How To Make Your Own Almond Milk

Eating a handful of nuts is a quick, satisfying snack that is convenient and easy to take on the go. Nuts also provide healthy fats, protein, fiber, and minerals, making them a simple addition to a balanced routine.

But almonds are not just for snacking. Making your own almond milk at home is easier than it looks, and the flavor is fresh, creamy, and easy to customize with vanilla, cinnamon, dates, maple syrup, or a small pinch of salt.

Why Make Your Own Almond Milk?

Homemade almond milk gives you control over the ingredients, sweetness, flavor, and texture. You can keep it plain, make it lightly sweet, or add warm flavors like vanilla and cinnamon.

It is also a fun kitchen project if you enjoy making simple staples from scratch. The process is straightforward: soak, blend, strain, and chill.

Homemade Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups whole raw almonds
• 4 cups filtered water, plus more for soaking
• 1 whole vanilla bean, chopped, or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 to 4 pitted dates, to taste
• Optional: 1 1/2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey instead of dates
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Small pinch of sea salt, to enhance flavor

Instructions

1. Place the raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with water. Soak for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Once the almonds are softened, drain and rinse them well.
3. Add the soaked almonds to a blender with 1 1/2 cups filtered water. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes, stopping as needed to scrape down the sides.
4. Once the almonds form a smooth mixture, add the vanilla, dates or sweetener, cinnamon, and sea salt.
5. Add the remaining 2 1/2 cups filtered water and blend on high until smooth and frothy.
6. Taste and adjust the flavor as needed. Add more vanilla, cinnamon, dates, maple syrup, or honey if desired.
7. Strain the almond milk through a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth set over a bowl.
8. Gently squeeze the bag or cheesecloth to remove as much liquid as possible.
9. Pour the almond milk into a clean glass jar or bottle and refrigerate.

Recipe Tips

Use a Nut Milk Bag for the Smoothest Texture

A nut milk bag makes straining easier and creates a smoother almond milk. Cheesecloth also works, but you may need several layers to catch the fine almond pulp.

Save the Almond Pulp

After straining, you will be left with almond pulp. You can discard it, compost it, or dry it out and use it in baking recipes, smoothies, oatmeal, or homemade snack bites.

Keep It Vegan

Use dates or maple syrup instead of honey if you want this almond milk to stay vegan.

Store and Shake Before Using

Homemade almond milk should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 to 4 days. Natural separation is normal, so shake well before each use.

The Bottom Line

Homemade almond milk is simple, fresh, and easy to customize. With just almonds, water, and a few optional flavor add-ins, you can make a creamy dairy-free milk to enjoy in smoothies, oatmeal, coffee, cereal, or on its own.

Enjoy your almonds and your almond milk!

In Health and Happiness,

Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods