With a high percentage of older children and adults developing lactose intolerance, many people seek an alternative to dairy. Nut based milks are sought out more and more, with almond milk soaring in popularity.
Not only is almond milk great for those with lactose intolerance or dairy sensitivities, but it is also good for everyone! At less than half the calories of regular milk, the dense nutrients in almond milk really pack a punch. In fact, because of its incredible amount of vitamins, and lack of cholesterol, almond milk is quite often recommended to people with blood pressure and heart issues. One piece of information to keep in mind is that almond milk is extremely low in both protein and calcium, so finding adequate amounts of these nutrients elsewhere is important.
Many people enjoy almond milk with their cereal or coffee in the morning, because it is packed with fiber, aiding in digestion throughout the day. Unfortunately, like much of the food available in grocery stores, many almond milks are loaded with added sugars, preservatives, and thickeners. Unfortunately, better alternatives can be kind of pricey. Today, we’re going to show you how you can make your very own creamy and delicious almond milk!
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup whole almonds
4 cups of filtered drinking water
2-4 pitted dates
1-2 TSP ground cinnamon
Prior to turning seeds and nuts into milk, it is necessary for them to soak in water for a minimum of 8 hours. When dry, enzyme inhibitors in the almonds tell it the conditions are not right for sprouting. These inhibitors make raw nuts extremely difficult to digest. Because of these inhibitors, nuts are loaded with phytic acid. While it may be helpful to the nut, phytic acid is not good for humans! This acid binds to other vitamins and minerals in the digestive tract and can lead to deficiencies. It’s actually recommended to soak all seeds and nuts, even before eating them! The reason they don’t typically cause stomach upset is because they are eaten as a snack. In almond milk, there is a much larger quantity.
The easiest way to prepare almond milk is to set the almonds to soak at night before bedtime. In the morning, your almonds will be ready to be transformed into delicious milk.
HOW TO:
1. Rinse pre-soaked almonds well under running water.
2. Mix almonds, water, dates, and cinnamon in a blender.
Tip: If your dates are stiff or dry, more of the sweetness will soak into the milk if they are soaked in very hot water for at least half an hour.
3. Be careful not to fill your blender to the top, as this will result in spillage. Mix for 1-2 minutes until frothy on top.
4. Strain mixture through cheesecloth or a nut bag.
5. After all the mixture has strained through the cheesecloth, it is important to give it a good squeeze or two so that none of the precious milk is wasted.
This milk can be stored in your fridge for up to a week. Be aware that when it’s in the fridge, the milk will separate a bit, so shake well before drinking.
Is it really cheaper?
For 32 oz. of quality, store-bought almond milk, you’re looking at shelling out about $7. A quick purchase of 3 pounds of almonds
will carry a cost of less than $20. When doing the math, it’s easy to realize how much money can, in fact, be saved. 3 pounds of almonds will easily yield 9 32-oz containers of this homemade almond milk. A purchase of that much almond milk will carry a hefty price-tag of over $60-giving you nearly a $40 savings!
Save your stomach and your wallet.
Until next time,
Savannah
I never considered buying my own almond milk but as you said I have some issues with dairy the older I get. I haven’t tried cinnamon almond milk I might have to give it a try thanks for the recipe.
I always wanted to make my own almond milk! I had no idea it was so easy! thank you!
Rachel | The Confused Millennial
Thank you so much for sharing this blog. Now I can start making this following your steps. You are so helpful.
This looks so easy! I am mildly obsessed with almond milk and you threw in cinnamon? I just might need to give this a try. All of the drinks I always purchase end up costing extra because if you have almond milk as an option, I’m getting it. Period.
Who knew that making your own almond milk was so easy?! Definitely trying this!
So easy … I would have never thought of adding dates and cinnamon.
I’m nearly lactose intolerant so I’m def giving this a try!
Thank you for sharing, I’m so glad to have found this! With 3 toddlers (and myself included), this is just what we needed. We’ve gone through everything from hives, tummy aches, and high fevers with our little ones. I can’t wait to do this.
Yum! I used to make almond milk all the time before I found out I was allergic to almonds… boo! The cinnamon sounds like a great flavor!
I’ve never thought of making this myself…yummy!
Oh, cool! I keep hearing about how awesome almond milk is, but it never occurred to me that it could be made at home.
WOW! That is really awesome. I never knew you could even do this at home. I’ll have to give it a try!
This is pretty cool, I love DIY things.
This looks and sound delicious. When my hubby needed to remove dairy from his diet I started making cashew cream for our coffee. I have not made almond milk yet. This looks so tasty, I will have to give it a try.
This sounds so yummy!! I just might need to try this recipe.
Thanks for sharing- I need to make this!
Oooh… I have been wanting to do this!! Thank for sharing!!