Oak milk is a smooth and thicker alternative that has slowly emerged throughout American coffee houses in the past few years. Originally made by Oatly since the ’90s, oat milk was mainly found in Sweden and needed the opportunity to expand globally. With the world drinking more coffee, the need for milk alternatives, and the acceptance of a healthier lifestyle, oat milk became a great solution. Especially since it’s free of most allergens.
What is oak milk best with? That depends on you. Because of its thick and smooth texture, people tend to drink oat milk with flavored espresso drinks. The slightly sweet taste of oat milk isn’t overpowering and the creaminess pairs well with chocolate, matcha, and chai. The key is to buy brands that don’t use a lot of additives or added sugar.
How does oat milk compare to almond and soy milk? Soy is the closest by how sweet, creamy and thick it is. Soy milk tends to have less sugar and calories yet has much more protein than oak milk. Almond milk carries a similar level of protein and has a nutty taste to it. Think of proteins as a gauge on how easy it is to heat up. Oat Milk will heat up faster than regular milk, so be careful, and let it sit for at least 30-35 seconds before pouring to allow the flavor and texture to be just right.
Next time you are ordering your favorite espresso drink, try oat milk instead of almond or soy, I was surprised and delighted on how my mocha tasted.