Easy Homemade Almond Milk | Plant-based, Vegan

posted by Chef Ani on Aug 11, 2021 (last updated Apr 24, 2024)

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Looking for a healthier alternative to dairy milk? Look no further; homemade almond milk is the way to go. My simple, no-fuss DIY creamy almond milk recipe is so easy to make that the whole family can get involved.

Furthermore, there is something so satisfying about knowing how to make almond milk at home. Obviously, you can customize the milk recipe to fit your palette: not too sweet, not too weak, indeed, just right.

This homemade almond milk recipe has only two main ingredients: almonds and water, with a few flavor suggestions. You can make it perfect since you have complete control over the ingredients and, consequently, no preservatives or additives. It will not last as long in the fridge, but I genuinely think that is a good thing.

In this post, we will discuss the simple steps to making great homemade almond milk.

Why you’ll LOVE this Almond Milk Recipe

Delicious: Get ready to try the most delicious almond milk ever. There is something so clean and fresh about the taste of homemade almond milk.
Healthy: Homemade almond milk is very healthy and contains a higher ratio of real almonds than store-bought versions.
No preservatives or additives: This creamy almond milk contains only two ingredients and no preservatives or additives.

What is Almond Milk?

Almond milk is a milk alternative made from almonds and water. It is super easy to make, and the freshness and flavor of the homemade version are something to be excited about.

Why Choose Homemade Almond Milk?

I am so grateful for all the different almond milk brands available at the grocery store today. It is super convenient, and many of them are quite delicious. So, why would I make my own homemade Almond Milk? There are several reasons, the number one being that it is significantly healthier for you. The homemade version contains a greater ratio of real almonds, consequently giving you significantly more nutritional value.

Furthermore, there is speculation that store-bought almond milk contains very few almonds, a disturbing fact. Besides, the homemade version has no preservatives or additives. Sure, they only last four days or so in the fridge, but you have to question what makes the milk in the grocery store last for weeks or even months on end. The second reason is that it tastes much fresher and better. You only need to try it once to be convinced of that fact, and the third reason is that store bought almond milk does not always work in plant-based recipes, especially things that need curdled milk, like plant-based cheeses.

In the long run, making your own nut milk will be significantly cheaper if you buy raw almonds in bulk.

So, in light of these reasons, you may ask, do I always make homemade almond milk? No, there are times when buying is more convenient, but whenever I can, I try to make my own unsweetened almond milk, especially when baking or making vegan cheeses. The family loves it when we go the extra mile to make homemade nut milk. Even breakfast cereal takes on a gourmet taste with DIY almond milk.

Do you need special equipment to make almond milk?

Making almond milk at home is actually relatively easy. As long as you have a nut milk bag or something equivalent and a good blender, you can make almond milk from scratch in a jiffy.

Almond Milk Ingredients:

Almonds: Use raw almonds when you make almond milk. Almonds are highly nutritious and supply the body with energy and strength. They contain plenty of antioxidants, which help protect the body against infections. One cup of almonds will make 4-5 cups of almond milk. Almonds can be expensive, so buying in bulk and storing them in the freezer is more cost-effective.

Water: Water is an ingredient our bodies cannot live without, so add plenty of water to the nuts when making nut milk. I like the ratio of 1:4 (nuts/water), but some like less concentrated milk with a ratio of 1:5.

Flavoring: So, how do I flavor almond milk? By all means, customize the almond milk according to your taste buds. We usually season with a pinch of sea salt, which enhances the flavor, but if you need to be careful with salt, omit it altogether. Many like their homemade nut milk sweet, which can easily be accomplished with a touch of maple syrup, agave, or a couple of dates. Some, like adding vanilla, which can easily be done to make delicious vanilla almond milk. You be you, choose your favorite flavoring.

With so many wonderful almond milk brands on the market, even so there is a definite need to know how to make your own almond milk. So, here is my simple homemade almond milk recipe. It is delicious, nutritious, and healthy and works wonderfully in many vegan recipes, especially vegan baking and cheese making.

How to Make Almond Milk at Home:

Here is a step-by-step DIY guide on how to make the best homemade almond milk.

Step one: Soak almonds overnight in a bowl filled with plenty of water. Drain and rinse

Step two: Add almonds and water to a blender. Blend until smooth.

Step three: Pour the almond mixture through a nut milk bag while catching the liquid in a bowl underneath. Close the nut milk bag. Gently squeeze the nut milk bag to release as much liquid as possible. The liquid in the bowl is almond milk. Add a pinch of salt to the almond milk and stir. It is now ready to use.

How to store homemade almond milk?

How to store Almond milk: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. Given that homemade nut milk does not have preservatives or additives, it is especially important to remember to return the creamy almond milk to the fridge as quickly as possible.

How to store Almonds: Almonds can become rancid, for that reason, it is important to store the nuts properly. Almonds should be stored in airtight containers. If properly stored, they will last on the shelf for up to 6 months and in the fridge or freezer for up to two years.

How long will homemade almond milk last?

Almond milk lasts in the fridge 4-5 days.

How to Use Homemade Almond Milk

Enjoy a glass: Maybe the most common use for almond milk is simple drinking it fresh. Nothing beats the taste of a cool glass of creamy almond milk. You can also try my favorite homemade oat milk recipe.

Granola & Cereal: It is also commonly used over granola and cereal in the morning.

Baking & Cooking: Almond milk is an excellent alternative for baking. I especially appreciate the homemade version when making recipes that require a buttermilk substitution. Homemade almond milk curdles easily when a small amount of lemon juice is added, producing a beautiful homemade vegan buttermilk result when cooking. Bake some fluffy vegan strawberry muffins or my vegan lemon raspberry cake with this almond milk recipe.

Breakfast: Cook up some delicious vegan pancakes or some oat waffles with this creamy almond milk recipe.

Easy homemade almond milk in a milk container with almonds

Almond Milk Health Benefits:

The two main ingredients in creamy almond milk are both essential to a healthy diet.

Almonds: Although almonds are considered a nut, the edible portion is actually the seed. Raw almonds are rich in nutritional value, offers the complete set of essential amino acids, and are rich in vitamins. Almonds are also high in calcium and phosphorous. In fact, the calcium content is much greater than in dairy milk.

There are studies that suggest almonds can be influential in lowering blood cholesterol. (1)

Water: is essential to health and life. We need to drink an adequate amount every day. Though water is the best in its purest form, almond milk is also a great alternative for the required daily liquid. An average adult should drink between 6-8 glasses of water a day. Many of us are walking around in a constant state of dehydration, which can lead to several health problems.

Easy homemade almond milk being poured into a glass

The Best Kitchen Tools for Making Homemade Almond Milk

Nut Strainer Bag: It’s important to have a way to strain the milk once the water and raw almonds are blended. I would highly recommend this Ellie’s Best nut milk bag.

Blender: A high-powered blender is a must when making nut milk. I like to use a Vitamix for this almond milk recipe.

Almond Nut Milk Variations and Add-ins

Chocolate Almond Milk: Add some chocolate powder or syrup to make a chocolate version.

Carob Almond Milk: Add carob, a highly nutritious and healthier alternative to chocolate. I love the Aussie Carob as they have the best carob on the market.

Berry Almond Milk: Add freeze-dried, dried, or fresh berries to give the non-dairy milk a different look and taste.

Vanilla Almond Milk: Add a little vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste to make tasty vanilla almond milk.

What to do with almond milk pulp?

Looking for ways to use almond milk pulp? Here are some recipe ideas. Remember that leftover almond pulp contains some liquid, so be sure to adjust the liquid in whatever recipe you are making.

In any case, using leftover almond pulp helps eliminate food waste and add value to existing recipes.

Add it to smoothies: There are many things you can do with the almond milk pulp. The easiest use would probably be to add it to smoothies. Keep the pulp either in the fridge or freezer until ready to use. Add some almond pulp to my favorite raspberry smoothie or this energy-boosting smoothie.

In bread: Almond pulp is also very good in bread recipes, adding nutritional value as well as flavor to whole wheat bread or vegan banana bread.

Add it to cookies: My favorite way to use almond pulp is in cookies. Ground almonds are almost always a valued addition to cookies, and my raspberry almond thumbprint cookies would be a perfect cookie to add some almond pulp.

Almond flour or meal: You can also make the pulp into almond flour or meal by drying the almond pulp.

Is it cheaper to make your own almond milk?

It depends. Sometimes, you can find deals on almond milk in the store. But when you consider what you are buying compared to the homemade version, it becomes cheaper and healthier to make your own almond milk.

You can buy raw almonds in bulk, significantly decreasing the cost. Look for sales and store in the fridge or freezer.

Obviously, the homemade version is a better deal if you consider the nutritional benefits.

1 pound of almonds, makes roughly 4 quarts/liters of almond milk.

FAQs

Why do you soak almonds before making almond milk?

For several reasons, it is important to soak almonds before making almond milk.

For one thing, soaked almonds blend a lot easier than dried almonds, making quick work of things.
However, the primary reason for soaking almonds is to activate the enzyme inhibitors so that they release more of the almond’s nutritional potential.
Furthermore, soaked almonds make a smoother, creamier, and tastier end product.
In fact, soaked almonds result in less waste as more of the almond is blended and used.

How long should you soak the almonds to make almond milk?

Soak the almonds overnight. It is not an exact science, but 8-12 hours should do the trick.

How do you soak almonds?

Place almonds in a bowl and cover generously with water. Let sit on the counter overnight (8-12 hours).
Drain and rinse.
Store in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for up to three months.

How many almonds to make 1 liter/quart of almond milk?

1 cup raw almonds will make roughly 1 quart/liter of creamy, delicious almond milk.

Why has my almond milk separated?

Because your homemade creamy almond milk is free of additives and preservatives, it will separate while sitting. Just give it a quick shake, and you are good to go. Therefore, I like to store my almond milk in a glass jar with a lid. When ready to use, I give it a quick shake, and it is ready.

What kind of almonds should I use to make homemade almond milk?

You always want to use raw almonds that have yet to be tampered with. Roasted almonds will result in a roasted taste, and we can do without the oil and salt often added to nuts in excess.

How to sweeten almond milk?

You can sweeten almond milk in a variety of different ways.

Healthiest: sweeten with dates. Add 1-2 dates (without the pits) to the nut milk before blending.

Healthier: add a touch of agave, maple syrup, or honey (if not vegan) to taste before blending.

Other options: add sugar, date sugar, maple sugar, to taste and blend.

How to Make Homemade Almond Milk Recipe Video