Oat Milk Not Frothing? (Here’s How To Froth Oat Milk Like A Pro!)

Your milk choices are no longer limited to just dairy milk. In the past several years, we have seen the rise of other non-dairy milk alternatives. 

Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or just looking for something new, there’s a different type of milk for everyone. 

Oat Milk is one of the most popular non-dairy alternatives out there, it’s ability to easily replace dairy milk is what makes it so likeable.You might be wondering if you can froth oat milk just like you do dairy milk. 

The simple answer is yes you can. Read on to find out more about oat milk, the science behind frothing, and how to froth oat milk like a pro. 

What is Oat Milk? 

Oat milk is simply a mixture of oats and water. 

The process is, you blend steel-cut oats with water and strain it to create the milk. You can either use a special nut milk bag or a cheesecloth to strain the liquid. You can also add some ingredients for added flavor as you choose. 

Not only is it easy to make, but it packs a nutritional punch as well! A cup of oat milk contains 

• Protein: 3 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbs: 16 grams
• Dietary fiber: 2 grams
• Vitamin B12: 50% of the Daily Value (DV)
• Riboflavin: 45% of the DV
• Calcium: 25% of the DV

Difference Between Oat Milk and Cow Milk

Although both kinds of milk might look similar, they are not the same. One of the apparent differences between oat and cow milk is the produce. 

Oat milk is made from steel oats while cow’s milk is gotten from cows. One is plant-based produce, while the other is animal-based produce. 

Both also differ in their nutrients. Cow’s milk tends to have more grams of protein, more fats, and fewer carbs than oat milk. It’s been a topic of debate which is better for you. With varying opinions, people go with whichever they feel is better for their lifestyle. 

What is Milk Frothing? What is the Science Behind it? 

Before we go any further, you have to know the difference between steamed milk and frothed milk. In terms of tools, you would need a steam wand only to create steamed milk, while you can use both a steam wand and a frother to make frothed milk. 

Appearance-wise, steamed milk is creamy, while frothed milk is airier and has more volume. 

Now that we’ve clarified the differences. Let’s dive a little deeper into the science behind milk frothing. The process of frothing causes air bubbles in the liquid to form foam. Milk frothing uses steam and air to create a bubbly airy texture in your milk, you’re basically adding air into the milk while heating it up as well. 

The presence of Protein, fats, and lactose is what makes milk frothing possible. The protein in the milk expands and stabilizes the air, thus forming bubbles and foam. Check out this article where more is discussed on the science behind milk frothing. 

Due to the less protein in Oat milk, it is harder to froth than dairy milk; however, it’s not impossible. 

How to Froth Oat Milk Like a Pro

What exactly is the key to frothing oat milk? The first is protein and fats, and the second is Gellan Gum. 

Gellan gum is a vegan food additive that serves as a thickening agent for non-dairy liquid. This ingredient is key to ensuring your oat milk is able to froth. It helps maintain the consistency of the drink. 

As mentioned earlier, proteins and fats mainly help dairy milk froth or foam. However, because oat milk does not contain as much protein or fats, air bubbles cannot form, and frothing becomes harder. 

But when you introduce gellan into the mix, it strengthens the proteins, and the result is a frothed oat milk. This is why most store-bought oat milk contains this ingredient.  This article further explains how gellan helps in frothing oat milk. 

How to Froth Oat Milk Using a Nespresso Aeroccino Milk Frother 

Using a Nespresso Aeroccino may be expensive but it’s also a very effective way to properly froth oat milk. It’s easy and straightforward to use, leaving you with a perfectly frothed milk in a matter of seconds. You can use this equipment for both hot and cold oat milk. Here’s how: 

• Have your choice of oat milk ready, this can either be store bought or home-made. 

• Adjust the settings on your aeroccino for either hot or cold milk, whichever you prefer

• Pour the milk in to your desired level, close the lid and press the button, the internal whisk begins to foam the milk.

• It froths cold milk in 60 seconds and hot milk in 70-80 seconds.

And there you have it, in a matter of seconds you have a perfectly frothed oak milk. 

How to Froth Oat Milk Using a Steam Wand

Another way to froth oat milk is using a steam wand. This process you’ve probably seen a lot in cafes and coffee shops. Follow these steps carefully and what you’ll have is a frothed oat milk that competes with the best.  

• First, have your pitcher and fill it up to ⅓ with your choice of oat milk. Also remember that oat milk increases in volume as it froths so you don’t want to pour too much milk. 

• Next, make sure your steam wand is clean and ready to use 

• Then with the milk in the pitcher, submerge the tip of the wand just below the surface of the milk and turn on the steam wand. The reason you want to keep it close to the surface is to introduce air into the milk first. (remember what was mentioned earlier about how air is used to froth milk). 

• As the volume of the milk rises, bring the pitcher higher and higher, thus submerging more of the wand into the milk. Make sure the temperature of the milk does not exceed 140°F. 

• When the milk reaches 140°F, fully submerge the wand into the milk and turn it off. 

• Immediately pour the frothed milk into your beverage and enjoy! 

How to Froth Oat Milk Using a Hand Frother 

Lastly, we will look at using a hand frother to froth oat milk. If you’re looking for a more affordable option than a nespresso aeroccino, a hand frother is your best bet. Here are the instructions on how to use one: 

• First heat up the milk to your desired temperature. 

• Next pour the milk into a tall bowl. Make sure it’s tall enough so as not to be messy when preparing. 

• Then completely submerge the hand frother into the bowl and turn on. 

• Move the frother around but make sure not to bring it up too much to avoid spilling.

• As you move the frother around you should start seeing bubbles form. Continue moving it until the milk is foamed up to your desired consistency. 

Reasons Why Your Oat Milk is Not Frothing

A lot has been discussed regarding oat milk and how best to froth it. After trying the several methods listed above if you’re still having issues frothing your oat milk these could be the reason why.

• Type of oat milk you’re using.- if you’re using home-made oat milk it likely won’t froth as much as store bought oat milk. Consider trying a new brand.  

•  Temperature of the milk- In order for the oat milk to properly froth it has to be heated up first. 

Conclusion 

Warping up everything that was discussed. With the right tools, the right type of oat milk, and the presence of proteins and fat, yes it is very possible to froth oat milk. 

Be sure to try any one of the several methods mentioned and enjoy your perfectly frothed oat milk.