Vegan milk has become a staple in many households, offering a delicious and nutritious alternative to traditional dairy. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking to diversify your diet, making your own plant-based milk at home is both rewarding and economical.
Homemade vegan milk is fresher, free from preservatives, and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. From creamy almond milk to rich oat milk, the possibilities are endless.
In this post, we’ll explore the best vegan milk recipes that you can make with simple ingredients and minimal equipment. These recipes not only taste wonderful but also add a wholesome touch to your smoothies, coffees, baking, and cooking.
Ready to dive into the world of plant-based milks? Let’s get started with some easy-to-follow recipes that will soon become your favorites!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making vegan milk at home lets you control exactly what goes into your milk, avoiding unnecessary additives found in store-bought versions. It’s fresh, flavorful, and customizable to your liking.
You can adjust the sweetness, thickness, and flavor by tweaking ingredients or adding natural flavorings like vanilla or cinnamon.
These recipes are perfect for anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle, those with dietary restrictions, or anyone curious about plant-based alternatives. Plus, it’s an eco-friendly choice, reducing packaging waste.
Once you master these recipes, you might even feel inspired to experiment with other plant-based ingredients and create your own unique blends!
Ingredients
Almond Milk
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 4 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Pinch of salt
Oat Milk
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Pinch of salt
Cashew Milk
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 4 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- Optional: 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment
- High-speed blender – essential for smooth and creamy milk
- Nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer – for straining pulp
- Large bowl or jug – to catch the milk while straining
- Measuring cups
- Storage bottle or jar – for refrigerating your milk
Instructions
Almond Milk
- Soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water overnight or for at least 8 hours. This softens them for blending.
- Drain and rinse the almonds thoroughly under cold water.
- Add almonds and 4 cups of filtered water to your blender.
- Blend on high speed for 2 minutes until almonds are broken down and the mixture looks milky.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a bowl or jug, squeezing out as much liquid as possible.
- Add optional sweeteners or vanilla if desired, and stir well.
- Pour the milk into a clean bottle and refrigerate. Shake well before each use.
Oat Milk
- Rinse 1 cup rolled oats under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Add oats and 4 cups water to the blender.
- Blend on high speed for 30-45 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend to avoid sliminess.
- Strain the milk through a fine mesh strainer or nut milk bag.
- Add optional sweeteners and vanilla, then stir well.
- Store in the refrigerator and shake before use.
Cashew Milk
- Soak 1 cup raw cashews in water for 4-6 hours or overnight.
- Drain and rinse cashews.
- Add cashews and 4 cups filtered water to blender.
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth.
- No straining needed because cashews blend fully.
- Add optional sweetener or vanilla and mix well.
- Refrigerate in a sealed container and shake before serving.
Tips & Variations
Tip: Always soak nuts to soften them for better blending and improved digestibility.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor twist.
For a creamier texture, reduce the water slightly or add a tablespoon of coconut oil.
You can experiment with other nuts and seeds like hemp, sunflower, or macadamia to create your own signature milk. Sweeten naturally with dates or a splash of vanilla extract instead of refined sugars.
Want a chocolatey treat? Blend in 1-2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or raw cacao for a vegan chocolate milk alternative.
Nutrition Facts
Milk Type | Calories (per 1 cup) | Protein (g) | Fat (g) | Carbohydrates (g) | Calcium (%) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Almond Milk (unsweetened) | 30-40 | 1 | 2.5 | 1-2 | 2-4% |
Oat Milk | 120 | 3 | 5 | 16 | 25% |
Cashew Milk (unsweetened) | 25-40 | 1-2 | 2-3 | 1-2 | 2-4% |
Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on added sweeteners or flavorings.
Serving Suggestions
Use your homemade vegan milk in a variety of ways. Pour it over your morning cereal or oatmeal for a creamy boost.
It’s fantastic in smoothies, lending a subtle nutty or creamy flavor without the heaviness of dairy.
Try it in coffee or tea as a dairy substitute—almond and oat milk both froth nicely for lattes. For baking, these milks work beautifully in cakes, muffins, and pancakes, adding moisture and flavor.
If you’re interested in vegan baking, check out this Marzipan Challah Recipe for a wonderful bread that pairs well with these milks.
For savory cooking that needs a creamy touch without dairy, cashew milk is a great choice. It can be used in sauces or creamy soups for a luscious texture.
Conclusion
Making your own vegan milk at home is a simple, rewarding process that elevates your plant-based cooking and drinking experience. With just a few ingredients and basic equipment, you can create fresh, tasty, and wholesome milks tailored to your preferences.
These recipes not only save money but also allow for endless creativity in the kitchen.
Whether you choose almond, oat, or cashew milk, the benefits of homemade vegan milk are undeniable—clean ingredients, no preservatives, and a flavor that’s truly your own. Feel free to explore other variations and incorporate them into your recipes.
For more vegan inspiration, you might love our Jamaican Minced Beef Recipes or the versatile Leche De Pantera Recipe.
Happy blending and enjoy your delicious, homemade vegan milks!
📖 Recipe Card: Best Vegan Almond Milk
Description: A creamy and delicious homemade almond milk perfect for smoothies, coffee, or cereal. Easy to make with just a few ingredients and no added preservatives.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M
Servings: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup raw almonds
- 4 cups filtered water
- 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of sea salt
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional for thickness)
Instructions
- Soak almonds in water overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- Drain and rinse almonds thoroughly.
- Add almonds and 4 cups of fresh water to a blender.
- Blend on high for 2 minutes until smooth and creamy.
- Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine mesh strainer into a bowl.
- Squeeze to extract as much liquid as possible.
- Transfer milk to a jar and stir in maple syrup, vanilla, salt, and chia seeds if using.
- Refrigerate and shake well before each use.
Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 2g
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