You Can Make Your Own Plant Milk At Home. Here’s How…

As sustainable ways of living are becoming increasingly normalised, milk drinkers are turning their backs on dairy in favour of plant-based alternatives.

These days, you don’t need to go far to find some kind of plant-based milk. According to food awareness NGO ProVeg South Africa there are 12 distinct types of plant-milk (including a couple of blends) and well over 70 options.

If you are one of the many people who are switching to plant-based milks in response to the growing climate crisis, then you’ll be happy to learn that making your own plant-based milk at home is probably the easiest pantry DIY you’ll ever come across.

Before you get started, be sure to check out these tips on perfecting your alternative milk.

Homemade Almond Milk

Makes about 5 cups

Feel free to swap cashews, macadamia nuts, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, or pistachios for the almonds. If you’d like to season the milk, add 1 teaspoon vanilla and ¼ teaspoon salt. To sweeten, add about 3 tbsp agave nectar, honey, maple syrup, or simple syrup.

Ingredients

2 cups raw, unsalted almonds

Instructions

  1. Place the nuts in a bowl, cover with water, and let sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
  2. Rinse and drain the nuts in a colander positioned in a sink.
  3. Add the drained nuts to a blender with 5 cups water. Blend until smooth, 1-2 minutes.
  4. Position a handheld strainer lined with a few layers of cheesecloth over a large bowl. Pour the mixture into the nut milk bag or strainer. Reserve the nut solids for another use.
  5. Position a funnel over a jug or bottle. Ladle the milk into the funnel, until all of the milk ends up in the jug or bottle. Serve immediately or chill for up to 4 days.