Nut milk is as tasty and simple as it sounds. When nuts are soaked and then blended, it liquifies into a creamy milk. The widely enjoyed dairy alternative has grown in popularity over the past several years. Refreshing and often super creamy, most nut milk has a subtle taste and can be enjoyed as a beverage on its own or used as an ingredient in recipes. It’s a solid alternative to dairy milk and a good way to eat more nuts if you want to.

Why is Nut Milk So Popular?

Most, if not all nut milks are loaded with fiber, vitamins and minerals, and healthy fats. It’s also relatively low in calories compared to dairy milk. Nut milk is a great go-to for those who are lactose intolerant, allergic to dairy, or otherwise don’t want to consume dairy. Nut milk is used in dairy free and vegan diets in recipes or dishes that would usually use dairy.

Some people prefer different nut milks for different uses: Think almond milk in coffee, cashew milk in savory soups, and coconut milk in sweet dishes. Whatever kind you prefer, you can even make it at home!

Top 5 Milk Alternatives

Nut milk alternatives are common as a dairy free and vegan diet staple. Some nut milks can even be made into other dairy alternative products like cheese! Cashews milk, for one, shines as a creamy milk alternative that can be easily made into a thick “cream.” Learn more about cashews as a dairy free diet staple on our blog here. There are several other types of nut milks on the market. Beyond the shelves, you can turn just about any nut into a milk when you make it at home! Simply blend the raw nuts with fresh water and enjoy.

Almond Milk

Almond milk is probably the first milk alternative that comes to mind as it grew in popularity in the early 2010’s. Almond milk has a very subtle taste that is often sweetened. It’s not as creamy as regular whole milk but is good in smoothies, coffee, or cereal.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is slightly sweet and a bit thicker than almond milk, for example. Some people consider it the nut milk closest to dairy in rich texture and subtle taste.

Macadamia Milk

Macadamia milk is becoming more common on grocery store shelves and in recipes. The creamy nut milk is a bit more expensive, as macadamia nuts are the most difficult to grow. However, it tastes plain, similar to dairy milk and is easy to make with soaked macadamias.

Hazelnut Milk

Hazelnut milk tends to go along with hot chocolate or in coffee drinks because of its nutty and slightly sweet aroma. It’s commonly sweetened, like almond milk, to accompany sweet beverages and foods.

Peanut Milk

Rising in popularity, peanut milk tends to contain the most protein of these common nut milks. A light nutty flavor remains in the milk that is best served cold.

Less common nut milks include walnut, pistachio, or even pecan milk. Though you might not find them as easily in store, you can make them at home with any of Superior Nut Company’s premium raw bulk nuts.

How to Make Nut Milk

Learning how to make nut milk may be even easier than you think! You only need some common kitchen equipment and a good amount of raw nuts to get started. Fancy nut milk machines aren’t necessary. We do recommend a high speed blender, but a regular blender will work fine too.

Cashew Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup cashews
• 4 cups water

Directions

1. Place the cashews in a small bowl. Pour fresh, cold water over the cashews until they are covered. Cover and allow the cashews to soak overnight. Drain cashews. (If you have a high speed blender, you can skip this step.)
2. Place cashews in a blender with 4 cups of water and blend until completely smooth, at least one minute. Add more water for a thinner texture.

You can always mix in additions like a pinch of salt or dash of vanilla for flavor. Or, sweeten things up with Superior Nut Store’s Medjool Dates! This recipe works similarly with any other type of nut, like hazelnuts or almonds: Just strain these nut milks with a cheesecloth after blending and before enjoying. The amount of water can be adjusted to preferable consistency, too.

Try Your Favorite!

No matter your favorite type of nut or nut milk, any is bound taste great and work well as a dairy alternative and tasty beverage in general. If you’re interested or have never tried nut milk, give it a shot to find your favorite. And when you’re ready to try your hand at blending up a batch of nut milk, Superior Nut Company can help get you there.