Are you looking for a dairy-free alternative to traditional kefir?
Look no further than oat milk!
Not only is it a great lactose-free option, but it also adds a creamy sweetness to your kefir.
Plus, the high-fiber content of oats can benefit your gut health.
In this article, we’ll explore the process of making kefir with oat milk and provide some tips for success.
Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking to switch up your kefir routine, oat milk kefir might just be the perfect solution for you.
Can You Make Kefir With Oat Milk?
Yes, you absolutely can make kefir with oat milk! In fact, oat milk is one of the best plant-based milk substitutes for making kefir.
The process of making oat milk kefir is similar to making traditional kefir. You will need kefir grains or a kefir starter culture, which can be purchased online or at health food stores.
To make oat milk kefir, simply mix your kefir grains or starter culture with oat milk in a jar or container. Cover the jar with a cloth or lid and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours.
During this time, the kefir grains will ferment the oat milk, creating a tangy and slightly sour taste. The longer you let it ferment, the tangier it will become.
Once the fermentation process is complete, strain out the kefir grains and store your oat milk kefir in the refrigerator. It should last for up to a week.
What Is Kefir And Why Is It Popular?
Kefir is a fermented drink made from milk or plant-based milk and kefir grains or a kefir starter culture. It is a probiotic-rich food that is known for its gut-boosting benefits. Kefir is becoming increasingly popular due to its ability to colonize the beneficial bacteria in the intestinal tract, promoting gut and microbiome health, improving digestion, and strengthening the immune system.
Kefir is high in beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum, which can help balance the gut microbiome. It also contains vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamin B12.
Kefir can be made with various types of milk, including cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and non-dairy milk such as coconut milk and oat milk. Oat milk is a great option for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan as it is lactose-free and plant-based.
Benefits Of Making Kefir With Oat Milk
Making kefir with oat milk has several benefits. First, oat milk is lactose-free, making it a great option for people who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy allergy. It is also lower in fat and calories than traditional cow’s milk, making it a healthier option for those watching their weight.
Oats are prebiotics, which means they contain large amounts of beta-glucan fiber and resistant starch. Beta-glucan from oats has been linked to healthy gut bacteria, lower LDL cholesterol, better blood sugar control, and reduced cancer risk. When oat milk is fermented with kefir grains or a kefir starter culture, it becomes a rich source of probiotics that can help improve gut health and boost the immune system.
Oat milk also contains inulin, a type of insoluble plant carbohydrate that is a prebiotic food source. Eating a diet rich in prebiotic foods helps maintain a healthy gut flora and microbiome.
Additionally, oat milk powder can help make kefir sweeter and creamier due to the starch from oats. This can be especially beneficial for people who are trying to transition from traditional dairy-based kefir to plant-based options.
How To Make Kefir With Oat Milk: Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to making kefir with oat milk, don’t worry! It’s a simple process that can be done in just a few steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making oat milk kefir:
1. Gather your ingredients: You’ll need kefir grains or a kefir starter culture, oat milk, and a jar or container with a lid.
2. Add the kefir grains or starter culture to the jar: Pour in the oat milk and add the kefir grains or starter culture to the jar. The amount of kefir grains you use will depend on how much oat milk you have, but a good rule of thumb is to use one tablespoon of kefir grains for every cup of oat milk.
3. Let it ferment: Cover the jar with a cloth or lid and let it sit at room temperature for 12-24 hours. The longer you let it ferment, the tangier it will become. You can taste it periodically to see if it has reached your desired level of tartness.
4. Strain out the kefir grains: Once the fermentation process is complete, strain out the kefir grains using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. You can save the grains to use again in your next batch of kefir.
5. Store in the refrigerator: Store your oat milk kefir in the refrigerator. It should last for up to a week.
Remember, making kefir with oat milk is slightly different than making it with dairy milk. Oat milk doesn’t contain lactose, which is what kefir grains feed on to survive and multiply. This means that you will need to feed your kefir grains with dairy milk periodically to keep them healthy and active.
Tips For Making The Perfect Oat Milk Kefir
If you’re new to making oat milk kefir, here are some tips to help you make the perfect batch:
1. Use fresh oat milk: It’s important to use fresh oat milk when making kefir. Older oat milk can result in an odd flavor and may not ferment properly.
2. Add date paste or raw sugar: To help the fermentation process, add a small amount of date paste or raw sugar to the oat milk before adding the kefir grains.
3. Let it ferment for the right amount of time: The length of time you let your oat milk kefir ferment will affect its taste and consistency. Start with 12 hours and taste it to see if it’s to your liking. If not, let it ferment for a few more hours until it reaches your desired taste.
4. Strain out the kefir grains: Once the fermentation process is complete, strain out the kefir grains using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. This will prevent them from over-fermenting and becoming too sour.
5. Store in the refrigerator: Your oat milk kefir should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within a week. It may continue to get more sour over time.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to make delicious and healthy oat milk kefir at home. Experiment with different fermentation times and sweeteners to find your perfect recipe.
How To Store And Use Oat Milk Kefir
Storing oat milk kefir is similar to storing traditional kefir. Once the fermentation process is complete and you have strained out the kefir grains, store the oat milk kefir in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
It’s important to note that separation may occur, which is normal. Simply mix it thoroughly before serving. The longer you store it, the more sour and tart it will become.
Oat milk kefir can be used in a variety of ways. You can drink it straight, add it to smoothies, or use it as a dairy-free substitute for sour cream or yogurt in recipes. It can also be sweetened and used as a topping for fruit or desserts.
If you want to make more oat milk kefir, simply take a portion of your existing batch and mix it with fresh oat milk. Repeat the fermentation process until you have the desired amount of kefir.
Conclusion: Is Oat Milk Kefir Right For You?
If you are lactose intolerant or simply prefer plant-based milk, oat milk kefir may be the perfect choice for you. Oat milk is rich in starch, which makes the kefir thicker and creamier. Additionally, the high-fiber content of oats can contribute to better gut health and ease digestive troubles.
However, it’s important to note that making kefir with non-dairy milks like oat milk requires a bit more attention and care. Kefir grains do not receive any nutrients from non-dairy milks, so it’s crucial to first feed them with full-fat cow or goat milk before using non-dairy milk.
It’s also important to choose high-quality, organic oat milk without any preservatives, added sugars, or other additives that may harm the kefir grains. Keep in mind that non-dairy kefir may not have the same thickness as traditional dairy kefir due to the lower fat content in plant-based milks.
