Homemade Vegan Milk Recipes

Searching for the best dairy-free milk alternatives? A growing number of people are turning to plant-based milk for health, ethical, and environmental reasons.

 

But with a wide array of choices, how do you decide? This article compares popular plant-based milk options to help you find the perfect fit.

 

Plant based milk is any type of milk that is made from plants, rather than animals. Some of the most common sources of plant based milk are soy, almond, oat, rice, coconut, hemp, and cashew. Your personal preferences and specific needs will determine the advantages and disadvantages of each option.

 

 

Soy milk

 

Among the most popular and easily found plant-based milks is soy milk, created from soaked, blended, and strained soybeans. Soy milk has a creamy texture and a mild flavor that works well in coffee, cereal, smoothies, and baking.

 

It’s also one of the most nutritious plant milks, as it contains a good amount of protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A, and potassium. Soy milk may also have some health benefits, such as lowering cholesterol and blood pressure, and reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

 

If you want to try soy milk, you can either make it yourself with dried soybeans and water, or buy it from the store. Opt for organic and non-GMO versions without added sugars or artificial flavors. Flavored soy milk options like vanilla and chocolate are also available.

 

Here are some recipes that use soy milk:

 

– Vegan Mac and Cheese
– Soy Milk Latte

– Chocolate Soy Milk Pudding

 

 

Almond milk

 

Almond milk, another popular and readily available plant-based choice, is made from soaked, blended, and strained almonds.

 

Its light texture and nutty flavor make it great in coffee, tea, oatmeal, and desserts. Plus, it’s low in calories and fat, and a good source of vitamin E for skin and hair health.

 

However, almond milk is not very high in protein or calcium, so you may want to look for fortified varieties or supplement with other foods. On the environmental side, almond milk requires a lot of water to produce, especially in drought-prone regions.

 

To try almond milk, you can make it at home with raw almonds and water or purchase it. Opt for organic and unsweetened varieties without added oils or thickeners. Flavored almond milk options like vanilla and chocolate are also available.

 

Here are some recipes that use almond milk:

 

– Almond Milk Yogurt
– Almond Milk Smoothie
– Almond Milk Ice Cream

 

 

Oat milk

 

Oat milk, a relatively new and increasingly popular plant-based option, is made by soaking, blending, and straining oats. Oat milk has a creamy texture and a slightly sweet flavor that works well in coffee, tea, cereal, and baking. It’s also high in fiber, which can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and support digestive health.

 

To try oat milk, you can make it at home with rolled oats and water or purchase it. Opt for organic and unsweetened varieties without added oils or thickeners. Flavored oat milk options like vanilla and chocolate are also available.

 

Here are some recipes that use oat milk:

 

– Oat Milk Pancakes
– Oat Milk Latte
– Oat Milk Rice Pudding

 

 

Coconut milk

 

Coconut milk, a long-established plant-based option, is made from grated, soaked, and squeezed coconut flesh. Coconut milk has a rich texture and a tropical flavor that works well in curries, soups, sauces, and desserts.

 

Coconut milk also contains a high amount of medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), a type of fatty acid that can help increase your metabolism and energy levels.

 

Keep in mind that coconut milk is calorie-dense and contains a significant amount of saturated fat, so it’s best used in moderation or you might consider lighter varieties. Additionally, it’s not a good source of protein or calcium, so look for fortified versions or ensure you’re getting these nutrients from other foods.

 

To try coconut milk, you can make it at home with fresh or dried coconut and water or purchase it. Opt for organic and unsweetened varieties without added gums or preservatives. You can also find different types like full-fat, light, or cream.

 

Here are some recipes that use coconut milk:

 

– Coconut Milk Yogurt
– Coconut Milk Curry
– Coconut Milk Ice Cream