How to Make Almond Milk

Co-authored by Alan O. Khadavi, MD, FACAAI

Last Updated: August 6, 2024 Approved

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Almond milk is a great alternative to dairy milk and a healthy component for any smoothie or shake Almonds are gluten-free, low in carbs, and promote a good cholesterol balance.^{[1]
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Journals of the American Heart Association
Open Access, peer-reviewed journals focusing on cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, as well as related scientific research.

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Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Long Soak Almond Milk

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1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 1.5 cups or 220 grams (7.8 oz) of raw almonds (unsalted, uncooked)
- 4 cups or 940 milliliters of filtered or spring water, plus water for soaking
- 1 vanilla bean; scoop out the seeds; alternatively, use 1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence or extract
Do this for at least 8 hours, up to about 12 hours. The soaking softens them well for use, but is optional. Drain the water from the almonds.^{[2]
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3
Blend the almonds in 4 cups of fresh spring or filtered water. Add the vanilla extract and continue blending until well mixed.^{[3]
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- You may find 4 cups a little too watery; if this concerns you, try 3 to 3.5 cups and add more if needed.
If you want to sweeten the almond milk, add rice syrup, honey or other reasonably healthy sweetener, to taste.^{[4]
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5
Strain. This is very important or you will be drinking almond pulp as well as the milk. Using something like a very fine strainer or sieve, or several layers of cheesecloth (muslin), pour the almond milk through the filter into a large bowl underneath. The filter will retain the almond pulp and the liquid will go through.^{[5]
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- Squeeze the remaining pulp to remove the last of the liquid. It is easier if done using a cloth; otherwise, use your very clean hands.
- The almond meal left over can be dried and used to add more fiber to your diet.
Almond milk can be kept in the refrigerator for 4-7 days, covered. It will usually need shaking before serving, to remix the liquid.^{[6]
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Almond milk can be used with a range of foods where you would use dairy milk, such as for cooking, for cereals, for drinking, etc. Those who love almond milk often find drinking it is best.For Some others no,^{[7]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Fast Immersion Almond Milk

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1
Gather the ingredients. You'll need:
- 1 cup dry almonds
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract or essence
- Dry coconut or coconut milk (optional, for flavor).
3
Pour the finely chopped almonds into a 1 quart plastic bottle. Add 3 cups of water.
- Add extra flavor if desired. Add some dry coconut with the nuts in blender, or coconut milk with the water.
Place in the refrigerator for about a day; shake often during the day.
Alternatively, filter with muslin or a cheesecloth if you don't want the almond meal in with the cereal.

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What is the maximum time to soak almonds to make milk?

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48 hours max. If you are going to do this for 48 hours, soak and drain the water every 12 hours.

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If I start with the 1.5 cups of water and almonds, and then add the 4 cups of water, after the straining, about how much milk will it make?

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The 1.5 cups of water is only used to soak and soften the almonds for 24 to 48 hours. Discard that after straining the almonds from it. After the almonds are blended with four cups of milk, you will have four cups of almond milk.

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Is this almond milk suitable if I am on a weight reduction diet?

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Yes, it is lactose-free and contains fewer calories and carbs.

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Tips

If you would like to add dates as a sweetener, try adding 3 to 5 pitted dates at the same time as you blend the almonds.^{[9]
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Colleen Patrick-Goudreau, <i>The Joy of Vegan Baking</i>, "Almond or Cashew Milk", p 223}.

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This is lactose free and is a good milk alternative for the lactose intolerant.

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It is important to use several layers of cheesecloth to make a filter.

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