Oat milk has become an increasingly popular plant-based milk alternative in recent years. With its creamy texture and natural sweetness, oat milk can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet applications. One of the most comforting ways to drink oat milk is warmed up. But does warming up oat milk improve its flavor? Let’s take a closer look at how temperature affects the taste of oat milk.
What is oat milk?
Oat milk is a non-dairy milk alternative made by blending soaked oats with water and then straining out the oat pulp. The process leaves behind a creamy, milk-like liquid that can be enriched with vitamins and minerals. Oat milk has a naturally sweet, vanilla-like flavor that makes it perfect for coffee drinks, smoothies, baking, and more. It contains fiber, protein, and healthful fats while being low in sugar compared to other plant milks.
How is oat milk made?
Oat milk is made by first soaking steel cut or rolled oats in water to soften them. The oats are then blended with additional water in a high-powered blender until smooth. Once blended, the mixture is strained through a cheesecloth or nut milk bag to separate the oat milk from the fiber pulp. The pulp can be composted or used for baking. Finally, the oat milk is bottled and enriched with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin A. Some brands also add a touch of salt, vanilla, and sunflower lecithin to improve texture and flavor.
Nutrition facts of oat milk
Here is the basic nutrition profile of unsweetened oat milk in an 8 oz serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Fat | 2.5g |
| Carbs | 16g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 1g |
| Protein | 3g |
| Calcium | 350mg |
| Vitamin D | 25% DV |
As you can see, oat milk is naturally low in sugar compared to other plant milks while providing calcium, vitamin D, and a boost of fiber. The fiber comes directly from the oats.
Does Temperature Change the Taste?
Now let’s look at how warming up oat milk can affect its flavor and mouthfeel.
Flavor
The natural sweetness of oat milk becomes more pronounced when warmed. Heating brings out the subtle vanilla notes inherent in oat milk, making it taste slightly sweeter without adding any sugar. The rounded, creamy taste becomes even more noticeable when oat milk is steamed or frothed.
Texture
Warming also affects the texture and body of oat milk. Cold oat milk is smooth, but heating makes it feel even richer and creamier on the tongue. Warmer temperatures give oat milk a more luscious, full-bodied consistency.
Use in hot drinks
The enhanced sweetness and texture make warm oat milk a perfect addition to hot coffee drinks, hot chocolate, and tea. The warmth makes the flavor more mellow and brings out the natural caramel-like tones. Iced drinks may taste too watery with oat milk, but hot drinks are complemented by the thicker, creamier warmed consistency.
Enjoying warm oat milk plain
Drinking a mug of heated oat milk on its own can be an especially comforting, cozy experience. Gently warming oat milk and sipping it plain allows you to really savor the extra sweetness and creaminess. It’s delicious paired with a touch of cinnamon or vanilla for extra flavor. Warm oat milk makes for a soothing, nourishing drink before bedtime.
How to Warm Oat Milk
It just takes a couple easy steps to warm up oat milk to the perfect temperature. Here are two simple methods:
On the stovetop
Pour oat milk into a small saucepan and gently heat it over medium-low, whisking frequently, until tiny bubbles appear around the edges and it reaches your desired temperature. Avoid letting it come to a full boil to prevent scalding.
In the microwave
Pour oat milk into a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Microwave in 30 second intervals, whisking or stirring in between, until hot but not scalding. The timing will vary based on the amount and your microwave wattage. Take care not to overheat as microwaves can create hot spots.
Tips
– Heat oat milk to about 145°F to 160°F for the best flavor without scalding.
– Stir while heating to prevent scalding on the bottom.
– If foaming for lattes, heat oat milk to about 150°F to aerate well.
– Avoid boiling to prevent bitter notes.
– Add mix-ins like vanilla, cinnamon, or cocoa after heating.
What Does Warm Oat Milk Taste Best With?
Warm oat milk shines when paired with certain ingredients and recipes. Here are some of the tastiest ways to enjoy heated up oat milk:
Coffee drinks
The texture and sweetness of warmed oat milk work wonderfully in all kinds of hot coffee drinks. The creaminess makes a perfect dairy-free latte. Try making a cafe au lait by mixing strong hot coffee with heated oat milk.
Chai tea
The spices and sweetness of chai tea are complemented by the vanilla flavor of hot oat milk. For a cozy caffeine-free drink, make chai by steeping black tea spices in warmed oat milk.
Hot chocolate
Oat milk makes a delicious dairy-free hot chocolate. Heat oat milk and mix with cocoa powder, maple syrup or honey, and a dash of cinnamon or vanilla for a creamy mug.
Overnight oats
Soaking oats overnight in heated oat milk allows the milk to permeate the oats, creating extra creamy overnight oats. Top with fruit, nuts, or spices.
Baked goods
Warmed oat milk can be used in place of regular milk to lend flavor and moisture to all kinds of baked goods like muffins, breads, and oatmeal cookies.
Granola and muesli
Pouring warmed oat milk over granola, muesli, or cold cereal like oatmeal allows the milk to soak in and soften the grains and oats. It adds comforting flavor and creaminess.
Smoothies
For an extra thick and creamy smoothie, blend fruits or vegetables with slightly warmed oat milk instead of chilled. It gives a frothy latte-like texture.
Potential Benefits of Drinking Warm Oat Milk
Sipping warm oat milk, especially before bed, may provide some additional benefits beyond its great taste. Here are a few potential perks:
May promote sleep
The tryptophan in oat milk may help encourage relaxation and sleep when consumed before bedtime. Warm milk is extra soothing.
May boost digestion
Warm liquids can aid digestion, and oat milk provides fiber that supports regularity and gut health.
May relieve coughs or colds
Warm oat milk provides vitamin A, zinc, and magnesium, nutrients that can help ease cold symptoms. The warmth may also be soothing for sore throats.
May reduce stress
Drinking any warm, comforting beverage like oat milk before bed signals relaxation, which can reduce stress and anxiety.
Conclusion
Warming up oat milk enhances its natural vanilla sweetness and creamy mouthfeel, making it taste even richer and more comforting. Heating brings out oat milk’s subtle flavor notes, improves its texture, and allows it to pair perfectly with hot coffee drinks, teas, baked goods, and more. A mug of heated oat milk on its own can be an especially soothing, nourishing treat. Beyond just being delicious, drinking warm oat milk at night may also promote relaxation and sleep. So if you’re looking for a cozy, plant-based milk option with extra comfort, try heating up some oat milk and savor the sweet creaminess.