Which plant-based milk is the cheapest?

January 2, 2026 •

3 min read

Did you know that making your own oat milk can cost less than 50 cents per liter, significantly undercutting the price of store-bought cartons? When asking which plant-based milk is the cheapest, the answer often depends on whether you buy it pre-made or make it at home, with significant savings to be had for the budget-conscious.

Quick Summary

A cost analysis reveals that homemade oat milk is typically the most budget-friendly option available. For those preferring convenience, store-bought soy milk often holds the title for the cheapest commercially available alternative, with prices varying by brand and location.

Key Points

Homemade Oat Milk is Cheapest: Making your own oat milk is the most affordable plant-based option, costing less than $1 per quart.
Store-Bought Soy Milk is Budget-Friendly: Among pre-made options, soy milk is consistently one of the cheapest and most widely available.
DIY Offers Control: Making your own milk allows for full control over ingredients, avoiding unwanted additives, preservatives, and sugars found in commercial versions.
Consider the 'Hidden' Cost: The cost-effectiveness of making nut milks like almond or cashew at home can be less clear-cut compared to the extremely cheap ingredients for oat and soy milk.
Shop Sales and Bulk: For store-bought options, look for store brands, sales at discount grocers, or buy in bulk to reduce the per-unit cost.
Balance Time and Savings: Weigh the time and effort required for homemade milk against the cost of store-bought. Oat milk is quick, while soy milk is more involved.

For many, transitioning to a plant-based diet comes with a learning curve, and a primary concern is cost. Plant-based milks, in particular, can vary widely in price depending on the ingredients and brand. The clear winner for affordability, however, hinges on whether you're willing to make it yourself. Homemade oat milk is almost always the cheapest option, while store-bought soy milk is the most reliable budget-friendly choice at the grocery store.

Is Making Your Own Plant Milk Cheaper?

Absolutely. Homemade plant-based milks offer the most significant cost savings, and the process is surprisingly simple. Oats and soybeans, the key ingredients for the most affordable options, are inexpensive and can be bought in bulk for even greater savings.

Homemade Oat Milk: The Frugal Champion

To make a liter of homemade oat milk, you typically need just one cup of rolled oats and some water. With a blender and a strainer, the cost per liter can be extremely low, often pennies compared to dollars for a store-bought carton. While some brands fortify their milk with extra nutrients, homemade milk allows you to control all ingredients, resulting in a cleaner, fresher taste.

Homemade Soy Milk

Another highly affordable option is soy milk made from dried soybeans. A small amount of dried beans can produce a large quantity of milk. The process is a bit more involved than oat milk, requiring soaking and cooking, but the cost per liter is still exceptionally low, rivalling homemade oat milk.

Cheapest Plant-Based Milk Comparison Table


Milk Type	Homemade Cost per Quart (Approx.)	Store-Bought Cost per Quart (Approx.)	Flavor & Use Notes
Oat Milk	$0.25–$0.50	$2.50–$4.00+	Creamy, naturally sweet; excellent for coffee, baking, and smoothies.
Soy Milk	$0.60–$1.50	$1.50–$3.50+	Creamy, beany flavor (can be masked with vanilla); great for cooking, protein source.
Almond Milk	$2.00–$3.00+	$2.00–$4.00+	Mild, nutty flavor; low in calories, but homemade is not always cheaper.
Rice Milk	$1.00–$2.00+ (est.)	$2.00–$3.00+	Thin, sweet, hypoallergenic; best for cereal or drinking plain.
Cashew Milk	$2.50–$3.50+	$3.00–$5.00+	Creamy, mild; richer than almond, but more expensive to make.

Finding the Cheapest Store-Bought Options

If making your own milk isn't feasible, you can still find affordable plant-based options at the store. Soy milk has been a staple in the market for a long time and is consistently priced lower than many other alternatives. Keep an eye on sales and budget brands. Grocery Outlet or Kroger discount chains often have lower prices on soy milk.

Tips for Finding Affordable Store-Bought Milk

Look for Store Brands: Generic or store-brand versions of soy or oat milk are almost always cheaper than name brands.
Shop at Discount Stores: Stores like Aldi or Lidl often have competitive pricing on their plant-based milk selections.
Check Asian Markets: Many specialty grocers, especially Asian markets, sell inexpensive, locally made soy milk.
Buy in Bulk: For shelf-stable options, buying a pack of six or twelve often offers a lower per-unit cost.

How to Make Your Own Oat Milk for Maximum Savings

Homemade oat milk is remarkably simple and cheap. Here is a basic, no-frills recipe for making your own:

Combine Ingredients: In a high-speed blender, combine 1 cup of rolled oats with 4 cups of cold water.
Add Flavor (Optional): For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of salt, a couple of dates, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Blend Briefly: Blend for about 30–45 seconds. Over-blending will create a slimy texture.
Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer or a nut milk bag. Do not squeeze the pulp, as this can also lead to sliminess.
Store: Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 5 days. It will separate, so shake well before each use.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the question of which plant-based milk is the cheapest has two answers. For the absolute lowest price and freshest product, making your own oat milk is the clear winner, costing pennies per serving. The investment of a blender and strainer is quickly offset by the long-term savings. If convenience is your priority, store-bought soy milk consistently offers the best value, particularly when purchased from budget retailers or in bulk. By balancing your preferences for homemade freshness versus store-bought convenience, you can easily find an affordable plant-based milk that fits your budget. For further information on homemade options, check out this guide on Homemade vs. Store-Bought Plant Milk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, making your own plant-based milk, especially oat or soy milk, is significantly cheaper than buying it pre-made. The initial investment in a blender is quickly recouped by the cost savings on ingredients over time.

Homemade oat milk is almost always the cheapest option to make at home. Rolled oats are very inexpensive, and the process requires only oats, water, and a blender.

Store-bought soy milk is typically the cheapest and most readily available option in most grocery stores. Budget brands or discount retailers may offer even lower prices.

Homemade oat milk is cheaper because oats are a much less expensive base ingredient than almonds. The price of a bag of rolled oats is significantly lower than the price of a bag of almonds.

To prevent sliminess, use cold water and avoid over-blending the oats and water. Blend for no more than 30–45 seconds and, when straining, do not squeeze the pulp through the sieve or nut milk bag.

Yes, many grocery stores offer cheaper, generic, or store-brand versions of plant-based milks, especially soy and almond. Shopping at discount retailers can also lead to lower prices.

The primary difference is the cost of ingredients versus the cost of manufacturing, packaging, and shipping. When you make milk at home, you only pay for the raw ingredients, which is far cheaper.

Yes, it is very cost-effective to make your own soy milk from dried soybeans, especially when purchased in bulk. While the process is more complex than making oat milk, the savings are substantial.

To find the cheapest store-bought soy milk, check discount grocery stores, Asian markets, and look for generic store brands. It's also helpful to monitor sales at major retailers.