How to Warm Oat Milk in Microwave (2023)

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Are you looking for an easy way to warm up oat milk? From creamer to delicious foamy froth, oat milk adds a nutty and buttery taste to your favorite coffee and teas.

Cozy glass of warm microwaved plant milk can be a thrilling treat on its own, and it can also present itself in many of your favorite recipes when heated properly.

How do you warm oat milk in microwave? Put the desired amount of oat milk into a microwave-safe glass jar, set the microwave to medium heat and nuke for 15 seconds.

Gently stir the oat milk after each interval, and continue heating the beverage for 15 seconds at a time. Repeat the process until there is steam rising from oat milk, but don’t let it boil otherwise it will thicken too much.

Oat milk should be warmed slowly and gently to acquire the best results. Heating oat milk excessively can alter the flavor or lead to a film of protein on the top.

Fortunately, it is possible to evade these problems by using a microwave on medium to low heat.

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If you are looking for warm oat milk to add into any cooking and baking recipes, keep in mind that starting with room-temperature oat milk works better than cold. Make use of microwave to get rid of the chill from liquid to bring to room temperature at least.

In this article, we are going to review the best ways to warm oat milk by following the science behind the heating process. Answered below are frequently asked questions about heating oat milk along with kitchen tips for the best way to microwave oat milk to enjoy anytime.

Is it OK to Microwave Oat Milk?

Yes, it’s ok to microwave oat milk, but do it gently because overheating will change its consistency by making it extremely thick.

Too much heat can result in a thick layer of coagulated proteins on top, similar to whole milk. Similarly when it comes to plant-based milk such as oat milk, high heat can result in coagulation of particles and gelatinization of starch.

Ensure to use a microwave-safe container and a temperature of medium heat to avoid the boiling point of oat milk.

For oat milk, microwave in 15 seconds intervals until it heats up to your preferred temperature. If it reaches the boiling point, it will start splattering and make the inside of the appliance dirty very quickly.

Is it Safe to Heat Oat Milk in the Microwave?

Yes, you can safely heat oat milk in the microwave if you are applying an appropriate technique. However, there are two risk factors when heating, oat milk can easily scorch at the bottom of the container and it will form protein film on the surface.

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Reusing scorched milk is not recommended because it will taste burnt, but you can blend back the skim formed when heating the milk, although this will compromise the texture.

When pasteurizing oat milk, heat it to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, allow it to cool to 40 degrees Fahrenheit before storing it in the refrigerator.

Typically, the shelf life of oat milk is two weeks from the date it was opened. So, if you purchases milk and uses only part of it, the remaining can last for up to 2 weeks before the oat milk goes bad.

What Happens If You Microwave Oat Milk?

When heating oat milk in microwave, the heat is made by electromagnetic radiation that vibrates the water molecules in the oat milk that cause friction and generate heat.

Oat milk is different than cow milk as it is made with oats and water, therefore it reacts differently to heat because of the high starch content. However, the process to warm up oat milk is relatively similar.

To sustain the nutty and buttery flavor, slowly and gently heat on medium power level.

How Long Does It Take to Warm Oat Milk in Microwave?

When warming a cup of oat milk under a high heat setting, it will take 15 seconds. If you set the microwave on medium-high heat, you will need a maximum of 30 to 40 seconds for the milk to be warm.

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Ensure to keep stirring after every 15 seconds to avoid uneven heating, which might lead to scorching the bottom of the cup.

Also, opt to microwave oat milk with chocolate, ground cinnamon, or vanilla extract for flavor.

Tips for Microwaving Oat Milk

Oat milk is great alternative plant-based milk to replace regular dairy milk in some cooking. Whether you are using oat milk in baking or beverages, we’ve collected microwave tips for warming oat milk to help your meal prep:

  • Always use microwave-safe dishes when warming oat milk in the microwave.
  • Don’t place warmed oat milk back in the fridge as there is a high risk of contamination or food borne illness.
  • Ensure to gently stir oat milk as much as possible to prevent scorching or boiling, and use it as soon as it is warm.
  • Avoid heating up homemade oat milk on high heat due to it will thicken very much. To prevent this from happening, add oil to slow down the thickening process, but realize that it is less filtered than oat milk brands.
  • Even though oat milk does not have a buildup of lactic acid like cow milk, it can still curdle when poured in hot coffee. Make sure to make the oat milk same temperature as coffee to avoid curdling and separating.

Best Way to Make A Warm Glass of Oat Milk in Microwave

The process of warming milk in the microwave might take longer due to stirring every 15 seconds so the heat is evenly distributed throughout. However, be aware of how crucial it is to slow down the process since oat milk is easily scorched and thickens very quickly when exposed to high heat.

Place oat milk in a large container that is microwave safe to ensure there is extra space to stir. Set the medium temperature on your microwave and nuke for 15 seconds at a time.

Gently stir the liquid and continue warming for 15 seconds at a time with frequent stirring. The oat milk is ready when you notice steam rising from it.

Microwaving oat milk requires careful attention, but there is nothing to worry about or special tools needed. However, oat milk is just fragile and needs to handle with care.

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Stirring the milk while microwaving will prevent it from scorching, boiling and spilling over. Consider consuming or using all of oat milk after warming, and avoid refrigerating heated oat milk.

How to Warm Oat Milk in Microwave (1)

Microwaving Oat Milk: Conclusion

Plant-base milk such as oat milk is perfect substitute for coffee, stews, soups and more. It is preferred to use as warm milk instead cold when it comes to cooking or baking.

In order to warm oat milk in microwave, decide the amount you need and pour the oat milk into a microwave-safe cup or mug. Cover the cup with paper towel or parchment paper to avoid from splattering.

Adjust the microwave to medium power and start with 15 seconds at a time. Carefully remove the cup and stir well with a utensil, doing this will help to even out the temperature top to bottom.

Repeat with 15 seconds intervals and stir frequently until you see steam coming out from oat milk. This indicate the oat milk is warm to serve with coffee or to make to hot chocolate.

Do not heat on high eat or try to boil oat milk. Overheating will cause the liquid to thicken into a gravy or pudding-like consistency.

The microwave is fast and safe way to warm oat milk. Within a minute or two, your oat milk will be warm and ready to use for whichever purpose you have in mind.

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FAQs

Can I heat oat milk in the microwave? ›

Yes, you can microwave oat milk when you're making hot chocolate. As above, start off making your paste – you can probably do this in your mug (double check your mug is microwave safe) if you have a small whisk. Then whisk in the oat milk before heating in the microwave.

Can oat milk be warmed up? ›

Can oat milk be heated? Of course, oat milk and all homemade plant milks can be heated up, but be careful how you do it, because there are small details that are crucial to enjoy our milk in good condition. Let's heat the milk up in the microwave or in the traditional saucepan, we must avoid it to boil.

How do you steam oat milk in the microwave? ›

The best way to get frothy, warm oat milk is to warm your milk in a saucepan over low heat and use a handheld milk frother once heated. Another method is microwaving your milk for 45 seconds in an open jar. Put a lid on the jar and shake vigorously for 20-30 seconds. Microwave again for 30 seconds.

How long to heat oat milk in microwave for hot chocolate? ›

How long do I microwave oat milk for hot chocolate? Microwave oat milk for 2-4 minutes on high before stirring in the hot chocolate ingredients like cacao powder. The oat milk needs to be hot enough for the cacao powder to dissolve easily.

Does oat milk taste good hot? ›

The flavor is surprisingly like cow's milk but sweeter. It's not quite like a bowl cereal milk in the morning, but it sure makes you smile the same way when you drink it. And that's why so many people enjoy it! With its oat like after taste and sweetness, oat milk compliments a lot of beverages (hot or cold).

Can store bought oat milk be heated? ›

You can heat up oat milk and use it for any hot drink or food you desire. However, it's important to make sure that you do it correctly to avoid changing the consistency or flavor of the oat milk.

How do you heat oat milk without curdling? ›

Here are some good tips on how to stop oat milk curdling.
  1. Add oat milk into your cup first. ...
  2. Heat the oat milk to 140°F (60°C) ...
  3. Avoid overheating. ...
  4. Brew with lower temperature water. ...
  5. Use low-acidity coffee beans. ...
  6. Buy oat milk formulated for coffee. ...
  7. Use fresh oat milk. ...
  8. Wash your coffee mug.
Jan 22, 2023

What are the benefits of warm oat milk? ›

Benefits include lower blood sugar and cholesterol levels, protection against skin irritation, and reduced constipation. In addition, they are very filling and have many properties that should make them a food helpful for weight loss.

What temp does oat milk go bad? ›

Store-bought oat milk: Keep store-bought oat milk in the fridge, ideally at a temperature between 33 and 40 degrees, and consume within 2-3 weeks.

How long should I heat milk in the microwave? ›

In the microwave

Tip: Room-temperature milk is better in recipes than cold milk, so use the microwave to take the chill off milk that is fresh from the refrigerator. Microwave 250 mL (1 cup) for 40 to 45 seconds* on high (100%). Note: Times are based on a 700-watt microwave oven.

How hot can you steam oat milk? ›

Oat milk and coconut milk are similar, as all are low in protein. This creates an issue as they need longer steaming time to build microfoam, but they will work at temperatures around 149 degrees fahrenheit, so they can be used.

Can you drink oat milk by itself? ›

Oat milk is a popular plant-based drink made with oats, water, and sometimes a few other ingredients. You can make your own oat milk as well as buy it in the store. You can drink it on its own or add it to smoothies, tea, or coffee. Its creaminess makes it a good nondairy choice for foamy drinks like lattes.

How hot should oat milk be for coffee? ›

The optimal temperature for flavor and enjoyment lingers around 140°F. Easily unnoticed but critical factors, like temperature, will greatly impact the taste of your latte or cappuccino. Once the temperature surpasses 155°F, the sweetness will fully give way to a flat and papery taste.

What is the best way to heat oat milk? ›

Put the desired amount of oat milk into a glass or microwave-safe container. Start heating the oat milk in 15-second intervals on medium heat. Stir the oat milk every time the microwave stops, ensuring that the oat milk heats evenly. The oat milk should be steaming but not boiling.

Is oat milk better hot or cold? ›

This will create a creamier texture that's not gritty or gummy. Add more maple syrup, to taste, if desired. Chill overnight. If you want to drink your oat milk right away, I recommend adding ice - it's flavor is best when well chilled.

Can you put oat milk in hot coffee? ›

Oat milk provides a rich and creamy flavor to coffee drinks, so it's a great dairy alternative. Best of all, it froths up nicely, just like cow's milk. Not all dairy substitutes are the same in that regard. All things considered, if you want to go non-dairy, oat milk is the perfect alternative.

Is oat milk or almond milk better for you? ›

Oat milk has the added benefit of being both nut-free and dairy-free, which is a plus for those who may have nut allergies. And oat milk has a higher fat and protein content than almond milk, which helps with satiety."

Should oat milk be refrigerated? ›

The short answer is no, you don't always need to refrigerate your oat milk. Willa's Oat Milk is shelf-stable because the packaging has an airtight seal, allowing you to store it in your pantry until it's opened. Once the milk has been opened, you can store in the refrigerator and consume within seven to ten days.

Should you add oil to oat milk? ›

The best part of making oat milk at home is that it is so stinkin' easy! All you need from the grocery store is rolled oats and a couple tablespoons of neutral flavored oil. (Actually, oil is optional, but recommended for a creamy mouthfeel).

Why is my oat milk not creamy? ›

Steel cut oats are too unprocessed and make less creamy milk. Rolled oats are just right and make nice and creamy oat milk. And quick cooking oats are too finely processed and tend to create slimier oat milk.

How do you fluff oat milk? ›

To do it this way, it's best to warm your oat milk first and whisk it in a large bowl so as not to make a mess! You can also use an immersion or stick blender if you have one. That way, the process of frothing your oat milk is very similar to using a whisk.

Why does oat milk go bad so fast? ›

Once the seal is broken for the first time, oat milk must go into the fridge right away. Time, temperature and exposure to air can cause the oat milk to go rancid much quicker. In general, opened oat milk will stay fresh between 4 to 7 days, but may last up to 10 days when refrigerated properly.

Is oat milk anti-inflammatory? ›

Oats are also rich in antioxidants and are the only food that contains a compound called Avenanthramide that gives it, among other things, anti-inflammatory properties.

Which is healthier milk or Oatmilk? ›

Apart from iron, all of the nutrients in oat milk are fortified. While dairy milk is fortified with vitamins A and D, the rest of its nutrients occur naturally, making it a naturally nutrient-rich choice. Apart from providing more nutrients overall, dairy milk also has about twice the protein as oat milk.

Is oat milk good for the gut? ›

Oat milk is also good for the gut – as eating foods that contain beta-glucan has also been linked to gut health. A study carried out in 2017 showed that oat milk's beta-glucan content does have a positive impact on overall gut health. The study concluded that it improved gut metabolism in 26 healthy people.

How long can warm oat milk sit out? ›

According to the USDA, a carton of oat milk can safely sit out for up to two hours. After that, you best toss it out.

Does oat milk really go bad after 7 days? ›

Oat milk should also have a note on the label about how long it can be stored in the fridge once opened. Most should last from 7 to 10 days, but check the label to be sure.

Can oat milk cause upset stomach? ›

Oat milk may cause side effects like gas and bloat. Additionally, it may also interact with medications used for diabetes and may cause the blood sugar levels to go too low.

How long should you steam oat milk for? ›

You want to aerate oat milk longer compared to steaming dairy milk. I recommend 5-10 seconds depending on your machine.

What tastes better in oatmeal milk or water? ›

Simple tip #1: Make oatmeal with milk (or a non-dairy alternative) versus water. Not only does oatmeal made with water taste way less delicious, but you're also missing out on the extra protein staying power that milk will add to the breakfast. Water will also make the oats more gummy instead of creamy.

Does oat milk curdle in hot tea? ›

Overcoming the first curdle

The high acidity content of tea and coffee, as well as the hot temperature, means that milk's such as soy, oat and almond can curdle when stirred in.

Why use oat milk instead of normal milk? ›

Oat milk is often fortified with calcium and vitamin D – both of which can benefit your bones. It's also full of fibre and protein so it can support a healthy digestive system. It's fairly low in calories (130 cals per cup), and low in fat and sugar.

Why milk should not be heated in microwave? ›

Microwaving breast milk can destroy valuable immunological components. Microwaving at high temperatures causes a marked decrease in anti-infective properties. Overheating during the warming process causes denaturation and inactivation of milk's bioactive proteins and decreases fat content.

Is it safe to microwave milk for 3 minutes? ›

The short answer is yes, it is ok to microwave milk if it is done properly. What is this? The microwave is used to warm or heat up milk and improve its temperature by removing its chill. You probably know about the importance of the room temperature of ingredients.

What temperature should you heat oat milk? ›

Oat. Oat milk is also low in protein, meaning that it usually needs a longer steaming period than cow's milk to create stable microfoam. It performs well at most temperatures, even up to 65°C. Similarly to almond milk, adding more air when you start steaming will produce a consistent, smooth texture.

How long to heat oat milk for latte? ›

Chai Oat Milk Latte

Meanwhile, heat the oat milk over medium-low for 3-4 minutes, stirring in the sweetener. If desired, use a hand whisk or electronic frothing wand to froth mixture. Once the chai is brewed, pour the milk into your mug. Add shot of espresso if using.

What milk is the healthiest? ›

Which type of milk is the healthiest? The Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise that people choose fat-free or low fat milk instead of whole milk. This approach is to help keep a person's saturated fat intake to less than 10% of calories per day and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Does oat milk spike blood sugar? ›

But since oat milk has less fiber than actual oats, the carbs in oat milk will cause faster blood sugar spikes than whole oats, says Byrd. That said, "[if you're] concerned about blood sugar spikes, oat milk may not be the best option," she says.

Which milk is best for gut health? ›

The Best Milks for Your Belly
  • Lactose-Free Milk. Bambu Productions / The Image Bank / Getty Images. ...
  • Almond Milk. Laurie Castelli / Cultura / Getty Images. ...
  • Hemp Milk. Westend61 / Getty Images. ...
  • Coconut Milk. daltoZen / Moment / Getty Images. ...
  • Kefir. esemelwe / E+ / Getty Images.
Dec 1, 2022

Can you put oat milk in hot tea? ›

Oat milk balances the bitter notes of tea with its rich and creamy texture. Unlike regular milk, it does not curdle when added to hot tea. In fact, blending it into hot tea achieves a latte-like feel automatically.

Is hot oat milk good before bed? ›

Bedtime snacks that boost melatonin and serotonin

Oat milk. Cows' milk is high in tryptophan, which is why having a warm milky drink before bedtime can help you get to sleep. But if you're a vegan then the good news is that oats and therefore oat milk are also high in melatonin producing, tryptophan.

What kind of oat milk does Starbucks use? ›

What oat milk is used at Starbucks? There are several oat milk brands on the market today. However, Starbucks exclusively uses Oatly Barista Edition oat milk in its coffee beverages since 2021.

Does oat milk curdle when heated? ›

It is not every oat milk will curdle when you heat or boiled. But there may be a chance of your oat milk forming curdle depending upon the oat milk you are using, the natural acidic level of the oat milk, and the espresso shot you are adding to it. The curdling of oat milk is also a chemical reaction.

Does oat milk curdle in heat? ›

When you place oat milk in an acidic environment, such as a cup of coffee, it can cause it to circle. Additionally, heating oat milk to higher than 70 degrees can cause it to curdle. High temperatures speed up the curdling reaction and break down the oat milk faster, which can also cause it to separate.

Can plant based milk be heated? ›

In conclusion, when it comes to heating plant-based milk, soy milk and oat milk are the best options, while coconut milk can also be used without issue. Almond milk, rice milk, and hemp milk can be heated, but they may not work as well in certain recipes.

Is oat milk good in hot coffee? ›

Short answer – yes! Oat milk officially overtook other milk alternatives as the UK's favourite plant milk in 2020, with use in coffee a key part of that. Lots of oat milks are available in a barista version, like MOMA Barista oat, and are made specifically with coffee in mind.

How do you heat milk without curdling in the microwave? ›

The microwave method: Pour milk into a microwave-safe container and microwave on medium-high (70%) power, stirring every 15 seconds, just until steam begins to rise from the milk. To scald milk for custards or yogurt, heat 250 mL (1 cup) on high for 2 to 2 ½ minutes.

How do you fix curdled oat milk? ›

Oat milk naturally separates when it is left for some time. To quickly bring the liquid back together, give it a good shake inside an airtight sealed container and the liquid will emulsify back together again.

Why does oat milk get chunky? ›

"Signs of bad oat milk are a sour smell, a yellowish tinge to the color and a clumpy or thick texture." If you smell or see any of these signs, it's time to toss the oat milk even if it hasn't reached its best-by date.

What temperature do you heat oat milk? ›

Oat. Oat milk is also low in protein, meaning that it usually needs a longer steaming period than cow's milk to create stable microfoam. It performs well at most temperatures, even up to 65°C. Similarly to almond milk, adding more air when you start steaming will produce a consistent, smooth texture.

What temperature should oat milk be heated to? ›

The optimal temperature for flavor and enjoyment lingers around 140°F. Easily unnoticed but critical factors, like temperature, will greatly impact the taste of your latte or cappuccino. Once the temperature surpasses 155°F, the sweetness will fully give way to a flat and papery taste.

What is the best plant milk to heat up? ›

If it's thick hot chocolate or creamy sauces you're after, you can use milks made from grains (oat, rice, buckwheat…), since they're high in fibre and they become thicker when they're exposed to heat.

What plant-based milk is the healthiest? ›

Soy milk – the most balanced nutritional profile

Soy milk is widely consumed for its health benefits linked to the anti-carcinogenic properties of phytonutrients present in the milk known as isoflavones.

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