In search of a dairy-free choice that doesn’t skimp on taste and slips effortlessly into your cooking? You should try oat milk! Oat milk has proven to be a versatile dairy substitute suitable for a myriad of recipes. Its appeal lies not only in its nutritional profile but also in its texture and taste, seamlessly blending into various dishes. Whether you’re considering replacing dairy products due to dietary restrictions, health considerations, or ethical reasons, oat milk stands out as an excellent option. In this article, we’ll dive into 10 easy and creative ways to incorporate oat milk into your meals and beverages, showcasing its potential as a key component in a dairy-free diet.
Hot Beverages: Several customers have asked how oat milk tastes in coffee, and if it can be used instead of dairy creamer. The answer is yes! In fact, its smooth, creamy texture is perfect for lattes or cappuccinos. Oat milk has a slight nutty and sweet flavor, which tends to complement coffee very well. You’ll love our Barista Oat Blend – it’s frothy, creamy, and won’t curdle in hot beverages, including tea! It’s also a great alternative for making a dairy-free version of your hot chocolate.
Smoothies: You can also use oat milk as a base for smoothies. It adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors of the fruits or vegetables you’re blending. Additionally, its naturally sweet taste will naturally sweeten your smoothies, making it an ideal choice if you’re looking to cut back on added sugar.
Baking: Oat milk is considered to be the best substitute for cow’s milk when baking. Joe Sevier, a food blogger for Epicurious, put all sorts of plant-based milks to the test, making a dairy-based batch of blueberry corn muffins to compare with batches made with cashew milk, coconut milk, almond milk, and oat milk. He found that the muffins made with oat milk were nearly indistinguishable from the dairy-made muffins! Why not experience this for yourself? Our Lemon Loaf recipe, using our Original Oat Beverage, is a perfect start. Link to the recipe: www.natura.ca/en/recipes/lemon-loaf
Cooking: Oat milk’s neutral flavor and velvety texture make it an ideal alternative to cow’s milk in your cooking. You can use it in creamy soups, casseroles, and mashed potatoes. Whether you’re preparing a curry or stirring up an alfredo sauce, oat milk will maintain its smoothness and won’t curdle under heat. Furthermore, its light taste does not overwhelm the flavor profile of your dishes, allowing the other ingredients to shine.
Cereal or Granola: Instead of regular milk, use oat milk on your cereal or granola in the morning for a dairy-free alternative. It pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of grains, nuts, and fruits commonly found in cereals and granolas, making your first meal of the day even more enjoyable.
Frozen Desserts: From decadent chocolate sorbets to fresh and fruity popsicles, oat milk provides a creamy, dairy-free base for your homemade frozen treats. Try it in a creamy vanilla ice cream recipe; you’ll be surprised how the sweetness and smooth texture of oat milk can create a plant-based version that’s indistinguishable from its dairy counterpart.
Oatmeal: Oat milk in oatmeal? It might sound redundant, but it will actually make it extra creamy and delicious. Some people even find that it amplifies the comforting oat flavor. Try using our Vanilla Oat Beverage in your next bowl for a delightful vanilla twist. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, bananas, or berries for an extra nutrient boost.
Protein Shakes: For those who enjoy protein shakes post-workout, oat milk can also serve as a good base, offering additional nutrients and a smoother texture. Depending on whether you’re making a fruity shake or a chocolate one, our Original, Vanilla, or Chocolate Oat beverages would be a perfect choice.
Rice Pudding: Replacing cow’s milk with oat milk in your rice pudding doesn’t just make it vegan and lactose-free, but also enhances its creamy texture. Our Vanilla Oat Beverage can add a delightful vanilla undertone to this dessert, while the inherent sweetness of oat milk can help cut back on added sugars.
Cocktails and Mocktails: Oat milk can add a creamy twist to your beverages, like a White Russian or a dairy-free eggnog. It mixes well with other ingredients, smoothly incorporating into the beverage without separation. For a festive spin, why not try this dairy-free eggnog recipe available on our website? Although rice milk is typically recommended for this recipe, substituting it with oat milk works just as well! Don’t hesitate to explore and experiment – you’ll see how well oat milk integrates into a variety of drinks! Link to the recipe: www.natura.ca/en/recipes/eggless-natur-a-nog
In conclusion, oat milk can be a great alternative to cow’s milk in your beverages and recipes, provided a few factors are taken into consideration, like its creamy texture and subtle sweetness that can delicately alter the flavor of the final product. Overall, we can say that its nutritional profile and versatility make it a standout alternative to dairy, and the best substitute for cow’s milk when baking.
Natura offers an exciting variety of oat beverages, each perfect for enhancing your smoothies, protein shakes, desserts, and hot beverages. Discover the complete range on: www.natura.ca/en/products/oat
