Oat milk 101: discover the benefits, nutrition and how to make it at home

WE MAY not all be like Onezwa Mbola, the South African home cook who proudly says, “I make meals from items that I have grown, raised, or foraged”

- VUYILE MADWANTSI

OAT milk's versatility is a highlight; its neutral flavour and creamy texture make it perfect for an array of uses. | Pexels

(Pexels)

But more of us are certainly inching closer to that philosophy.

From homemade juices and sourdough starters to nut butters and plant milks, social media has made wellness and mindful eating both aspirational and accessible.

And at the heart of this movement sits one creamy, planet-friendly hero: oat milk. It’s everywhere, from your favourite Cape Town cafés flat white to the grocery shelves in your local grocery store.

But what exactly is oat milk, and why has it become the go-to dairy alternative for so many? Let's dive in.

In simple terms, oat milk is a vegan, dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk made by blending oats with water and then straining the mixture. The result? A creamy, smooth liquid that looks a lot like milk but comes entirely from grains.

Think of it as the plant-based cousin of your morning amasi or cereal milk.

According to registered dietitian Jessica Cording, alternative milk is popular because it’s an unsweetened, minimally processed product.