DIY Nut Milk
Making your own nut milk is quick, easy, can help you avoid unwanted ingredients like gums and preservatives. Nuts are a great source of brain-healthy fats and a variety of vitamins and minerals. Nut milk can be used in substitution of dairy milk and is a great way to hydrate! Keep in mind that nut milk will not contain the same amount of protein as dairy milk. Learn more about milk alternatives.
The great thing about this nut milk is that it is highly customizable! You can use a variety of nuts including cashews, almonds, coconut shreds, oats, pecans, hemp seeds, macadamias, or a combination! You can also opt to add flavors like vanilla or a natural sweetener like maple syrup or dates. Customize according to your child’s taste and nutritional needs!
Note: if you make nut milk often, you might consider an appliance like the Almond Cow! If you have one, check out my Almond Cow Nut Milk recipe!
Ingredients
1/2 cup soaked raw nuts (we love almonds and cashews). Soak in cool water overnight or in hot water for at least 15 minutes
If using unsoaked almonds, use 1 cup
Filtered water to the fill line of the Almond Cow
¼ tsp sea salt
Optional add-ins:
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-2 tbsp maple syrup, date syrup, or 3 pitted Medjool dates
Note: Most ingredients above are linked to items at Thrive Market for your convenience. Sign up with this link to get 30% off your first order.
A note on ingredient quality: If possible, choose ingredients that are organic and non-GMO. Stores such as Sprouts, Natural Grocers, Whole Foods, and other health food stores can help finding higher-quality ingredients. If access to higher quality ingredients isn't an option for you, choose the best option that is available to you locally.
Materials
A high-powered blender (we love our Vitamix!)
A nut-milk bag (you could also use cheesecloth if you have one on hand)
A glass jar with lid or bottle, for storage
Directions
Soak the nuts overnight in filtered water, enough to cover. Choose a container with a lid, preferably glass.
In the morning, strain the nuts and rinse them. If you are using almonds, you can choose to remove the skins. This makes them easier to digest! This is not necessary, but if your child has a sensitive stomach, I’d recommend taking the extra time and precaution.
Place your nuts along with 3-4 cups of filtered water and sea salt into a high-power blender and blend on high for 3-5 minutes until thick and frothy. Note: if you’re wanting to use pitted dates to sweeten your milk, you’ll want to blend them in now. Other sweeteners should wait until step 6.
Put your nut milk bag over a bowl or large jar and pour the contents from the blender through the bag.
Once you’ve emptied the blender, you can use your hands to help strain the remaining liquid from the nut milk bag into your container.
If you want to flavor your milk with a little splash of vanilla or some sweetener, now is the time! You can add them to your milk, put on the lid, and shake, shake, shake!
Store your milk in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy in smoothies, in cereal or granola, or by itself!
Nutrition Facts
Calculated for Unsweetened
Serving Size: 1 cup | Makes ~5 Servings
Calories: 38 | Protein: 2 grams | Fiber: 1 grams | Carbohydrates: 1 grams | Fat: 3 grams | Sugars: 0 grams
Making your own recipe? Use Almond Cow’s Nutrition Calculator.
