How to Make Almond Milk

Learning how to make almond milk is a great place to start when adapting a healthier lifestyle. It’s easy to make and requires only a couple of ingredients – almonds and clean, filtered water. It has a neutral taste so it’s ideal for daily use. You can customize the flavor of the milk based on desired sweetness, additional ingredients you choose to use, and the consistency to fit your needs.

Almond Milk

For individuals looking to cut down on their dairy intake or those who may be lactose intolerant, nut milk is a tasty affordable option. And making your own can be just as affordable, if not cheaper (depending on the cost of almonds and whether you opt or organic). It’s a creamy and delicious alternative and you don’t need to be plant-based to integrate it into your diet.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought

While there are some great almond milk options you can purchase at the store, a majority of store-bought nut milks have chemicals and other added ingredients (carrageenan, natural flavoring, guar gum, added sugar) to enhance the flavor, consistency, and how long it can be stored/sold. If the only options at your local market contain unwanted ingredients, you may want to consider making your own.

How to Make Almond Milk

Making your own almond milk is simple and straightforward. It comes down to these 5 simple steps:

1. Soak raw almonds, organic or conventional, in filtered water overnight. I prefer organic almonds but those aren’t always easy to find and can cost significantly more. They will double in size as they absorb the water. In the morning, rinse the soaked almonds well in cool water.
2. Combine the almonds with 4 cups of water. Use 3 if you like your almond milk a little thicker. Add any sweeteners and a pinch of sea salt.
3. Blend until smooth and creamy, for about 1-2 minutes.
4. Using a nut milk bag, strain the milk.
5. Store the milk in an air-tight glass bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Is Soaking the Almonds Necessary?

You technically don’t have to but soaking the nuts is the key for creamy, silky, non-gritty milk. This is because soaking saturates the nuts from the inside out. Soak the nuts for smoother milk. Once the nuts have been soaked, it takes about 5 minutes to make the milk!

Is it even worth my time?

That’s for you to decide! Once you make it a couple times, you’ll realize just how easy it is to make it on a regular basis. Just like eating at home, you have to carve a little time for it.

Can I use it as a milk replacement?

Absolutely! Enjoy it on its own, in smoothies, matcha, tea, coffee, etc.

Is it kid-friendly?

Assuming your child is okay with nuts and seeds, nut milk is kid-friendly!

Print Recipe

Almond Milk

Almond milk is a creamy and delicious alternative to dairy milk. It's easy to make and requires only a couple of ingredients. It has a neutral taste so it's great for enjoying on a daily basis. You can customize it based on desired sweetness and consistency (just add more or less water!). 

Ingredients

• 1 cup raw almonds
• 4 cups water
• 1 date (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• pinch of sea salt

Instructions

• Rinse and drain the soaked almonds. You have an option to peel the almonds (I recommend this if you aren't using organic almonds). 
• Combine with water and salt in a blender (preferably a high-speed blender). Blend until smooth and creamy. If using, add the dates and vanilla extract and blend for an additional 1-2 minutes. 
• Strain the milk using a nut milk bag, a fine-mesh sieve, or a cheesecloth. Compost or save the pulp.
• Transfer milk into a glass jar or container and refrigerate. Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge for 3-4 days.