and texture.
Here are two challenges we’d like to offer you:
Pacific Foods is proud to offer plant-based beverages you can feel good about, including organic oat beverages. Try delicious and creamy oat milk today by shopping our products.