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Can we foam oat milk?
Yes, you can lather oat milk. It's super popular among coffee lovers without milk products thanks to its creamy texture, even though it doesn't have as much protein and fat as cow's milk. On the other hand, a “Barista blend” version would have the necessary fat content for a quality foam. With its sweets taste, nutritional benefits and reduced environmental impact, it is an excellent alternative. In this article, discover everything you need to know to foam oat milk and how to do it yourself at home.
What is oat milk?
Oat milk is a vegetable drink made by mixing oat flakes with water and then filtering everything to remove the solids. This process gives a smooth and creamy drink that replaces cow's milk well. As it is of vegetable origin and lactose free, it is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant or allergic to dairy products.
Characteristics of Oat Milk
Even if it is called "milk", oat milk has notable differences compared with cow's milk, which can be an advantage for coffee lovers:
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•Creamy texture: Oat milk is known for its riches and creamy consistency, which distinguishes it from other vegetable milks such as almond milk. This texture makes it particularly interesting for coffee drinks, offering a profile similar to cow's milk.
•Naturally sweet flavour: The natural sweetness of oats gives the oat milk a pleasant taste without the need to add sugar. This subtle sweetness explains why oat milk is widely used in other recipes beyond coffee drinks.
•Nutritional profile: Oat milk often contains essential nutrients such as fiber, vitamins and minerals. Many varieties of oat milk you find at the grocery store are also enriched with calcium and vitamin D, making it a nutritious choice for those looking for alternatives to milk.
•Environmental impact: Compared to milk production, oat milk has a lower ecological footprint. It requires less water and land to produce oats, making it a more sustainable option for environmentally conscious consumers.
Best Oat Milk Types for Foaming
When choosing oat milk to lather, it's important to think about the characteristics of the milk and how they can influence the quality of the foam. Here are some types of oat milk to consider and their differences:
•Barista blend oat milk: Barista blends are specially designed for foaming. They often contain added stabilizers and emulsifiers that improve the stability and texture of the foam, making them ideal for creating a foam similar to that of cow's milk.
•Oat milk with more fat: Oat milk with a higher fat content can produce a more creamy and stable foam. The extra fat helps to mimic the richness of cow's milk, contributing to a smoother texture and better foam retention.
•Sweetened vs unsweetened oat milk: Sweetened oat milk can change the flavour profile of your coffee by adding a touch of sweetness. Choose according to your taste preferences, keeping in mind that non-sweet versions offer a more neutral base for drinks.
Even though it's up to you to decide which oat milk is the best, Barista blend oat milk is the perfect choice for coffee lovers who want to get the best possible foam for their drink.
How to foam oat milk?
For optimal foam, it is generally advisable to start with cold oat milk before frothing it. Cold oat milk provides a neutral basis for following the steps necessary to create a foam that will have a smoother and creamy texture, especially if you use a Barista blend oat milk (the recommended type). Regardless of the method you choose to foam oat milk, the process always involves heating oat milk to an ideal temperature between 60 and 65°C (140-150°F).
Foam Oat Milk with a Steam
A steam is a key tool often found on espresso machines, designed to foam milk by injecting steam. This process heats the milk and introduces bubbles, which are then bright into a texture of microbubbles through the continuous injection of steam.
Here is a step by step guide to get the perfect foam for your oat milk with Latissima coffee machines:
•Latissima One: Fill to the amount of milk according to the recipe you have chosen beforehand. The Latissima One coffee machine will take the amount of milk needed automatically.
•Gran Latissima: Choose the recipe you want and the Gran Latissima coffee machine will automatically fill your cup according to the chose recipe.
Foam Oat Milk with a Milk Frother
A milk frother is an effective tool to quickly foam milk. Milk frothers typically include a container with an internal whip or foaming mechanism that aerates the milk to instantly produce foam. To foam the oat milk:
Pour the oat milk into the froth until the filling line is indicated.
Activates the device by pressing the start button. The foamer will automatically stop once the oat milk reaches the desired temperature and texture, giving a smooth and creamy foam.
For a milk frother capable of frothing oat milk in about 30 seconds, consider the options of our range of specially designed milk frothers for this task.
What to Expect when Foaming Oat Milk
When you are foaming oat milk, expect a texture and consistency that are different from cow's milk. This unique taste and sensation means that oat milk foam may not reach the same height or stability as cow's milk, often dissolving faster.
Oat milk naturally contains sugars from oats, giving it a slightly sweet flavour that complements the bitterness of the coffee. Even if the foam doesn't keep its shape that long, it still adds a tasty coat to your coffee drink. For a better experience, enjoy it soon after preparation to fully appreciate its texture and appearance.
