What is Oat Milk?
Oat milk is one of the most popular plant-based alternatives to dairy products. It’s made by soaking oats in water and then straining out the oat solids and blending the liquid. Oat milk is a rich source of fiber as well as vitamins and minerals, and it contains no cholesterol. It’s also lactose-free and vegan-friendly, making it a great choice for those with dairy restrictions or allergies.
Is it Okay to Drink Curdled Oat Milk in Coffee?
The short answer is yes, it’s alright to drink curdled oat milk in coffee. Curdling is a natural process that happens with lactic-acid-producing bacteria and occurs when the acidity of the milk increases. This can happen when the milk is heated or when it’s contaminated. But don’t worry — the curdled milk is still safe to consume.
That said, it’s important to note that curdled oat milk won’t taste very good. When it’s heated, the proteins in the oat milk coagulate and create a somewhat off-putting texture and flavour. So while it’s safe to drink it, you may want to consider using a different type of milk when adding it to your coffee.
Why Does Oat Milk Curdle?
Curdling can occur when oat milk is added to a hot drink like coffee because the heat causes the proteins in the milk to denature and coagulate. This can also happen when the milk has been contaminated, such as when milk particles come into contact with bacteria that produces lactic acid. Oat milk is particularly prone to curdling due to its high concentration of proteins.
It’s also important to note that oat milk is a relatively novel milk substitute, so not all baristas or coffee shops are acquainted with how to make the perfect cup of oat milk coffee. Many baristas will steam the milk lower than they need to in order to control the foam, which can lead to under-textured or curdled milk.
Tips for Avoiding Curdled Oat Milk
The key to avoiding curdled oat milk is making sure that the milk is steamed correctly. When steaming oat milk, make sure you are gentle in order to preserve its delicate texture. The milk should be steamed until it reaches around 160 – 170F. A good foam will also help ensure that the milk is steamed well and that it won’t curdle.
If you’re making oat milk coffee at home, don’t worry about getting the perfect foam — just make sure that you heat the milk slowly and until it reaches the desired temperature. You can also let the milk cool off a couple of degrees before adding it to your coffee.
Nutrition Comparison
When it comes to nutritional value, oat milk is surprisingly comparable to cow’s milk — it has similar amounts of protein, carbohydrates and fat. However, oat milk contains more fiber and less fat and cholesterol than cow’s milk, making it the healthier option. It also contains more calcium and vitamins A, D and B12 than cow’s milk, but less sodium and sugar.
Oat milk also comes in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, vanilla and almond — adding flavor to your coffee without the need for syrups or artificial sweeteners.
Varieties and Uses of Oat Milk
Oat milk comes in a variety of varieties, from unsweetened to sweetened. Unsweetened oat milk is the healthiest choice and the most similar in texture and taste to cow’s milk. Sweetened oat milk can be a great alternative to sugary coffee drinks, like lattes, cappuccinos and mochas. Oat milk can also be used in other hot beverages, like tea and hot chocolate.
It can also be used in baking, as it has a neutral flavor and is naturally sweet. Oat milk is also very versatile in cooking — it can be used in soups, sauces, gravies and more.
Is Oat Milk Suitable for Coffee?
Despite its tendency to curdle, oat milk is a great choice for coffee. The creamy texture and subtle sweetness of oat milk makes it a great addition to coffee and other hot drinks. It’s also a healthier choice than dairy, as it contains less fat, cholesterol and sugar.
However, it’s important to be mindful of the temperature and how the milk is steamed in order to avoid curdled oat milk.
Bacterial Growth on Oat Milk
If you’re using oat milk that’s been sitting out for a while, there’s a chance that it can be contaminated with bacteria. Storing oat milk in a cool, dry place can help prevent the growth of bacteria — if the milk starts to smell sour or off, it’s best to discard it.
Similarly, if you’ve made coffee with oat milk that’s been sitting out for more than an hour, it’s best to avoid consuming it as the milk will have likely gone bad.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, it’s perfectly safe to drink curdled oat milk in coffee — the milk may have a slightly off-putting taste, but it won’t be harmful if consumed. That said, it’s important to take the necessary precautions when steaming and storing oat milk in order to avoid curdling and bacterial growth.
Though oat milk may curdle, it’s a great dairy alternative that adds a creamy texture and subtle hint of sweetness to coffee and other hot drinks. It’s also a healthier choice than many other milk substitutes and can be used as an ingredients in baking and cooking.
