Oat milk latte recipe – delicious and nutritious

As we all become more health conscious, it’s natural to explore ways to reduce our dairy intake. Step forward oat milk, which is becoming increasingly popular with coffee lovers as it provides an excellent source of plant-based nutrition. But it also has a creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor which make it ideal for making lattes. Follow my oat milk latte recipe to make your own simple and delicious coffee. Then try out my variations on the basic recipe. You are going to be surprised how easy they are to make and how good they taste.

What is oat milk

it’s a vegan-friendly, dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk. It’s made from oat groats (oat groats are simply oats that have had their husks – hard skins – removed) that have been soaked in water and blended until smooth. Once strained through a cheesecloth or other strainer to remove any remaining oatmeal particles you are left with oat milk.

Having a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture, similar to dairy milk, makes oat milk an ideal replacement for cows’ milk in lattes, cappuccinos and café au lait drinks.

What does oat milk taste like?

It has a creamy and slightly sweet flavor, with nutty undertones. When you taste test oat milk against cow’s milk you’ll notice it has a similar but more mellow taste and a smooth creamy texture. You will also notice it’s got a naturally sweet and nutty flavor. Oat milk also has a thicker consistency than other non-dairy milks, making it an excellent choice for lattes.

Why you should use oat milk in your latte

Check the carton, but most oat milk brands add vitamin B2 and vitamin B12 because these don’t naturally occur in plant-based diets. It’s also a great source of healthy fats and has more protein than most nut-based milks, as well as fibre, calcium and protein. Oat milk is also a good option if you have an allergy to soy or nuts or you cannot digest the lactose in cow’s milk.

An oat milk latte makes a delicious and creamy alternative to traditional dairy-based lattes. Oat milk gives lattes a unique, nutty flavor and a smooth, velvety texture. It also has a naturally sweet taste so you won’t need to add so much sugar.

How to froth oat milk

Frothing oat milk correctly is key to getting the perfect oat milk latte so take your time and get it just right. With a bit of practice, you’ll soon be able to make great oatmilk lattes.

Top Tip: If you can get it, always use barista-quality oat milk. It is so much easier and more satisfying to froth. Look out for cartons marked as ‘Barista’ quality, like Califia Farms – Oat Barista Blend and Oatly Barista Edition Oatmilk. These both taste great AND will froth either hot or cold. Trust me, once you’ve used these, you will not waste time trying to froth ordinary oat milk.

Foaming barista-quality oat milk for a delicious latte is surprisingly easy and doesn’t require any fancy equipment. All you need is oat milk, an immersion blender and a bit of patience when following these steps:

• Before you begin, heat the oat milk, either on the stovetop or in a microwave. Always remember: do not heat the milk to more than 149°F (65°C). Beyond that temperature, oat milk starts to break down.
• Next, place your oat milk into a cup or jug that’s tall enough to accommodate the height of the oat milk once it’s frothed.
• Use the immersion blender to mix oat milk using an up-and-down motion until it’s thick and creamy.
• Be sure not to over-blend, as this will create a froth that’s too thin and runny.
• Once your oat milk is sufficiently foamy, pour it slowly into your latte glass or mug.

Other ways of foaming oat milk

If you are lucky enough to own an espresso machine with a steam wand, then that is the best way to froth your milk. But if you don’t have a steam wand then all of the following work just as well, though some require more effort than others:

• frother. These dedicated electric frothers will heat and whisk the milk to a credible froth that will even enable you to try your hand at latte art.
• immersion blender.
• electric food whisk
• food processor.
• hand whisk. Get some exercise by hand whisking the milk until it reaches a frothy texture.
• French press. Put your oat milk into the flask and push the plunger up and down to agitate the milk. This can be surprisingly effective.
• a jar with the lid on. Get ready to flex your muscles, this needs vigorous shaking to achieve a foamy texture.

Making espresso for oat milk latte

Best coffee beans

The best coffee beans to use when making an oat milk latte depend on your preferences and the flavor you want to achieve. For a classic latte, go for a dark roast espresso bean. It will give you a great balance between the smooth creamy milk and the deep, intense, flavor of the coffee.

Top Tip: If you prefer a softer-tasting latte, you can use a lighter roast coffee. But remember: lighter roast coffee is higher in acidity, and oat milk does not play nicely with high acidity.

For the full-on dark roast experience, I recommend these:

• Starbucks espresso roast whole bean. That smile on your face is because it tastes better at home than at Starbucks.
• Valhalla Java Odinforce blend. This makes a deeply intense and involving espresso. I would recommend making your latte with one shot. Two shots would certainly overpower the oat milk.
• Bulletproof The Mentalist. A dark roast organic coffee that will make amazing lattes.

If you prefer a lighter roast coffee, I would pick any of these:

• Lavazza Super Crema whole bean coffee blend, medium espresso roast with floral and fruit notes and a background flavor of brown sugar.
• Intelligentsia House, light roast whole bean coffee. So good you may even think you are drinking milk chocolate and citrus flavored coffee.
• Cameron’s Coffee Organic Breakfast Blend whole bean coffee. It’s a light roast 100% arabica blend.

Grinding and brewing coffee for an oat milk latte

Why grind coffee beans?

You can use pre-ground coffee, or even instant, if that’s what you have available. But to get the best results, it’s better to start with good quality, fresh coffee beans. The reason is that as soon as coffee is ground, it exposes more surface area to the air, and that speeds up the process of making it stale.

How you grind your coffee beans depends on the way you are making the espresso shot. If you have an espresso machine, you need to grind the beans to a fine powder. But other coffee makers need different grind sizes to get the best. For a deep dive into making espresso without an espresso machine, check out How to make espresso without a machine.

Brewing coffee for oatmilk latte

If you have an espresso machine available, fire it up and brew 1-2 shots of espresso. Otherwise, take a look at How to make espresso without a machine. As you’ll see you can make very good espresso-type coffee shots with a variety of equipment, even starting as basic as a couple of jars, ground coffee and hot water.

How to make an oat milk latte at home

Equipment

• 1 Espresso machine or coffee maker
• steam wand or milk frother or hand blender
• 1 microwave optional
• 1 steaming jug or microwave safe jug
• 1 food thermometer optional
• 1 Latte glass or mug
• 1 long spoon

Ingredients

• 1-2 shots espresso
• ¾ cup oat milk
• 2 tsp sugar optional
• sprinkle chocolate powder optional

Method

• Brew 1-2 shots of espresso or make 1/2 cup of strong coffee.
• While the coffee is brewing, heat the oat milk to around 140-145°F (60-63°C).
• Froth the heated milk with the tools you have available.
• Pour the espresso into al latte glass or an 8-ounce coffee mug.
• Add 1-2 teaspoons of sugar to taste and stir (optional).
• Slowly pour in the heated oat milk.
• Sprinkle chocolate powder over the foamed milk.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Top Tips for making oatmilk latte

• Before you start, gather the ingredients. Yes, I have made the mistake of assuming I had enough oat milk. Plus make sure you have the equipment you will need.
• Brew a shot of espresso with the coffee maker you have available. It’s not a problem if you don’t have an espresso machine, check out How to make espresso without a machine.
• Slowly heat the oat milk in a small pot until it’s hot but not boiling. Aim for around 140-145°F (60-63°C). But remember: don’t let the temperature go over 149°F (65°C) because above that heat oat milk starts to break down and won’t be good.
• froth the heated milk with the tools you have available
• Pour the espresso into an 8-ounce coffee mug
• Add 1 teaspoon of sugar to taste (optional)
• Slowly add the heated oat milk to the mug. If you are feeling brave, try your hand at some latte art. Remember, practice makes perfect.
• For some added luxury, sprinkle some chocolate powder over the foamed milk.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

FAQs

Is oat milk good for you?

Oat milk is a vegan-friendly alternative to cow’s milk, made from oat groats that have been soaked and ground into a smooth liquid. It is packed with nutrients, including calcium, phosphorus, potassium, vitamins A and D, and folate. Oat milk also contains several healthy compounds such as beta-glucan and oat beta-glucan, which can help reduce cholesterol and improve blood sugar levels. Furthermore, oat milk has been found to be an excellent source of dietary fiber and essential B vitamins. It is also a great choice for individuals who are lactose intolerant or have sensitivities to dairy products.

Are oat milk lattes gluten-free?

Oat milk lattes are a great alternative to traditional dairy or soy-based lattes. Oats are normally gluten-free. But when it comes to oat milk latte, the answer is not as straightforward as it may seem.

The issue is complicated because of potential cross-contamination with other ingredients. Many commercial oat milk brands contain additives such as malt or barley, which do contain gluten and could potentially contaminate the drink. Additionally, many cafes use shared equipment for different beverages so there is a risk of cross-contamination from other ingredients.

The best way to ensure your oat milk latte is gluten-free is to check the oat milk carton before buying the milk.

What oat milk does Starbucks use?

For its oat milk latte, Starbucks currently uses Oatly oat milk, barista blend, in all of its stores. Oatly is a plant-based, vegan oat milk that is free from dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten. It has a creamy texture, which foams well. Plus it adds a subtle sweetness to Starbucks oat milk latte.

If you are looking for the full-on Starbucks oatmilk latte experience, you can use Oatly barista blend oat milk.

Are oat milk lattes vegan?

Oat milk lattes are generally considered vegan friendly since oat milk is made from oats (a plant-based product) and does not contain any animal-derived ingredients. Additionally, oat milks are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, which make them a nutritious dairy alternative.

When making an oat milk latte, be sure to check the ingredients of your oat milk as some varieties may contain added flavours or sweeteners which may not be vegan. Additionally, depending on where you purchase your coffee, some cafes may also add dairy-based syrups to their lattes.

Top Tip: to be doubly sure, always read the label on the milk carton to check.

Are there any carbs in oatmilk latte?

Yes, there are carbohydrates in an oat milk latte. While the exact amount of carbs depends on the specific ingredients used, it can range anywhere from 10 to 20 grams per 8-ounce serving. This is because oat milk is made from oats, and each ounce of oats contains roughly 3 grams of carbohydrates. Additionally, some recipes may call for additional sweeteners and flavorings, which will add to the overall carbohydrate content.

To reduce the amount of carbohydrates in an oat milk latte, you can use sugar-free syrups or adjust the amount of oat milk used. You can also opt for unsweetened versions of oat milk or use a lower-sugar sweetener like agave or stevia. Finally, if you are calorie conscious, you can use a low-fat version of oat milk. that way you can still enjoy an oat milk latte without compromising on flavor.

How many calories in oat milk latte?

An oat milk latte is a great healthy alternative to dairy milk. An 8 oz cup of oat milk latte contains approximately 80-90 calories, depending on the varieties of oat milk and espresso used. Oat milk has fewer calories than cow’s milk, but more than almond or soy milk. For a healthier latte, you can cut down the amount of syrup or sugar added. It’s also important to note that oat milk is higher in fat than some other non-dairy milks, so it adds an extra creamy texture to your latte. To minimise calories when choosing oat milk for your latte, look for one with no added sugar.

If you’re watching your calorie intake, consider making adjustments to your recipe. For instance, reducing the amount of oat milk and sweeteners can significantly reduce the calorie count of your latte. You can also opt for lower-calorie alternatives such as stevia, honey or agave. Additionally, try using skimmed oat milk for a low-calorie option.

Final thoughts

Overall, an oat milk latte can be a great alternative to a traditional dairy milk latte and it offers plenty of customization options to fit your taste and dietary needs. By making simple adjustments like reducing portion sizes and choosing healthier sweeteners, you can enjoy a satisfying latte without all the calories.

Plus, oat milk is an excellent source of plant-based nutrition. It’s free from gluten, soy, nuts, and dairy (to confirm all of these, check the label on the oat milk carton before you buy).

So why not give it a try? You just might find that you love it as much (or more!) than a regular latte.

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