Gone are the days of only one milk option to add to a cup of coffee. Whether you’re heading to a coffee shop or making coffee at home, there are a plethora of options, both dairy and non-dairy, to add a creamy touch to your favorite morning beverage.
An increasingly popular dairy-free milk option is oat milk. In fact, oat milk has secured the number two spot as the most popular dairy-free milk alternative. In 2022, oat milk sales increased by over 50% to $527 million.
Watch out almond milk because oat milk is coming for you!
If you’ve made the switch to oat milk, you might have wondered… Does oat milk froth like regular milk does?
Indeed, oat milk can be frothed in a variety of different ways! We will go through several methods with added tips and tricks to keep in mind so that you can achieve perfectly frothed oat milk.
What Makes Milk Froth?
Two main components in milk allow it to froth - fat and protein.
The higher the fat content of the milk, the easier it will be to froth. Likewise, the higher the protein content, the longer the foam will last.
Frothing occurs when you introduce air bubbles into milk to form foam.
For oat milk, it is best to froth using cold milk. If you’re having an iced drink, just pour the frothed oat milk in as it is. Oppositely, if you prefer a hot drink, then warm it after frothing.
The ideal temperature for steaming oat milk is 140°F (60°C).
Oat milk can be steamed either in the microwave or on the stovetop. To heat oat milk in the microwave, pour it into a microwave-safe glass and warm it up in 20-second intervals until it reaches about 140°F (60°C).
To heat oat milk on the stovetop, pour it into a pot and warm it over medium-low heat. Bubbles should start forming around the edges when it reaches around 140°F (60°C).
Be cautious not to let the oat milk get too hot, as it can curdle!
What’s The Difference Between Oat Milk and Cow’s Milk?
The main difference between oat milk and cow’s milk is how they are produced. Unsurprisingly, cow’s milk comes from cows, whereas oat milk comes from soaking oats in water and then blending and straining them.
Cow’s milk is relatively high in both fat and protein compared to most plant milks.
In 1 cup of cow’s milk, there is about 11g of fat and 9g of protein. On the other hand, 1 cup of oat milk contains only 2.5g of fat and 4g of protein.
Header | Almond milk | Cow's milk | Hemp milk | Oat milk | Soy milk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Calories | 29 | 259 | 60 | 130 | 101 |
Protein | 1 g | 9 g | 3 g | 4 g | 6 g |
Total fat | 2.5 g | 11 g | 4.5 g | 2.5 g | 3.5 g |
Sugar | 0 g | 31 g | 0 g | 19 g | 9 g |
Calcium | 451 mg | 300 mg | 283 mg | 350 mg | 451 mg |
Vitamin D | 101 IU | 0 IU | 0 IU | 101 IU | 120 IU |
This table compares the nutritional values of 240 milliliters (ml) — about 1 cup — of almond, cow, hemp, oat, and soy milk in grams (g), milligrams (mg), or international units (IU). via Medical News Today
What’s the Difference Between Oat Milk and Barista Oat Milk?
The best option if you want to froth oat milk is to look for a barista blend oat milk.
Barista lines are specifically formulated with frothing in mind.
These milks have some additives that make them easier to work with compared to regular oat milk.
However, that doesn’t mean that regular oat milk won’t froth—it will just be more of a process.
Is Oat Milk Good in Coffee?
Oat milk can be a fabulous dairy-free substitute for cow’s milk in coffee! It has a thick and creamy texture and a neutral, slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with a cup of joe.
Plus, for those that have food allergies, oat milk is extremely allergy friendly as it is nut-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free.
How to Froth Oat Milk
Frothing oat milk at home is easier than you might think. No matter what you have available in your kitchen, there is a method for you!
Below are six tested methods for frothing oat milk you can try.
Remember to start with cold oat milk, and then if desired, warm up the oat milk either in the microwave or on the stovetop.
How to Froth Oat Milk with a Steam Wand
Traditionally, a steam wand is used in most coffee shops to froth milk. It is essentially the same process as steaming cow's milk if you have an espresso machine at home with a steam wand.
- Pour oat milk into a pitcher, jar, or mug, and hold the pitcher at an angle under the steaming wand.
- Insert the steaming wand just below the surface of the oat milk, not all the way to the bottom of the pitcher. You want to introduce as much air as possible at the start of the frothing process.
- Move the pitcher slowly around, then up and down to circulate the air bubbles throughout the milk and keep it moving.
- Use a thermometer to check when your oat milk reaches around 140°F (60°C), and this is when you should turn off the steamer. The milk should almost double in size during this process.
How to Froth Oat Milk with a Handheld Frother
A handheld frother is a quick and inexpensive way to easily froth milk at home if you don’t have an espresso machine with a steam wand.
- Pour oat milk into a pitcher, jar, or mug.
- Insert the frother just below the surface of the oat milk. Turn it on and froth for about 30 seconds.
- Then, move the frother in circular motions on the surface of the milk and up and down until the milk increases in volume significantly.
How to Froth Oat Milk in a Jar
Frothing oat milk in a jar can be done if you’re craving some frothed milk in your coffee with no tools or gadgets required. This is by far the easiest method.
- Pour oat milk into a jar with a lid. Leave about half of the jar empty so there is room for the milk to froth.
- Screw the lid on tightly and shake vigorously until you get your desired amount of foam. This process might take 5-8 minutes, and you can check off your arm workout for the day too!
How to Froth Oat Milk with a Whisk, Hand Mixer, or Stand Mixer
A whisk is most likely somewhere in your kitchen! It might take a little longer, but you can use a whisk. Alternatively, to make it easier on yourself a hand mixer or stand mixer works too.
- Pour oat milk into a mixing bowl, leaving enough room for the milk to expand.
- Whisk on the highest setting (or as vigorously as possible if using a whisk) to get as many bubbles in the milk as possible.
- Stop whisking when you have your desired amount of foam.
How to Froth Oat Milk with an Immersion Blender
If you aren’t careful, an immersion blender can be quite messy. Follow the steps below and you should have perfectly frothed oat milk with minimal clean-up:
- Fully submerge the head of the immersion blender under the oat milk. It helps if you tilt the bowl slightly so that the oat milk pools on one side, or have a glass with tall sides.
- Blend for about 30-60 seconds or until there is a nice layer of foam on top.
How to Froth Oat Milk with a Blender/Food Processor
The blender method can work in a pinch but isn’t the most ideal since blenders make pretty tiny bubbles compared to the other methods. However, most people have a blender in their kitchen, so it is convenient!
- Pour oat milk into your blender.
- Blend on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until frothy.
How to Use Frothed Oat Milk
Frothed oat milk is the perfect addition to all of your favorite hot or cold drinks! You can add it to an espresso, or even use it for a latte, cappuccino, or macchiato.
Not a coffee lover? Don’t sweat it! Frothed oat milk is also a tasty addition to your favorite tea. With frothed oat milk you can make a chai tea latte, green tea latte, or even a matcha latte.
Oat Milk Frothing FAQs
What is the best way to froth oat milk?
There is no right or wrong answer here. The best way to froth oat milk depends on what you have on hand in your kitchen, and your preferred method of frothing!
What temperature should oat milk be at to froth?
It is ideal to froth oat milk while it is cold. Chill your oat milk in the refrigerator first, then use any of the above methods to froth the oat milk!
If you are using the frothed oat milk for a hot drink, the ideal temperature for steaming oat milk is about 140°F (60°C).
First, froth the oat milk while chilled then warm it up either in the microwave or on the stovetop to add to your hot beverage.
Does oat milk froth better than almond milk?
Because oat milk has a higher fat and protein content compared to almond milk, it is slightly easier to froth.
However, that’s not to say that almond milk isn’t able to be frothed, it just might take a little longer to froth than oat milk.
Luckily, we’ve already done all of the testing for you, so be sure to check out our complete guide for frothing almond milk here!
Why is my oat milk not frothing?
If you are having some trouble getting your oat milk to froth, here are some extra tips to keep in mind:
- Always use the freshest, most high-quality oat milk you can find.
- Start by frothing the oat milk cold, then warming it if desired.
- There is a happy medium between not frothing long enough and frothing for too long. It should take about 1-2 minutes for oat milk to froth, so be patient when frothing. However, it is possible to over froth and then all of the foam will collapse so try not to froth for more than 3-4 minutes.
- It is much easier to froth a smaller amount of oat milk. Try to froth just the amount that you’ll need for one drink to make it easier on yourself.
- Make the switch from regular oat milk to barista oat milk that is specifically made to froth.
Can you froth oat milk creamer?
Absolutely - all of the above methods should also work for frothing oat milk creamer!
Can you froth oat milk with a frother?
You can froth oat milk with a hand frother or an electric frother.
To use a hand frother, pour the milk into a cup, insert the frother, and froth for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.
Move the frother up, down, and around in the cup for the best results. To use an electric frother, pour in the milk, set the temperature, and press go!
Can you froth oat milk without a frother?
A frother is not required to froth oat milk!
You can froth oat milk as easily as shaking it vigorously in a jar for one minute.
Alternatively, you can use a blender, whisk, food processor, immersion blender, or steamer.
Since oat milk is relatively thick, it is one of the easier dairy-free milk to froth.
How long does it take for oat milk to froth?
Frothing oat milk takes roughly thirty seconds to one minute.
This will vary depending on your frothing method.
For example, whisking it by hand will take several minutes, whereas using a blender takes just thirty seconds.
Oat milk is plant-based and less protein-dense than dairy milk, so it will take longer to froth.
Be patient and keep trying.
Why isn’t my oat milk frothing?
Oat milk can be difficult to froth if it is a low-quality brand high in water and fillers and low in actual oat milk.
Check the ingredients and nutrition facts of your milk before buying.
It also may have gone bad.
Old oat milk won't form bubbles as successfully once it has lost its integrity.
The last reason your oat milk won't froth is that it's burnt. If you let it reach any higher than 140 ℉, it can burn and lose its ability to froth.
Can you froth cold oat milk?
Oat milk can froth perfectly fine when cold.
If warming the oat milk, be careful not to let it exceed 140 ℉, or it will burn and cross the threshold of being frothable.
Why is my oat milk grainy?
Oat milk could have a grainy consistency if you didn't strain it thoroughly.
Sometimes fine pieces of oats seep through during the straining process.
If this is the case, strain your milk again with cheesecloth to catch any missed oat pieces.
The milk may retain the gritty texture – sometimes, you can't avoid it.
Enjoy Your Frothy Oat Milk!
Frothed oat milk is a creamy and tasty addition to a cup of coffee.
Next time you’re craving a dairy-free latte or cappuccino, be sure to try one of these tested methods above!
