What Does Oat Milk Taste Like?

If you've never tried oat milk before, chances are you're a bit skeptical. Maybe even suspicious of its taste and texture.

But let me reassure you.

Oat milk has a nutty, creamy, and slightly sweet flavor. It is often compared to cow's milk or almond milk in terms of taste and consistency, making it a great dairy-free alternative for those who are lactose-intolerant or looking for a vegan option. 

Best of all, it’s easy to make at home with very little time investment. 

In this guide, we’ll dive into the complex flavors of oat milk and look at a couple of different ways you can use it.

If you’re a non-dairy drinker, oat milk could be the alternative you’ve been looking for! 

Does Oat Milk Taste Good? 

Many assume non-dairy milk alternatives taste just like milk.

They may recoil in disgust when they take a sip of soy milk or any other alternative, but oat milk has a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture that closely mimics dairy.

Most people who enjoy the taste and texture of dairy are quick to enjoy the taste of oat milk.

It’s delicious and richer than many other types of plant-based milk.

This is, of course, subjective, though, so try it for yourself and make your own opinion.

Oat Milk's Flavor Profile

Oat milk is made by blending whole oats with cold water and straining the mixture.

This results in milk with a nutty, slightly sweet flavor with notes of vanilla, cinnamon, or even chocolate.

The flavor is often even compared to that of cow's milk or almond milk, but it is unique in its own right and has a flavor profile all its own.

If you purchase oat milk rather than make your own, you may find slight variations in flavor from brand to brand.

Some brands have more of a cereal flavor than others, whereas others have a toasty, robust taste. 

Oat Milk's Texture

Texturally, oat milk is similar to cow's milk, with a thick creaminess imparted from the oats’ natural starches.

It’s generally thicker than other plant-based milk, such as soy and almond milk, making it a great choice for those who don’t enjoy the wateriness of other vegan milk.

If you make your own oat milk, you can play around with the texture by adding or removing water from the blend.

What Does Oat Milk Taste Like in Coffee?

If you’re looking for a dairy-free milk alternative for your cup of coffee, oat milk is a great choice.

Its creamy texture easily holds its own against milk’s foamy head, and it shouldn’t curdle when heated.

Oat milk also has a naturally sweet flavor that can complement the bitterness of coffee.

If you’re worried that your morning joe may end up tasting like grains, rest assured that the warmness of coffee blends well with oat milk, covering the cereal-like flavor of oats.

What Does Oat Milk Taste Like in Tea?

Oat milk is also an excellent choice for tea.

Like with coffee, oat milk’s creamy texture and naturally sweet flavor can enhance the taste of your favorite tea, especially if you drink black tea.

Since oat milk naturally has a nutty, toasty flavor, it pairs well with a strong black tea's earthy, smoky tannins.

Alternatively, add it to your chai latte for a real treat.

What Does Oat Milk Taste like in Cereal?

Oat Milk is hands-down the best non-dairy milk for cereal.

Since breakfast cereals are made from grains, the addition of grain-based milk enhances the delicious toastiness of your favorite morning meal.

If you enjoyed drinking the milk from your cereal as a kid, think of oat milk as the concentrated version of that.  

Does Oat Milk Taste like Regular Milk?

Oat milk isn't exactly like regular milk, but it’s a close alternative, especially as far as plant-based milk is concerned.

Its natural sweetness and creamy texture can easily be confused with dairy milk, but you’re sure to notice a grainy, cereal-like aftertaste on your back palate.

Imagine drinking a cup of 1% dairy milk left behind from a bowl of cereal, and you’ll get the idea.

How to Make Oat Milk Taste Better

If the taste of oat milk offends your palate, there are a few ways to make it taste better.

The first, most obvious solution is to add a sweetener like honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or monk fruit. 

Oats are naturally sweet thanks to their high-carb content, but a touch of additional sweetness can amplify the flavor.

Here are some other ways make oat milk taste better:

• Make a fruit smoothie – Throw some bananas, mango, or blueberries into a blender with a cup of oat milk and blitz it together to make a delicious oat milk smoothie.
• Flavor your oat milk – Just like with dairy milk, you can add a flavoring such as vanilla extract, cocoa powder, or some peanut butter to boost the flavor profile.
• Add a pinch of salt – This may sound strange at first, but just a pinch of salt can add enough contrast to make the natural sweetness of oats pop in your mouth. Think of salted caramel, and you’ll know what we mean.

Why Does Oat Milk Taste Sweet?

Oats are naturally high in carbohydrates—nature’s sugars.

When they’re blended with water into a slurry and then drained to create oat milk, those natural sugars dissolve into the water, imparting a delicious cereal-like sweetness.

It won’t exactly match the sweetness of dairy milk, but it does come close and is quite pleasant on the palate.

Ready to Give Oat Milk a Taste?

Oat milk provides a subtle flavor that can be enjoyed both on its own and when added to various recipes.

Hopefully, now that you have a better idea of what it tastes like, you'll feel more comfortable giving it a try.