Ever wondered what the best milk for overnight oats is? Well, you’ve come to the right place, as we know a thing or two about overnight oats, given that we’ve been making them for more than ten years. In fact, in our quest to become the best porridge company in the world, we’ve tested dozens of combinations, documented our favourite recipes, and tried nearly every milk alternative under the sun.

Ultimately, finding the best milk for overnight oats depends on a number of factors - including how long you want your overnight oats to last in the fridge, or if you’re going to heat them up or enjoy them cold. However you decide to have them, or what milk you’re going to use, you’re guaranteed a delicious meal. Below, we’ll go into the different milks you can use for overnight oats, and why they’re good - based on our experience.

What kind of milk is best for overnight oats?

Before kicking off, there is a general rule to follow. If you want thicker oats, then you’re going to need to use less liquid. If you prefer them more runny, then increase the amount of liquid.

If you’re heating the overnight oats, then a good tip is to add some liquid at the end to help them cool and create a creamy texture. A general rule is a ratio of 1:1 - liquid to oats. That means if you use a cup of oats, then make sure you have at least a cup of liquid you add to it.

Tip: Adding chia seeds can help make your overnight oats creamier as they soak up the liquid. Just don’t add too many! Aim for a tablespoon per cup of oats. You’ll find the chia seeds will become soft and swell, creating a creamy texture if left overnight.

Best milks for overnight oats - at a glance

Cow's Milk - best for creamy texture

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

Mixing your overnight oats with cow’s milk creates a luxurious and creamy texture - making it a no-brainer for our best milks for overnight oats list. Expect a thicker, more velvety finish to your overnight oats. The downside, however, is that the bacteria will break down - and spoil - dairy faster than non-dairy milk, which means overnight oats made with cow’s milk are best enjoyed the following morning. Cow’s milk is also fantastic if you’re looking to warm up your oats - just add a dash at the end and give it a stir.

Oat Milk - best dairy alternative

Taste profile: Mild sweetness, pairs well with sweet topping like fresh fruit and berries

If you’re vegan then our top pick for creamy overnight oats goes to oat milk. It’s naturally sweet, and actually creates a creamy texture similar to dairy. Overnight oats using oat milk will result in a creamy, luxury texture - plus, it’ll last longer, perfect if you prefer making large batches. Opt for oat milk if you like overnight oats with a thicker body and texture - perfect for a cold winter morning.

Almond Milk - great for lighter, less creamy overnight oats

Taste profile: Lighter tasting and can support more robust flavours and seeds

Almond milk is another great option, particularly for those who prefer a slightly thinner consistency to their overnight oats. As it’s thinner in texture to the creamer dairy and oat alternatives, you may want to supercharge your overnight oats with a teaspoon or two of chia seeds, which can help balance the consistency. Use almond milk if you’re in the mood for a light-tasting snack.

Soy milk - a great all-rounder

Taste profile: Slightly savoury tasting, pairs well with nut butters as a topping

Soy has long established itself as a fantastic alternative to dairy - and it’s certainly at home here when it comes to overnight oats. Sitting in the middle of oat and almond in terms of creaminess, soy is perfect for those who want a well-balanced bowl in terms of texture. While the other two non-dairy milks are relatively taste neutral, soy milk has a distinct, ‘beany’ taste - which some people love, but others do not - so it will all come down to your preferences.

Coconut Milk: A tropical twist to overnight oats

Taste profile: Sweet, creamy and luxurious - very easy to make your overnight oats too sweet, so consider pairing with milder fruits and nut butter

Coconut milk comes in two forms, a carton or a can. For overnight oats we would strongly recommend using carton coconut milk. Opting for coconut milk will add a natural, tropical sweetness to your overnight oats, something to bear in mind when you’re thinking about what toppings to pair for it.

Bananas, for example, may result in something too sweet. That being said, if sweetness is your thing, pairing it with mango and other tropical fruit can make a truly decadent-tasting dessert.

Other notable alternatives

Of course, there are other milks you can try mixing with your overnight oats. Cashew milk is more buttery in taste and a great alternative to oat milk if you’re wanting a creamy texture. Rice milk, meanwhile, is light-tasting and thin, making it more akin to almond milk.

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

Key takeaways at a glance

1. The milk you choose to mix overnight oats with can drastically affect the taste and texture of your overnight oats - not to mention how long they will last in the fridge.
2. Cow’s milk will offer the creamiest texture.
3. Oat milk and coconut milk are the closest dairy alternatives - the latter is far sweeter naturally.
4. Soy and almond milk are fantastic, somewhat lighter-tasting options.

Choosing what to pair your overnight oats with can be daunting, but it ultimately comes down to your preferences. Dairy offers the creamiest texture, but spoils faster, making it the weakest for batch creation. Almond milk is thinner in texture, but great for those who like runnier overnight oats. Soy is versatile but has a distinct flavour, while oat milk and coconut milk offer creamy, luxury alternatives to dairy - the latter adding a sweetness not found in the others. Whatever you choose, our overnight oats pair well with anything.