Oat milk is rapidly becoming the most popular dairy free option for the conscious consumer. In fact, some sources have it ranking at the top of the list already. You can replace dairy milk with oat milk in most situations but a common question we see is: “Does oat milk boil?” … we set out to find the answer …
Does Oat Milk Boil?
Yes, oat milk does boil but you probably don’t want to let it. Unlike cow’s milk, oat milk is a blend of ingredients; oats and mostly water. But boiling it often doesn’t go well. The Barista versions usually contain an oil to make it more palatable in your morning coffee and you will often find stabilisers or emulsifiers in there too which helps to stop the milk ‘splitting’.
Watch: Emilee Bryant gets into the detail with oat milk latte art!
( this is for coffee aficionados and definitely has nothing to do with goats )
Related: “Is Oat Milk Good For Weight Loss?” (opens in a new window)
What Is The Best Way To Heat Oat Milk?
If you can afford it and you have the worktop space, we think the best way to heat your oat milk is with a steamer. This cappuccino maker from Mr Coffee is a great value addition to the kitchen of any coffee lover.
It’s dead easy. You get the steam up, place the tip of the steamer wand just under the surface of the oat milk and make those bubbles. This aeration gives you the foam which is so pleasing in a fresh coffee.
Once you have enough foam you place the wand deeper into the milk and move your receptacle gently to evenly heat the liquid. This tends to remove the larger air bubbles and leaves you with a smooth, fine foam which settles with a couple of little taps on the side of the container.
Steamers work really well with the barista versions of oat milk because these products are designed to behave more like cow’s milk when heated … with the added bonus of zero cruelty in your cup.
I don’t know about you, but I really cannot bear the taste of cruelty in my coffee.
Microwave vs Stove Top
Some people don’t like microwaves, for whatever reason and when it comes to oat milk, I’m going to suggest the stove top is a better option.
Why?
Because it’s really easy to overheat your oat milk in a microwave (and any milk for that matter). If you leave a cup of oat milk in the microwave for too long it can violently boil and you end up with a slimy mess which often separates.
Yes, with trial and error you will probably find the optimum time limit for your particular brand of machine and it’s by no means a deal breaker but I just prefer the stove top.
I think you achieve a more evenly heated oat milk and you can keep an eye on it. Although when I do get sidetracked and forget the pan on the stove top, the end result is the same as overheating in the microwave.
If you prefer the microwave, as many people do, then most trusted scientific advice out there suggests you avoid using plastic containers.
Even though the evidence does show the potential harmful compounds released from microwaving plastic food containers are minimal, it’s probably best to play it safe.
All the other health concerns about microwaves which were (and continue to be) bandied about by the usual suspects have been put to bed by scientific study after scientific study!
Rather than go into it all here, there’s a great article on Legion Athletics which goes deep into the detail for you, if you’re interested.
Homemade Oat Milk Can Split When Heated
More and more people have discovered the joys of making their own plant milks at home and oat milk is one of the most popular options.
With amazing kitchen gadgets like the MioMat 8in1 Plant-based Milk Maker the days of slaving over a muslin cloth and spilling it everywhere are long gone!
Having said that, the traditional method of blending and pressing makes for a superior product, in my opinion. But it’s all about the convenience these days.
… and there’s nothing wrong with that 🙂
‘Spitting’ is a common problem with plant milks and especially the home made variety. The big commercial brands have largely overcome this problem using stabilisers and emulsifiers.
You can do the same …
Just grab yourself a packet of xanthan gum powder which you’ll find in all good baking stores, or on Amazon of course!
Adding a pinch or two of this binding agent will go a long way to solving the separation problems encountered when making your own oat milk.
Another good tip to avoid your homemade oat milk splitting when heated is to make it a little thinner than you might when it’s just for drinking cold or having on your morning bowl of cereal.
The acidity of your drinking water can also play a part so a little experimentation with the amount of gum will have you making the perfect oat milk which you can heat up.
Simply delicious in a freshly ground coffee!
The Rise & Rise Of Plant Based Milk
There’s a reason the massive agriculture barons fought so hard to stop the word ‘milk’ being used to describe our vegan, cruelty free beverages!
Because they know when people realise the awful truth behind that pint of cow’s milk, they will likely question their choices.
Many thousands are asking themselves that very question as we speak. The secret’s out and big pharmer (pun intended) are worried about the bottom line.
How much longer will they be permitted to profit from the enslavement, abuse and slaughter of innocent, sensitive, sentient beings?
Well I know one thing, I refuse to use the money in my pocket to fund the abuse. I refuse to accept their status quo.
That is why I am vegan … and I have hope you will consider your options as well, the next time you step inside the grocery store.
I hope this article has helped answer your question and I always welcome (and answer) your comments below. A social share is always appreciated too. Spread the love!
Lastly, if you like Vegan Slate and want to know when we publish fresh content then please sign up to our new post alerts mailing list. You’ll be first in line 🙂
Thanks for reading and have a peaceful day.
Rohan.