Oats are naturally gluten-free, however, they need to be certified gluten-free as they are generally processed and handled in facilities where gluten products have been. Always check the labelling.
Avoid using steel cut oats or quick oats. Steel-cut oats are coarser and may not blend as well and quick oats can contain additional unneeded ingredients.
A limited blending time of up to 30 seconds is highly recommended, any longer and the oats will turn slightly viscous.
Straining can be achieved with a fine-mesh sieve if you don’t have cheesecloth. Alternatively, you can also use a milk bag to strain the contents. I like to use this organic, non-bleached cheesecloth* (affiliate link).
Storing cocoa oat milk is easy, place it into an air tight vessel in the refrigerator. It will store for up to 5 days. Shake or stir before using as there will be some separation which is evident at the bottom of the bottle.
Leave out the cacao and make yourself a batch of homemade oat milk.
Cocoa powder can be used instead of cacao powder, you will need to add more of this rather than cocoa as it isn’t as strong in chocolate flavoring. Cacao can also be used in this all-natural chocolate persimmon pudding.
Oat milk can be swapped with any nut milk of your liking.
Chocolate flavor can be swapped with vanilla. Add half a teaspoon at a time until your desired vanilla flavor has been achieved.
Spices can be used such as cinnamon, nutmeg or ginger. Start by adding a pinch and build up the flavor profile until you like it.
Make it into a vegan milkshake by blending through frozen banana and or your favorite plant-based / vegan ice cream.
Vanilla extract can be added if desired
US cups and spoons measurements have been used. 1 cup is 240ml, 1 tablespoon 15ml, 1 teaspoon 5ml.