Bonus: It’s easy to make and highly cost-effective. You’ll never go back to dairy-filled products again.
Table of Contents
Freedom From Lactose Intolerance
When most people find they have food sensitivities, it’s usually a big letdown. I can completely empathize! I remember the first time it dawned on me that cheese and milk were doing me more harm than good. I was reluctant to make changes. After all, I put milk in my oatmeal every day, ate mozzarella-tomato-basil sandwiches for lunch, and downed my dinner with cow’s milk.
After I took the leap of faith and cut out all dairy from my diet, things started to change. It dawned on me that the stomach issues I suffered from as a child were primarily because I was severely lactose intolerant.
It’s been almost 7 years since I kicked cow’s milk to the curb, and I have never felt better! Today, I only eat raw dairy cheese as I have found that the natural enzymes in unpasteurized milk make a big difference.
Still, since we live in Georgia and raw cow milk is illegal to drink, I am pretty content with my coconut and almond milk!
Delicious Substitutes
Like many people fresh off of dairy, I tried soy and rice milk. After discovering that unfermented soy is just as bad as dairy and rice milk is nothing more than sugar water, I finally found “home.” Coconut and almond milk!
These two beverages are my favorite, and both are incredibly nutritious. Bonus: The kids love it too!
When shopping for almond milk, choose kinds without added sugar, evaporated cane juice, or “enhanced” flavorings. Of course, nothing is healthier than making your own!
Sprouted Nuts Tutorial
This recipe calls for sprouted almonds. Did you know you can do this yourself? Sprouting nuts is easy and a great skill to hone, especially if you live in an area where it’s hard to get specialty products.
Step One: Wash and Soak the Nuts
It’s essential to only use raw nuts when soaking, as kinds with additives will not sprout properly. First, rinse the almonds for at least one minute. Then, place them in a jar and cover them with several inches of water.
Mix in 1 tablespoon of sea salt, which helps break up enzymes. Soak the almonds for 8 hours before moving on to step two.
Step Two: Sprout the Nuts
To make the sprouting process a breeze, you can use one of these jars that automatically drains and lets air circulate. Strain the water out of the jar and rinse the almonds.
Cover your jar with a reusable coffee filter or cheesecloth and secure it in place with a rubber band.
Change the water each morning until your almonds start to grow little tails. Once the little tails are poking through, like in the above photo, you’ll know they’ve sprouted!
We also use sprouted nuts in our Sweet and Spicy Nuts recipe, so make extra!
Healthy Milk Ingredients 101
You may be wondering what exactly goes into homemade almond milk. Recipes across the board vary, but after trying several, I can honestly say this is the best one I’ve ever made. The right mix of ingredients makes all the difference! Here’s what you need to add to your shopping cart.
Raw Sprouted Almonds: Almonds are full of antioxidants, a lot of which are in the skin. (1) Antioxidants are a crucial part of any diet, as they help combat the effects of oxidative stress, including inflammation.
When inflammation is left unchecked, it can lead to aches, pains, and chronic disease. It’s important to use the foods God gave us to fight back!
Dates: Pitted dates are added to this recipe to give it a rounded flavor profile. A hint of sweetness balances out the nutty flavor perfectly. I usually add a cup of dates, but you can add more or less depending on how sweet you like your milk.
Pure Vanilla: Pure vanilla may be more expensive, but this is one area where you get what you pay for. Imitation vanilla contains caramel color and many other fillers. Pure vanilla is simply vanilla bean and alcohol to help draw the flavor out.
Coconut Water: Raw coconut water is exceptionally hydrating and delicious! It contains potassium and other minerals that keep your body feeling its best. It’s also beneficial for heart health as it can keep hypertension under control. (2)
Make Homemade Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk is straightforward. Even the most novice natural living guru can do it! Within minutes, you’ll have a lovely pitcher of dairy-free milk. You should note that this recipe does need a few hours to chill in the fridge.
- 2 cups raw sprouted almonds
- 1 cup organic pitted dates (use more or less to control desired sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup purified or distilled water
- 1½ cupraw coconut water
- Place the almonds, dates, vanilla, water, and coconut water in a high-powered blender. Blend for 2-4 minutes, or until thick and creamy
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with a "nut milk" bag or cheesecloth and strain.
- Place in the refrigerator for several hours to chill. Enjoy!
Step One: Blend Ingredients
Place the almonds, dates, vanilla, water, and coconut water in a high-powered blender. Blend for 2-4 minutes, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
Step Two: Strain the Almond Milk
Line a fine-mesh strainer with a “nut milk” bag or cheesecloth and strain. Squeeze the cloth to get every last bit of goodness!
Place the homemade almond milk in the fridge for several hours to chill. Your almond milk will remain fresh for 3-4 days, but if you’re anything like our family, it will be long gone before then. Enjoy!
Mama Z Pro Tip: If you want an easy way to make homemade almond milk, invest in a nut milk maker! This machine makes delicious nut-based beverages in no time. We use ours nearly every day!
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