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How to Make Almond Milk at Home | Elizabeth Rider

    Want to learn how to make almond milk at home? I’ve been making almond milk at home a few times per month for over 15 years and can say it’s definitely worth making yourself!

    Just like my famous almond flour bread recipe, homemade almond milk not only tastes better than anything store-bought, but it’s healthier, too.

    Most store-bought nut milks contain gums, carrageenan, and preservatives. Homemade, on the other hand, is fresh, creamy, and free from additives. You’ll enjoy a healthier, cost-effective, and delicious dairy-free alternative at home.

    How to Make Almond Milk (Better Than Store-Bought!)

    Almond milk is one of the easiest and healthiest plant-based milks you can make. With just almonds and water, you’ll have a creamy, clean milk—no additives needed.

    Watch the quick tutorial below to see how easy it is:

    Ingredients

    • Raw Almonds: Soak 1 cup (about 140g) of raw almonds overnight in a bowl of water. The longer you soak them, the creamier your milk will be. Skipping this step will result in watery almond milk.
    • Water: You’ll need water to soak the almonds, plus 3 cups of filtered water to blend.
    • A pinch of sea salt: Enhances flavor and adds trace minerals.

    Optional Add-Ins

    Pro tip: I’ve found that adding sweeteners like dates or honey can shorten the shelf life. I’ve found it lasts about 4 days when sweetened, compared to 6–7 days when made plain.

    • Sweetener: Pitted Medjool dates, maple syrup, or honey.
    • Vanilla extract: For extra flavor.
    • Other: A dash of cinnamon or 2–3 Brazil nuts (soak additional nuts with the almonds) for added nutrients.

    Step-by-Step: How to Make Almond Milk

    Step 1: Soak the Almonds

    Cover 1 cup (about 140 grams)of raw almonds with water (about 1 inch above) and soak for 8–12 hours. If using sweeteners like dates, soak them with the almonds. After soaking, drain and rinse well.

    Step 2: Blend

    Add soaked almonds, 3 cups filtered water, a big pinch of sea salt, and any optional add-ins to a high-speed blender. Blend for 60–90 seconds, or until the mixture is completely smooth. (You may need to blend longer depending on your blender.)

    homemade almond milk in blender

    Step 3: Strain

    Pour the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a bowl. Squeeze to extract all the liquid. You’ll be left with almond pulp, which you can save to make almond meal.

    homemade almond milk in nut milk bag

    Step 4: Store

    Transfer your fresh almond milk to a mason jar or sealed container. Keep refrigerated and enjoy within 5–6 days.

    Why Make Almond Milk?

    Almond milk is a creamy, lactose-free alternative to cow’s milk, great for coffee, cereal, smoothies, and more. It’s easier on digestion and packed with vitamin E, protein, and fiber. Plus, when you make it at home, you avoid carrageenan, gums, and unnecessary additives found in many store-bought brands.

    How to Use Almond Milk

    Use it just like regular milk:

    Almond Milk FAQs

    How long does homemade almond milk last?

    Up to 5–6 days in the fridge. Store in a glass jar or bottle with a tight-fitting lid.

    Can I make almond milk without soaking the almonds?

    Technically, yes, but it will be much thinner and less creamy. Almonds are expensive, so to get the most bang for your buck, I recommend soaking them for best results.

    Does almond milk contain carrageenan?

    Homemade almond milk does not contain carrageenan or other emulsifiers. If your milk separates, just give it a shake!

    Can I flavor my almond milk?

    Yes! Add dates, vanilla, cinnamon, or even cacao for a chocolate version. However, I like to remind people that when you add anything to almond milk, especially a sweetener, it doesn’t keep as long. When I add dates or honey to sweeten, I notice it starts to go bad after about 4 days. It keeps for 6-7 days when made plain, so I make it plain then add sweetener as needed.

    How to Use the Almond Pulp

    Don’t throw it away! Dry the leftover pulp in a 200°F oven for an hour to make almond meal. You can also dehydrate it if you prefer.

    Recipe Variations

    You can use this method to make:

    Nut-based milks are often easier to digest than dairy and offer a variety of flavors and nutrients.

    Making almond milk at home is simple, customizable, and better for your body. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to the boxed stuff.

    homemade almond milk in coffee

    How to Store:

    Homemade almond milk will keep in a jar with the lid on for up to 5-6 days in the fridge if it’s unsweetened. Sweetened almond milk will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator.


    Print

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    Description

    Making your own almond milk at home is quick, easy, and requires just a few simple ingredients. All you need are raw almonds, filtered water, and a pinch of sea salt for a creamy, clean-tasting plant-based milk—no gums, preservatives, or additives. Customize it with Medjool dates, vanilla, or Brazil nuts for added flavor and nutrients.



    • Soak the Almonds: Place almonds in a medium bowl and cover with water (about 1 inch above the almonds). Soak for 8–12 hours at room temperature or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. If using dates, soak them with the almonds.
    • Drain & Rinse: After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds thoroughly until the water runs clear.
    • Blend: Add the soaked almonds, 3 cups of filtered water, sea salt, and any optional ingredients to a high-speed blender. Blend for 60–90 seconds until smooth and fully emulsified.
    • Strain: Line a mixing bowl (preferably with a pour spout) with a nut milk bag or double-layered cheesecloth. Pour the blended mixture through the bag and squeeze out all the liquid. Tie or hold the top of the bag to prevent spills.
    • Store: Transfer the strained almond milk to a clean jar or airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 5 days. Shake well before using, as natural separation is normal.


    Notes

    While sweeteners and flavorings like dates, vanilla, or cinnamon make almond milk extra delicious, keep in mind that adding them can reduce how long your milk stays fresh. When kept plain—just almonds, water, and a pinch of salt—your almond milk will typically last 5–6 days in the fridge. If you add sweeteners, plan to use it within 3–4 days. A great tip is to make your almond milk plain, then add sweetener or flavorings right before serving.

    More Almond Recipes:

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