9 Nut Milk Recipes That Put the Watered-Down Store-Bought Stuff to Shame (2024)

We know: Buying nut milk is so convenient. And it can be relatively inexpensive if you stick to staple brands like Almond Breeze and Whole Foods’ 365. But nothing beats homemade. If you want ultra-creamy, perfectly nutty, smooth-as-can-be nut milk, making it yourself is the way to go. And fortunately, it’s not that hard (if you have a little patience). These nine DIY nut milk recipes, ranging from almond milk recipes to cashew ones, are all the proof—and flavors—you need.

It’s worth noting that homemade nut milk only stays fresh a few days (it’s recommended you down it within three days), but we don’t think that’ll be a problem—we couldn’t even make ours last one!

1. Ridiculously Easy Homemade Almond Milk

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Do you ever click on a recipe labeled “ridiculously easy” to find out it’s anything but? This homemade almond milk recipe is the exact opposite. Made with only two ingredients—almonds and water—and requiring three foolproof steps, it may just be the most ridiculously easy (and ridiculously delicious) recipe we’ve ever attempted. Simply soak the almonds overnight, blend with water, and strain through a nut milk cloth (or muslin cloth). It’s nutty how easy it is.

2. Homemade Cardamom Vanilla Cashew Milk

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No fancy equipment, no mess, and no waste? Count us in. This six-ingredient cashew milk only requires a blender, meaning there’s no excuse not to try it. Sweetened with vanilla extract and maple syrup and spiced with ground cardamom, it tastes like fall in a glass—though we certainly won’t be limiting it to one season. Shake before serving and feel free to try alternate spices like cinnamon and nutmeg.

3. Pecan Milk

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Pecans aren’t the cheapest nuts, but they do create one of the most decadent nut milks. So while it may not be great for everyday use, it’s an excellent recipe for special occasions or when you’re craving a naturally sweet treat. We love it in iced coffee (try serving it with brunch to impress your friends), mixed into dairy-free ice cream, or simply chilled in a glass. Soak, blend, sweeten, and serve.

4. Raw Nutella Milk

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Healthy Nutella? We thought we were dreaming when we saw this recipe too. This adult spin on chocolate milk uses cacao, hazelnuts, vanilla extract, dates, and water to create a subtly sweet, rich nut milk. Because hazelnuts have thicker skin, this recipe does require a nut milk bag, but the pulp makes a great addition to baked goods and can even be made into hazelnut meal. How’s that for fighting food waste?

5. DIY Pistachio Milk

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Pale green milk may not scream “drink me!” but after you taste this pistachio milk recipe, you’ll be singing—and perhaps even shouting—its praises. Made with only four ingredients—nuts, water, vanilla extract, and maple syrup—it’s simple and worth going green for. Pro tip: Enjoy heated for a cozy treat in the winter.

6. Coffee Nut Milk

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Homemade nut milk poured into coffee is amazing (especially when the milk is heated and spiced with cinnamon). But why go through those steps when you can simply pour yourself a cup of coffee nut milk? Yep, it’s brilliant. This recipe blends fresh espresso with homemade almond milk, making mornings that much simpler and more satisfying. (Psst… roasted almonds make it taste even more awesome.)

7. Homemade Walnut Milk

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If you’re devoted to unsweetened nut milk, try using walnuts. The nut adds just the right amount of natural sweetness and is a great, but not drastic, departure from almond milk. As with most DIY nut milk recipes, all that’s required is soaking (walnuts do well with longer soaking), blending, and straining. Add sweetener as needed or sip au naturel (our personal favorite).

8. DIY Vanilla Brazil Nut Milk

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Adding one spice: delicious. Adding two: extraordinary. This homemade nut milk uses cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and dates to create a dairy-free drink that could pass as dessert. We love adding turmeric to transform it into a golden milk or pouring it over our granola when we’re craving something a little sweeter.

9. Strawberry Macadamia Nut Milk

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Macadamia nuts have a slightly buttery taste, making them the perfect complement to fresh strawberries and honey. This homemade nut milk is light, sweet, and juicy, and though it tastes like a milkshake, it won’t result in a sugar crash.

9 Nut Milk Recipes That Put the Watered-Down Store-Bought Stuff to Shame (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest nut milk to drink? ›

For overall nutrition profile, however, almond milk and cashew milk top our list. In an extremely low-calorie package, one cup of each contains approximately 25 to 50 percent of your day's calcium and 25 percent of your daily vitamin D.

What nut makes the creamiest milk? ›

If you're looking for the ultimate creamy nut milk, cashew milk is where it's at! Cashew milk has a thicker consistency and more mild taste than almond milk, making it a great base to let other flavors shine.

How to make store-bought almond milk thicker? ›

Using Natural Thickeners

One option is to make a homemade almond milk paste by blending soaked almonds with a small amount of water. This paste can then be added to your almond milk to thicken it. Blending soaked almonds creates a rich and velvety texture that adds a luxurious touch to your almond milk.

Are nut milks actually healthy? ›

Unsweetened, fortified almond milk offers heart-healthy and antioxidant benefits. Incorporate more almond milk into your diet by drinking it on its own, adding it to other beverages, or substituting it for dairy milk in your favorite recipes. Look for almond milk brands with simple, recognizable ingredients.

What is the number one healthiest milk to drink? ›

Healthiest milk to drink

Ultimately, cow's milk is the healthiest to drink if you can tolerate it. It has the most nutritional value. Cow's milk has many health benefits, such as helping to improve muscle mass and bone health. For regular milk drinkers, three cups per day is the standard.

What is the best milk for your gut? ›

We will discuss the gut health benefits, nutritional facts, and considerations for five alternative milks so that you can discern the best option for you.
  • 5 Dietitian-Approved Milk Options for Gut Health. ...
  • Lactose-Free Milk. ...
  • Goat's Milk. ...
  • Almond Milk. ...
  • Coconut Milk. ...
  • Hemp Milk.
Apr 11, 2024

Which nut milk uses the most water? ›

However, almond milk has one of the largest water footprints out of plant-based milk alternatives. Farmers need a large amount of water to produce almonds. In fact, it takes 3.2 gallons of water to produce one almond. If water conservation is important to you, you may want to choose another plant-based milk.

What nut milk is closest to regular milk? ›

Soy milk is most comparable to cow's milk from a protein standpoint. Soy milk is fortified with calcium and vitamin D. While other plant-based milks may contain added calcium and vitamin D, soy milk is most likely to be fortified with these nutrients.

What nut milk is best for skin? ›

Almonds are particularly good for acne-prone skin because they're also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the redness and inflammation associated with acne. Just make sure you opt for sugar-free almond milk.

Can you make heavy cream out of almond milk? ›

No milk (except for coconut milk) can replace heavy cream without the addition of a thickener, ideally a fat of some kind. To make a heavy cream substitute with almond milk, we recommend adding soaked nuts or vegan butter, or plain silken tofu to get the right texture.

Why does homemade almond milk go sour? ›

There are at least four culprits to consider when good almond milk goes bad: bacteria, oxidation, yeast, or mold. Any of these can be unpleasant, but some are worse than others.

Why did my almond milk get thick? ›

While thickness varies by brand, most almond milks have a consistency similar to cow's milk. Expired almond milk can turn thick and clumpy, but before you toss it, give the container a good shake to see if it's just separated. If your almond milk still has a funky texture—into the bin it goes.

Can you drink too much nut milk? ›

Yes. Almond milk can have some possible side effects. However, these side effects occur only due to overconsumption and nut allergies. Some possible side effects are nut allergies, adverse effects on the thyroid gland, high sugar levels, skin reactions, abdominal issues etc.

What is the best nut milk for weight loss? ›

Which milk is best for weight loss? According to an National Institutes of Health study, unsweetened almond milk has the fewest calories and aids in a low-carb diet. Almonds also contain a high content of monounsaturated fatty acids that are considered helpful in weight loss and weight management.

Which milk is the least inflammatory? ›

Soy milk: Soy milk is a plant-based option rich in protein, comparable to dairy milk. It also contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which may have anti-inflammatory properties.

Which is the healthiest alternative milk? ›

The 7 Healthiest Milk Options
  1. Hemp milk. Hemp milk is made from ground, soaked hemp seeds, which do not contain the psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa plant. ...
  2. Oat milk. ...
  3. Almond milk. ...
  4. Coconut milk. ...
  5. Cow's milk. ...
  6. A2 milk. ...
  7. Soy milk.
Nov 12, 2019

What's healthier, almond milk or oat milk? ›

Low in carbs and calories: Almond milk has fewer calories and carbs compared to oat milk. This makes it especially useful for those looking to shed weight or control sugar intake. Contains healthy fats: The almonds in the milk supply healthy fats. These fats are kind to your heart and help keep your blood sugar steady.

What is the least inflammatory nut milk? ›

Coconut Milk is a great option for those who suffer from acne. It is anti-inflammatory, contains healthy fats, is gut friendly and has magnesium and potassium. Almond Milk, if unsweetened, is also a good alternative because it contains antioxidants, is anti-inflammatory and made up of healthy fats.

What is the least fattening nut milk? ›

Almond milk is typically lower in calories than other milks, as long as it's unsweetened. It's also free of saturated fat and is naturally lactose-free. Per cup, unsweetened almond milk has: about 30 to 60 calories.

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