Everything You Need to Know to Make Your Own Nut Milk

The Joys of Homemade Nut Milk

Making your own nut milk at home is deeply satisfying and has many benefits for health, sustainability, and connecting with what you eat.

With just a few simple ingredients like nuts, water, dates, and spices, you can create delicious homemade almond milk, cashew milk, and more in your own kitchen.

Why Make Your Own Nut Milk?

Avoid additives and preservatives found in store-bought varieties
Completely customize flavors to your liking
More environmentally sustainable by reducing packaging waste
Significantly cheaper than buying pre-made
Connecting with your food brings mindfulness and joy

The Basic Process

Making nut milk is very simple:

Soak raw nuts to soften (anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight)
Drain and rinse nuts thoroughly
Blend with water and any extra flavorings in a high powered blender until smooth and creamy
Strain blended mixture through a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, or fine mesh strainer to separate out the nut pulp
Store finished nut milk in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days

Tips and Tricks

Here are some helpful tips for making great DIY nut milk:

Use raw nuts instead of roasted for better flavor and nutrition
Soak nuts up to 24 hours to yield more milk with a creamier texture
Add a couple dates, vanilla, cinnamon, or a pinch of salt to boost flavor
Straining well is crucial to achieve a smooth, milk-like consistency
Shake or stir before drinking as separation is normal

Frequently Asked Questions

What nuts work best for making milk?

The most popular nuts used are almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and coconuts. Almonds and cashews make mild-flavored, versatile milk. Coconut milk has a stronger flavor. And hazelnuts are subtly sweet and nutty.

Can you make nut-free milk from seeds and grains?

Yes! You can make delicious and nourishing milk from all kinds of seeds, grains, and legumes using the same method. Some examples are oat milk, rice milk, and hemp seed milk.

How long does homemade nut milk last?

If stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, most nut milks will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Shake before using as separation is normal.

Can nut milks be frozen?

Yes, homemade or store-bought nut milks freeze well for up to 3 months. Remember to leave room for expansion and shake vigorously after thawing.

Is it more economical to make or buy nut milk?

Homemade nut milks can be made for just a fraction of the cost of store-bought, especially if you buy nuts in bulk. And it produces much less packaging waste for a more sustainable choice all around.