Nut milk: What to look out for and how to make your own 🌰
I’ve always disliked cow’s milk. I remember the got milk campaigns in schools and always being told to finish my milk… so when nut milks were introduced my world changed! Branded as a healthy alternative and for me a way tastier one I was feeling great ordering my matcha lattes with coconut or almond milk, until recently I realised what is actually in these nut milks thanks to Zoe (get 10% off here).
The only store bought brand that is free from oils and additives that I have found so far is Plenish. Let me know if you have found any others and here’s what to look out for…
Buy Smart: What to Look Out for When Purchasing Store-Bought Nut Milk
When it comes to choosing the right nut milk at the store, it's essential to keep an eye out for some key factors. With the increasing popularity of plant-based milks, the options seem endless, and it's important to make an informed choice. Here are a few things to consider when buying store-bought nut milk:
Ingredient List
Always check the ingredient list to ensure that the nut milk you're buying contains minimal and recognisable ingredients. Avoid products with excessive additives, preservatives, and sweeteners. Opt for nut milk with a short ingredient list that includes mainly nuts and water.
Sugar Content
Many store-bought nut milks contain added sugars to enhance the flavor. Be mindful of the sugar content, and if possible, choose unsweetened varieties. This allows you to control the sweetness according to your preference, especially if you'll be using the nut milk in savory recipes.
Fortification
Nut milk can be a good source of nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, especially if fortified. Look for options that are fortified with calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals, as they can contribute to your overall nutrient intake.
Unsweetened vs. Flavored
While flavored nut milks may seem appealing, they often contain added flavors that may not align with your preferences or dietary restrictions. If you enjoy flavored nut milk, consider making your own at home where you can control the ingredients and sweetness levels.
Quality and Packaging
Opt for nut milk that is packaged in materials that preserve the freshness and quality of the product. Additionally, choose products with the latest expiration dates to ensure maximum shelf life.
Organic Options
If you prefer to avoid pesticides and chemicals, consider purchasing organic nut milk whenever possible. Organic options can offer a cleaner and more environmentally friendly choice.
Here's a simple recipe for homemade almond milk:
DIY Almond Milk Recipe
Ingredients:
1 cup raw almonds
4 cups water, plus more for soaking
Optional: sweeteners such as dates, maple syrup, or honey
Optional: a pinch of salt
Optional: vanilla extract or other flavorings
Instructions:
1. Soak the almonds: Place the almonds in a bowl and cover them with about an inch of water. Soak the almonds for at least 12 hours or overnight.
2. Drain and Rinse: After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds under cool running water.
3. Blend with Water: In a blender, combine the soaked almonds and 4 cups of fresh water. Blend on high speed for about 2 minutes until the almonds are finely blended and the mixture looks creamy.
4. Strain the Liquid: Place a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a large mixing bowl and carefully pour the almond mixture into the bag or cloth. Gently squeeze and press to extract as much liquid as possible. The remaining almond meal can be saved for baking or used in smoothies.
5. Optional Sweetening and Flavoring: If desired, return the strained almond milk to the blender and add sweeteners, salt, and flavorings. Blend again to combine.
6. Store and Enjoy: Transfer the almond milk to a glass jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Making your own almond milk gives you the opportunity to customize the flavor and sweetness exactly to your liking. Plus, you can be confident in knowing exactly what's in your nut milk without any hidden additives.
Whether you choose to buy store-bought nut milk or to make your own at home, being mindful of the ingredients and considering the aforementioned factors will help you make the best choice for you. Cheers to enjoying your nut milk, whichever way you prefer it!
At-Home Nut Milk Makers: Brands, Benefits, and Cons
Or for the lazier consumer (like me) I have been researching a lot into different nut milk makers. I haven’t tried any yet but they are meant to take away the mess and skip the soaking process so you can have your fresh nut milk in minutes! Here are some popular nut milk maker brands I’ve found along with their benefits and potential drawbacks:
NutraMilk
Benefits:
Versatile machine that can make various nut and seed milks as well as butters
Quick and easy to use
Preserves nutrients and flavors
Cons:
Relatively high price point
Some users have reported issues with cleaning the machine
Almond Cow
Benefits:
Simple and efficient design
Can make nut milk in minutes
Easy to clean and assemble
Cons:
Limited to making almond and other nut-based milks
May require a separate step for straining the milk
Soyabella
Benefits:
Can make nut milks, soups, and porridge
Offers multiple automatic programs for different recipes
Durable stainless steel construction
Cons:
Some users find the operation to be slightly noisy
Straining the milk may be necessary for smoother consistency
Milky Plant
Benefits:
Quick and easy to use
Minimal mess
Easy to clean
No straining required
Cons
Short power cord
Strainer can become clogged
Benefits of Using a Nut Milk Maker
1. Freshness: Nut milk makers allow you to create fresh, preservative-free nut milk at home, ensuring high quality and better taste.
2. Customization: You have control over the ingredients and can customize the sweetness and flavor of the nut milk to suit your preferences.
3. Cost-Efficiency: Over time, making your own nut milk can be more cost-effective than buying pre-made nut milk from stores.
Drawbacks of Using a Nut Milk Maker
1. Initial Cost: The upfront cost of purchasing a nut milk maker may be a deterrent for some, especially if they are unsure of how often they will use it.
2. Maintenance: Some nut milk makers may require thorough cleaning and maintenance to ensure optimal performance and hygiene.
3. Limited Versatility: While some nut milk makers allow for a variety of nut and seed milks, others may be limited in the types of milk they can produce.
Before investing in a nut milk maker, it's essential to consider your specific needs, budget, and the types of nut milk you intend to make. Additionally, reading user reviews and comparing features can help you select the best nut milk maker for your home.
Would you like to know more about a specific nut milk maker or its usage?