The Rise of Oat Milk Concentrate and How to Use It

The Rise of Oat Milk Concentrate

Oat milk has rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years. What was once seen as an obscure dairy-free alternative has now become a staple in many households and coffee shops. Much of this growth can be attributed to the rise of oat milk concentrate.

Oat milk concentrate allows you to create barista-quality oat milk at home with ease. But what exactly is oat milk concentrate, and why has it become so popular?

What is Oat Milk Concentrate?

Oat milk concentrate is a thick, syrupy liquid made by extracting the natural sugars and starches from whole oats. It is shelf-stable and requires only water to transform into delicious oat milk.

To make oat milk concentrate, oats are first soaked, blended, and strained to extract the key compounds. The leftover oat pulp is removed, leaving behind a smooth, naturally sweet concentrate. A touch of vegetable oil is also added for extra creaminess.

This concentrate can then be diluted at a 1:1 ratio with water to produce oat milk. The result is a rich, creamy oat milk with a mild natural sweetness and the protein and fiber of whole oats.

Benefits of Oat Milk Concentrate

There are several key reasons why oat milk concentrate has become so popular:

• Convenience - Just add water for fresh oat milk in seconds. No lengthy soaking or straining required.
• Consistency - Oat milk from concentrate has a smooth, creamy texture every time. No more thin or watery results.
• Versatility - Use it for baking, smoothies, coffee drinks, and more. The possibilities are endless.
• Cost - Producing your own oat milk is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made.
• Customization - Control the taste and consistency by adjusting the dilution ratio.
• Sustainability - Concentrate uses less packaging and has a longer shelf life than milk.

For those seeking the benefits of oat milk with less hassle and better consistency, oat milk concentrate is an excellent choice.

How to Use Oat Milk Concentrate

Oat milk concentrate makes it simple to create fresh oat milk anytime. Here are some tips for using it:

• Dilute 1 part concentrate with 1 part water. Adjust to taste preferences.
• Shake or blend well until smooth and creamy.
• Store diluted oat milk in the fridge for up to 10 days.
• Add to hot or cold coffee drinks for a boost of creaminess.
• Use in place of regular milk for cereal, oatmeal, or smoothies.
• Substitute for milk in baked goods like cakes, muffins, and quick breads.
• Swirl into yogurt, overnight oats, chia pudding, or nice cream.

Oat milk concentrate mixes easily into hot or cold liquids. For baking, it may work best to dilute it first before adding to recipes.

Making Iced Coffee with Oat Milk Concentrate

Iced coffee takes on a deliciously creamy taste when oat milk from concentrate is added. Here is one way to make iced coffee using oat milk concentrate:

• Brew strong cold brew coffee concentrate. Allow to fully cool.
• In a 1:1 ratio, dilute oat milk concentrate with cold water and mix well.
• Fill a glass with ice cubes.
• Add 1-2 tablespoons of cold brew concentrate over the ice.
• Pour in chilled oat milk until glass is full.
• Add desired sweeteners like sugar, honey, or vanilla syrup to taste.
• Garnish with chocolate shavings, cocoa powder, or cinnamon.

The oat milk adds a smooth, creamy mouthfeel and slight natural sweetness that complements the strong coffee. Feel free to adjust coffee and oat milk ratios to find your perfect iced coffee balance.

Other Tips for Oat Milk Concentrate

• Look for unsweetened varieties to avoid added sugar.
• Opt for shelf-stable Tetra Pak packaging for convenience.
• Shake the container before each use.
• Store unopened in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
• Refrigerate diluted oat milk and use within 7-10 days.
• Add cocoa powder or vanilla when diluting for flavored milk.
• Use less concentrate for a thinner, more milky consistency.

The Future of Oat Milk Concentrate

Oat milk concentrate provides an efficient and consistent way to enjoy homemade oat milk. As more coffee shops, households, and food manufacturers seek the benefits of oat milk, the demand for high-quality concentrate continues to grow.

Product innovation is also expanding the possibilities for application. Varieties like barista blends provide the foaming qualities needed for speciality coffee drinks. Shelf-stable, ready-to-use liquid concentrates in convenient packaging make oat milk more accessible.

Oat milk concentrate is sustainably produced and uses fewer resources than buying pre-made milk. By putting the power of oat milk creation into the hands of consumers, concentrate is empowering the rapid rise of plant-based milk alternatives.

The oat milk movement has only just begun. With the help of innovative oat milk concentrates, both cafes and homes can easily tap into the creamy possibilities of this popular dairy-free milk. A new world of oat milk lattes, baked goods, smoothie bowls and more awaits thanks to the magic of oat milk concentrate.

FAQs

How long does oat milk concentrate last?

Unopened oat milk concentrate lasts for several months in the pantry or fridge. Once opened, it will stay fresh for 1-2 weeks in the fridge. Diluted oat milk lasts 5-7 days refrigerated.

Is oat milk concentrate gluten free?

Yes, pure oat milk concentrate contains no gluten ingredients. Look for brands that are certified gluten-free if you have an allergy or sensitivity.

Does oat milk concentrate have sugar?

Oat milk concentrate contains naturally occurring sugars from the oats, giving it a slightly sweet taste. Check the label and avoid varieties with added sugars or flavorings if desired.

How do you foam oat milk concentrate?

Dilute the oat milk concentrate first, then use a milk frother or steam wand to create foam. Barista style concentrates designed for coffee foaming work best.

Can you bake with oat milk concentrate?

Yes, oat milk concentrate can be substituted 1:1 for regular milk in most baked goods recipes. Just dilute it first before adding to the batter or dough.