How To Keep Oat Milk From Separating? The Complete Guide

Are you a fan of oat milk but find yourself frustrated when it separates in your coffee or tea?

Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Oat milk has become a popular alternative to dairy milk, but it can be tricky to work with.

In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why oat milk separates and provide tips on how to prevent it from happening.

From proper blending techniques to choosing the right recipe, we’ve got you covered.

So grab a cup of coffee (with oat milk, of course) and let’s dive in!

How To Keep Oat Milk From Separating?

There are several reasons why oat milk may separate, but the good news is that there are ways to prevent it from happening. Here are some tips to keep your oat milk from separating:

1. Proper blending techniques: Over-blending can make oat milk slimy in texture, so we recommend blending for about 30-45 seconds. Soaking your oats can also make them more prone to sliminess, so just add them to the blender with water and blend.

2. Straining twice: We recommend straining oat milk twice to remove any excess starch that can contribute to a slimy texture. Use a towel or clean t-shirt instead of nut milk bags or fine mesh strainers, which can let too much pulp through.

3. Choosing the right recipe: If you’re using oat milk in your hot coffee or tea and finding that it has separated, it may be that you’re not making your oat milk properly. You could buy a packaged oat milk and not deal with this problem. For mixing with hot beverages, Oatly Barista Edition is creamy and does not separate. But if you want to make the oat milk at home, then we have used trial and error to discover the perfect recipe to make oat milk without oil. This full-flavored blended beverage uses cashews and coconut flakes to add the fattiness that you crave without the need for oil that will inevitably separate from the water base.

4. Avoid overheating: After pouring your coffee, wait for a few minutes so that the hot beverage cools down slightly, then add the oat milk. If the drink is too hot when you add ice-cold oat milk, there is a large chance the thermodynamic reaction will cause separation. Another way to prevent separating is by pouring the oat milk into the cup first. Once you have added the oat milk, then slowly pour the desired amount of hot coffee. This helps as it allows the milk to be tempered and gradually bring it up to the temperature of the coffee preventing unwanted separation.

5. Low-acid coffee: Maybe your coffee is too acidic, which is why the oat milk is reacting with it and ends up separating. Try switching to a low-acid coffee.

Why Does Oat Milk Separate?

Oat milk sometimes separates because the oat particles are heavier than water. If left untouched, these particles eventually separate and sink to the bottom of the container. Separation is more apt to occur with homemade oat milk or manufactured oat milk that uses simple ingredients and processing. Some store-bought oat milk brands contain added ingredients to avoid this problem by using added ingredients or processes to emulsify the beverage.

The acidity and heat of the coffee can also react with the cold oat milk, causing it to separate. If you choose to make oat milk like Oatly, chances are that it will separate if you don’t add the dipotassium phosphate. There is no way to stabilize the liquid and oil together without using an oat milk emulsifier. Therefore, it is important to choose the right recipe and avoid overheating your beverage to prevent separation. Additionally, low-acid coffee can also help prevent separation by reducing the reaction between the coffee and oat milk.

Proper Blending Techniques

Proper blending techniques are crucial when making oat milk to prevent it from becoming slimy in texture. Over-blending can break down the oats too much, resulting in a slimy texture. We recommend blending for about 30-45 seconds to ensure that the oats are broken down enough to create a creamy texture without becoming slimy.

It’s also important not to soak the oats before blending, as this can make them more prone to sliminess. Simply add the dry oats to the blender with water and blend until smooth.

When straining the oat milk, we recommend straining it twice to remove any excess starch that can contribute to a slimy texture. Use a towel or clean t-shirt instead of nut milk bags or fine mesh strainers, which can let too much pulp through.

By following these proper blending techniques, you can create a smooth and creamy oat milk without the unpleasant slimy texture.

Choosing The Right Oat Milk Recipe

When it comes to making oat milk at home, choosing the right recipe can make all the difference in preventing separation. While oats are the main ingredient, adding other ingredients like cashews and coconut flakes can add creaminess and prevent sliminess. Here is a recipe that we have found to work well:

Ingredients:

– 1 cup rolled oats

– 1/2 cup raw cashews

– 4 cups water

– 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes

– Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Add the oats, cashews, and water (and an optional pinch of salt) to a high-speed blender.

2. Blend the cashews with the water first for around 45-60 seconds for even creamier results.

3. Then add the oats and blend for a further 10 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can result in slimy oat milk.

4. Strain the milk through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and then transfer to a clean, airtight bottle/container.

5. Repeat the straining process one more time to remove any excess starch.

6. Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.

By using this recipe, you can enjoy creamy and smooth oat milk without worrying about separation. Additionally, you can use the leftover pulp in smoothies or baked goods to reduce waste.

Storing Oat Milk Correctly

Once you have made your oat milk, it is important to store it correctly to prevent separation. Oat milk naturally separates over time, so it is important to shake it well before using it. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.

When storing oat milk, make sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent air from getting in. Exposure to air can cause the oat milk to spoil faster and may lead to separation. Also, avoid storing oat milk in the door of your refrigerator as this area is typically warmer than the rest of the fridge and may cause the milk to spoil quicker.

If you find that your oat milk has separated after storing it in the refrigerator, don’t panic. Simply give the container a good shake before using it. If you are using oat milk in a recipe that requires heating, such as baking or cooking, make sure to warm it up slowly over low heat to prevent separation.

Using Additives To Prevent Separation

Another way to prevent separation in oat milk is by using additives. Emulsifiers like soy lecithin, xanthan gum or guar gum can be added to oat milk to help keep it from separating. These additives work by creating a stable emulsion between the water and fat components of the oat milk, preventing them from separating. However, it is important to note that some people may have sensitivities or allergies to these additives, so it is best to check the ingredient list before consuming any products with added emulsifiers.

Another type of additive that can be used to prevent separation in oat milk is anti-blocking additives. These additives work by reducing surface friction between polymer surfaces, making it easier for them to separate. While this type of additive is typically used in plastic applications, it can also be used in food products like oat milk to prevent separation. However, it is important to note that anti-blocking additives are not typically used in food products due to their potential health risks.

Finally, antioxidants like butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) can also be added to oat milk to prevent rancidity in oils and foods that contain oils. These antioxidants work by preventing the oxidation of oils, which can cause them to go rancid and separate from the rest of the mixture. While these additives are generally recognized as safe by the FDA, some people may prefer to avoid them due to potential health concerns.

Troubleshooting Separated Oat Milk

If your oat milk has already separated, don’t worry! There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the issue:

1. Give it a good shake: If your oat milk has separated, give it a good shake to mix the liquid and oil back together again.

2. Use an emulsifier: If you’re making oat milk at home, try adding an emulsifier like dipotassium phosphate to stabilize the liquid and oil together.

3. Check the expiration date: If your oat milk is old, expired, or about to expire, it has a good chance of separating when you add it to coffee. Make sure to check the expiration date before using it.

4. Avoid overheating: As mentioned above, overheating can cause oat milk to separate. Wait for your hot beverage to cool down slightly before adding the oat milk, or pour the oat milk into the cup first and slowly add the hot beverage.

5. Adjust your recipe: If you’re consistently having issues with oat milk separating, try adjusting your recipe. Use a different type of oats or adjust the water-to-oat ratio until you find a recipe that works for you.

By following these tips and troubleshooting steps, you can prevent and fix separated oat milk and enjoy all of its benefits without any unwanted texture or separation issues.