Have you ever wondered which milk is best for overnight oats? We know a thing or two about overnight oats – after all, we’ve been making them for more than ten years. On our mission to become the best porridge brand in the world, we’ve tested dozens of combinations, documented our favourite recipes, and tried nearly every milk alternative.

Ultimately, the best milk for overnight oats depends on several factors – including how long you want your oats to last in the fridge and whether you’ll be heating them up or eating them cold. Below we’ll show which types of milk work best and why – based on our experience.

Why 3Bears?

We’ve been creating porridge and overnight oats for more than a decade – with a simple mission: to become the best in the world. In 2015 we made our first samples in our kitchen, and over the last ten years we’ve grown into a brand trusted by thousands of customers. We’re pioneering overnight oats, making them more accessible than ever before.

Basic rules

Before diving in, here’s a simple rule of thumb: thicker oats need less liquid, runnier oats need more. If you plan to heat your oats, add a splash of liquid at the end to keep them creamy. Rule of thumb: 1:1 ratio of oats to liquid. For example: 1 cup of oats = 1 cup of liquid.

Tip: Chia seeds make oats creamier by absorbing liquid. Add 1 tablespoon per cup of oats – they’ll swell overnight for extra creaminess.

Best milks – overview

Cow’s milk – creamiest texture

Taste profile: Gentle sweetness. Pairs well with nut butters, dried fruit, and seeds.

Cow’s milk makes overnight oats especially rich and creamy. The downside: it spoils faster than plant-based options, so best eaten the next morning. If you heat your oats, add a splash of milk at the end for a velvety finish.

Oat milk – best plant-based alternative

Taste profile: Mildly sweet, works well with fresh fruit and berries.

Oat milk is our top choice for vegan overnight oats. It gives a creamy texture, lasts longer than dairy, and is great for larger batches. Perfect for those who love a luxurious consistency.

Almond milk – lighter option

Taste profile: Subtle flavour, supports stronger toppings.

Almond milk is thinner and less creamy. If you want more creaminess, add chia seeds. A good option for those who prefer a lighter snack.

Soy milk – the all-rounder

Taste profile: Savoury, pairs well with nut butters.

Soy milk sits between oat and almond milk in terms of creaminess. It has a distinct “beany” flavour that some love and others don’t. A good all-rounder with a balanced texture.

Coconut milk – a tropical twist

Taste profile: Sweet, creamy, luxurious – very easy to make your oats too sweet, so pair with milder fruit or nut butter.

Coconut milk comes in two forms: carton or can. For overnight oats, we recommend the carton version. It adds a natural tropical sweetness – keep that in mind when picking toppings.

Bananas, for example, might make the result too sweet. But if you like it sweet, combine coconut milk with mango or other tropical fruits for a decadent dessert-like flavour.

Other notable alternatives

Of course, there are other milks you can mix into your oats. Cashew milk is more buttery and a great alternative to oat milk if you want creaminess. Rice milk is lighter and thinner, more similar to almond milk.

So, what’s the best milk for overnight oats?

Key takeaways at a glance:

1. The milk you choose will affect taste and texture – and how long your oats last in the fridge.
2. Cow’s milk offers the creamiest texture.
3. Oat and coconut milk are the closest dairy alternatives – though coconut is naturally sweeter.
4. Soy and almond milk are lighter, distinctive options.

Ultimately, it comes down to personal taste. Cow’s milk is creamy but spoils faster, so less ideal for batch prep. Oat and coconut milk are creamy alternatives, with coconut adding natural sweetness. Almond milk is thinner, soy is versatile but with a unique flavour. Whatever you choose, our 3Bears Overnight Oats go perfectly with any of them.