QUICK SUMMARY
This homemade almond milk recipe blends soaked almonds with dates, vanilla, filtered water, and coconut water for a creamy dairy-free drink. Soak the almonds, blend everything, strain, and refrigerate. Use it in smoothies, oatmeal, baking, or desserts. Homemade almond milk is lactose-free but isn’t nutritionally equivalent to cow’s milk or fortified plant milk.
One of the most common questions I get is, “What do I use in place of milk?”
Thankfully, homemade almond milk is a delicious dairy-free substitute you can prepare with simple, recognizable ingredients. The soaked almonds, dates, vanilla, and coconut water create a creamy drink our family loves. It’s one small, practical way to nourish your family with the simple, whole foods God provides.
Table of Contents
Make Homemade Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk is straightforward. Even the newest natural-living guru can do it! Leave time for the finished beverage to chill.
Homemade Almond Milk (Vegan)
Servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups organic raw almonds
- 1 cup organic dates* (use more or less to control desired sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon organic pure vanilla extract
- 1 cup purified OR distilled water
- 1½ cups organic raw coconut water
Supplies
- Nut milk maker (Optional)
Instructions
- Place the almonds, dates, vanilla, water, and coconut water in a high-powered blender and blend for 2-4 minutes or until thick and creamy. Alternatively, you can use a nut milk maker.
- Line a fine-mesh strainer with a nut milk bag or cheesecloth and strain the nut milk into a glass jar.
- Place in the refrigerator for several hours to chill.
Step One: Blend the Ingredients
Place the drained almonds, dates, vanilla, filtered water, and coconut water in a high-powered blender.
Blend for 2–4 minutes, or until the mixture is pale, thick, and creamy.
Begin at a lower speed, then increase gradually. Do not fill the blender beyond the manufacturer’s recommended capacity.
Taste the mixture before straining. Add another date for sweetness, more water for a thinner consistency, or a small pinch of sea salt to sharpen the flavor.
Step Two: Strain the Almond Milk
Line a fine-mesh strainer with a clean nut-milk bag or cheesecloth.
Pour in the blended mixture and squeeze gently until most of the liquid has passed through.
Transfer the milk to a clean glass container with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate it immediately.
Chill for several hours before serving. Separation is normal because homemade almond milk does not contain emulsifiers. Shake well before each use.
For an easier method, invest in a nut milk maker. This machine creates homemade plant-based beverages with very little hands-on work.
Soaked and Sprouted Almond Tutorial
Soaking softens almonds for a smoother blend. A 2020 New Zealand study found that soaking, or “activating,” nuts did not make their minerals more available, and visible sprouts aren’t necessary for this recipe. (1)
Step One: Wash and Soak the Nuts
Rinse the almonds thoroughly under cool running water.
Place them in a clean glass jar or bowl and cover them with several inches of filtered water. The nuts will absorb water and expand as they soak.
You can add 1 tablespoon of sea salt if you enjoy that traditional preparation method, but salt is not required to make safe or creamy almond milk.
Soak the almonds in the refrigerator for approximately 8–12 hours.
Step Two: Rinse or Continue Sprouting
Drain the soaking water and rinse the almonds thoroughly.
At this point, they are ready for almond milk.
To attempt true sprouting, place the rinsed almonds in one of these sprouting jars, or cover a clean jar with cheesecloth and secure it with a rubber band.
Keep the jar angled so excess moisture can drain and air can circulate. Rinse and drain the almonds at least twice daily.
Use clean hands and equipment, and discard the batch if you notice mold, slime, fermentation, or an unpleasant odor.
Not every commercially sold almond will germinate. Visible sprouts are not required for this recipe, and soaking alone creates excellent almond milk.
We also use soaked or sprouted nuts in our Sweet and Spicy Nuts recipe, so feel free to prepare extra.
Healthy Almond Milk Ingredients
Organic Raw Almonds
Almonds provide vitamin E, healthy fats, protein, and minerals. Their skins contain polyphenols. Research on whole almonds suggests potential cardiovascular benefits, but strained almond milk retains much less protein and fiber. (2)
Organic Dates
Dates naturally sweeten the milk. I often use up to 1 cup, but you can reduce or omit them for a less-sweet version.
Pure Vanilla
Pure vanilla extract adds warm flavor. I prefer it over imitation vanilla for its complexity.
Raw Coconut Water
Coconut water adds mild sweetness and potassium. Small human studies have explored its effects on blood pressure. People restricting potassium should check with their clinician. (3)
Filtered Water
Filtered water helps control consistency. Use less for a creamier drink or more for a lighter one.
How to Use Homemade Almond Milk
I love using it in oatmeal, healthy smoothies, chia pudding, gluten-free pancakes, muffins, coffee, homemade ice cream, and creamy sauces. For savory dishes, omit the dates and vanilla.
Do Not Throw Away the Almond Pulp
The strained pulp still contains almond solids. Add it to smoothies, oatmeal, energy bites, crackers, or baked goods. Refrigerate wet pulp promptly and use within 1–2 days, or freeze it.
Storage and Food-Safety Tips
Use clean jars, blender parts, and straining equipment. Refrigerate the milk promptly at 40°F or colder, and enjoy it within approximately 3–4 days. Natural separation is expected; shake before serving. Discard if it smells sour, becomes fizzy or slimy, or develops mold. Don’t rely on appearance alone.
Freedom From Lactose Intolerance
Discovering a food sensitivity can feel like a huge letdown. I can completely empathize!
I remember when it first dawned on me that milk and cheese might be contributing to the digestive issues I had experienced since childhood. I was reluctant to make changes because dairy was woven into my daily routine.
After removing dairy, I noticed a significant difference. Eventually, I realized lactose intolerance was likely a major part of my stomach discomfort.
Lactose intolerance means the body produces too little lactase to digest milk sugar, causing symptoms such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea. It’s different from a milk allergy, which involves an immune response to milk proteins.
When I first removed dairy, I experimented with several alternatives before finding two that felt like home: coconut and almond milk. Homemade almond milk isn’t fortified like some commercial plant milks, so don’t assume it supplies equivalent protein, calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, or iodine.
Homemade Almond Milk FAQs
Do almonds have to be soaked?
Soaking helps soften them and makes blending easier. True sprouting isn’t necessary.
Can I make almond milk without dates or coconut water?
Yes. Omit the dates for unsweetened milk, and replace coconut water with filtered water if desired.
Does homemade almond milk contain as much protein as cow’s milk?
No. Strained almond milk is usually much lower in protein and isn’t fortified with calcium or vitamins. It should never replace breast milk or infant formula; consult a pediatric clinician before using it as a primary milk beverage for young children.
Can I freeze homemade almond milk?
Yes. Freeze in small containers with room for expansion. Shake or blend after thawing because separation is normal.
Final Thoughts on Homemade Almond Milk
Homemade almond milk is one of the simplest ways to replace a heavily processed kitchen staple with something fresh, delicious, and made with ingredients you recognize.
Soaked almonds create a creamy foundation. Dates add natural sweetness, vanilla makes every sip feel special, and coconut water contributes a light tropical flavor.
Natural living does not have to be complicated. Sometimes it begins with almonds, water, a blender, and a willingness to learn one new skill for the health of your family.
Keep reading: Make Ahead Healthy Homemade Granola Recipe · Pumpkin Seed Butter Recipe with Hemp Hearts · Superfood Avocado Chocolate Mousse: Nutritious Sugar-Free Treat
References
- Kumari S, Gray AR, Webster K, et al. Does ‘activating’ nuts affect nutrient bioavailability? Food Chemistry. 2020. Source.
- Singar S, et al. The Effects of Almond Consumption on Cardiovascular Health and the Gut Microbiome: A Comprehensive Review. Nutrients. 2024. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38931317/
- Awaluddin, Pristika A. The Effect of Young Coconut Water on Blood Pressure in Hypertensive Patients. Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association. 2024. Source.
