Oat milk is a dairy alternative that provides similar properties as soy milk.
This milk has far more health benefits than most cow’s milk out there and is much better for you too.
Oat milk boasts 12% protein compared to 8%, making it more filling and perfect for those who wish to have the same creamy beverage without having their stomach fill up.
Oat milk is made from rolled oats, water, and a pinch of salt.
It can be used in any recipe that requires milk, such as baking muffins or hot chocolate.
This article will tell you everything there is to know about oat milk, how to freeze it, and how to get the most out of this vegan product.
Benefits of Oat Milk
Oat milk contains plant-based protein, which is great for building muscle or avoiding drinking animal products altogether.
Moreover, oat milk has been shown to reduce the risk of kidney stones by 40%.
Studies suggest that this may be due to the high levels of magnesium found in this drink.
Lastly, studies have also shown that people who drink oat milk tend to have lower cholesterol levels.
Oat milk also contains less sugar than dairy or soy milk.
It contains about 8 grams of total sugar per cup, whereas most cow’s milk contains 12-15 grams, and soy has 6-10.
This makes oat milk a much better option for those trying to avoid sugar in their diet.
Furthermore, the natural sweetness that is found in oats may also help with digestion.
Oat milk is also a great option for those who are lactose-intolerant as it contains virtually no lactose.
Does Freezing Affect Oat Milk?
Freezing oat milk can be a great idea if you are planning to use it in baking.
Due to the high water content in this milk, there is a higher likelihood of it separating while being frozen.
This means that when thawed, the oat milk will most likely not be as creamy as it once was.
Freezing oat milk will also cause it to separate, but this separation is a good thing.
You can shake the milk up in a jar, and voila. It’s creamy again.
How to Freeze Oat Milk?
Like soy milk, oat milk must be frozen in an airtight container. This will prevent it from going bad before its time.
If you must use a bag, make sure to squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible before sealing the top shut.
If you would like to freeze your oat milk, here’s what you will need:
- Oat milk.
- Freezer-safe container or bag.
To fill the freezer-safe container:
- Pour the desired amount of oat milk.
- Put it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for 1 hour. This will ensure that the container is nice and cold before adding the milk.
- Transfer the container into your freezer for 2-3 hours.
- After 2-3 hours, add your oat milk to a freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
You can also freeze it using an ice cube tray.
All you have to do is pour the oat milk into the tray, and once solid, store it in a freezer bag.
This method is great for those who only plan on consuming about 1-2 servings at a time.
It’s also good for portion control.
Make sure to mark your storage container or bag with the date that you placed your oat milk in there.
This will make it easier for you to keep track of how long your oat milk has been sitting around.
How to Thaw Frozen Oat Milk?
It is recommended that when using frozen oat milk in a recipe, you should thaw it first.
However, some people have claimed that oat milk works just fine without being defrosted entirely.
There are two ways to thaw your oat milk:
Option #1: Plunge the bag into a bowl of warm water until the milk is thawed.
You can place it in the fridge overnight so that it is back to its original consistency faster.
Option #2: Put some water in a pot and place a bowl of thawed oat milk in the pot.
Make sure that the bowl is not touching the water.
Allow sitting for about 15-20 minutes until it has returned to its original consistency.
How to Use Thawed Oat Milk?
There are several ways to use oat milk. It can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in drinks, cooking, or baking.
Drinks: Oat milk tastes great when added to cereal.
It has a mild flavor which makes it easy to incorporate into nearly any food, whether you’re looking to drink it plain or use it as an ingredient in a recipe.
Cooking: Oat milk can be used as a substitute for dairy or almond milk in any recipe.
You can even pour it into pancakes, muffins, or cookies.
Just remember that you may need to add extra oil to prevent your baked goods from drying out if you choose to use oat milk in baking.
Baking: For that lactose-intolerant, oat milk can be a great alternative to dairy or almond milk.
It will give your baked goods that creamy texture without the potential negative side effects of incorporating too much cream into your foods.
As mentioned earlier, if you choose to use oat milk on its own in baking, this may cause the baked good to be dry.
Therefore, it may be best to combat this problem by combining oat milk and other milk such as almond or soy.
If you’re looking for an easy way to incorporate oat into your diet, start with baking.
Replace cow’s milk with homemade oat milk, and you’ll be good to go.
How to Tell if Frozen Oat Milk is Bad?
If oat milk has been frozen for too long and you are unsure of its safety, here are some tips to tell if it’s still edible:
Take a whiff of the oat milk. It should smell like oats and be fresh.
If the oat milk smells sour or rotten, it is probably not fit for consumption. Milk can develop a sour smell if it has been frozen for too long.
Inspect the consistency of the oat milk. It should not be watery or have any solidified chunks in it.
If you see any strange changes, do not eat it and throw it out at once.
Conclusion
In conclusion, oat milk is a healthy alternative to cow’s milk, and it is not as difficult as you may think to make some at home.
Your oat milk should be stored in the freezer if you aren’t planning on storing it for long periods.
This will ensure that your oat milk stays fresh and preserved for many weeks to come.
Oat milk is great to use in recipes or on its own, and it can be incorporated into nearly any dish.
Can You Freeze Oat Milk? Easy Guide to Freeze Oat Milk
Ingredients
- Oat milk
- Air-tight containers or Ziplock bags
- Labels and markers
Instructions
- Pour the desired amount of oat milk.
- Put it in the freezer at 0°F (-18°C) or lower for 1 hour. This will ensure that the container is nice and cold before adding the milk.
- Transfer the container into your freezer for 2-3 hours.
- After 2-3 hours, add your oat milk to a freezer bag and store it in the freezer.
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