Why You Should Make the Switch to Organic Nut Milk

If you’ve spent time in the dairy section of your local grocery store, you’ve probably stumbled upon the designated section for milk alternatives. While there are many different types to choose from, there’s one shining star that deserves all the attention: organic nut milk.   

Whether you are lactose intolerant or planning to go vegan, you should take the plunge and switch to organic nut milk. If you aren’t sure about store-bought nut milk, you can also easily make it at home with the right nut milk maker — possibly even saving you money. 

NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF ORGANIC NUT MILK

Food experts generally accept that organic nut milk doesn’t offer the exact same nutrient content as dairy. Grass-fed cow’s milk is rich in protein and contains higher levels of vitamins, including A, B2, B12, and D, as well as different minerals such as selenium and calcium. 

While organic nut milk can provide you with some nutritional value, it’s usually made up of 90 percent water. Because it does contain a portion of nuts, the milk is loaded with some vitamins and nutrients to improve its health benefits. Some products may also include added nutrients and minerals for higher nutritional values. The good news is that nut milk is still a great alternative to dairy products for vegans to ensure that they aren’t completely deprived of the nutrients. 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT ORGANIC NUT MILK

Not all nut milk products are created equal

When you want to pick up a carton of nut milk for your breakfast cereal, it’s always wise to take a moment and read the ingredient list. You should know that original almond milk or flavored varieties like vanilla can contain high amounts of sweeteners like agave syrup, cane sugar, and rice syrup. Some manufacturers also include thickeners, additives, and gums to give it a milk-like texture. 

If you choose to buy store-bought nut milk, it should consist of mostly water and nuts to be a healthier option. It’s always best to opt for unsweetened variants, too. Another great option is to learn the recipe for making nut milk at home, get a nut milk maker, and enjoy your all-natural and healthy nut milk at home. 

Health considerations

Because children are the primary consumers of dairy milk, you should consider the nutritional value of the nut milk you’re choosing to ensure that their health isn’t being compromised. A cup of whole milk has 0.3 ounces of high-quality proteins that contain all the essential amino acids for toddlers and young children. One study found that when children primarily consume non-dairy milk, their growth is compromised.

You should do your research and consult your nutritionist to decide between the non-dairy alternatives to find one that is most comparable to cow’s milk. Soy milk, for example, contains all the essential amino acids, but the downside is that many children are allergic to soy.

COMMON TYPES OF NUT MILK

Almond milk

Almond milk is an excellent alternative to dairy milk in many recipes, including smoothies, pancakes, tea, and ice cream. The primary ingredients in almond milk are raw almonds and purified water. 

You can easily make almond milk at home with a nut milk maker, cheesecloth, almonds, and water. The flavor of homemade almond milk is more intense and nutty than that of store-bought almond milk. You can also add vanilla extract or maple syrup for a sweeter, more flavorful batch.

Cashew milk

Cashew milk is non-dairy milk created by blending soaked cashews with water and straining the resulting liquid. Similar to other types of non-dairy milk, cashew milk has a mildly sweet and nutty taste. You should know that cashew milk sold in stores may include other ingredients like sugar and preservatives, but if you make your own cashew milk at home, you can control the amount of sugar that goes into it.

Macadamia milk

Macadamia milk is made by blending soaked macadamia nuts with water. The milk from macadamia nuts is a delicious alternative to dairy milk because of its creamy consistency and subtle fruity flavor. Macadamia nuts are costlier than other varieties of nuts because macadamia trees are more intensive to cultivate, so this non-dairy milk may be more expensive to buy and make. This type of nut milk tastes delicious both in baked goods and on its own.

Walnut milk

While you’re less likely to find it at the grocery store, walnut milk is a great source of antioxidants, Omega-3 fatty acids, and fiber. To make walnut milk at home, just combine soaked walnuts with water in a nut milk maker until smooth, then drain the liquid through a nut milk bag. 

WRAPPING UP

Because there are many alternatives to dairy milk, choosing the one that has a comparable nutritional value can be overwhelming. If you don’t want to go wrong with non-dairy milk products, you can try making them at home with the help of a quality nut milk maker to better control the number of additives and amount of sugar.