Vanilla Almond Milk
Almonds have a delicate taste, making them very versatile for use in both sweet and savory dishes. This is my favorite Vanilla Almond Milk that I love to use in all sorts of sweet recipes.
Almonds are my favorite nuts and they are actually the most nutritious of all tree nuts; they are also beneficial in maintaining one’s health.
Try some of these recipes with almonds: Almond Cake With Fresh Fruits, Stamped Almond Cookies, and Almond Orange Cake.
FOR THE FULL LIST OF INGREDIENTS, SCROLL TO SEE THE RECIPE CARD AT THE END. BUT BEFORE YOU SCROLL CHECK IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT IS INCLUDED IN THE BLURB.
Originally published May 7th, 2020.
What Is Almond Milk?
Blending almonds with water makes the liquid we now call almond milk. It is usually cream-colored, with a very mild lightly nutty flavor. Its taste and consistency make it a favorite substitute for dairy milk.
Almond milk has an interesting history, with it being used as a milk substitute in the Middle Ages, first by those of Islamic faith, then by Christians, who were fasting for Lent or Ramadan and could not eat animal products.
Back then, it was a very expensive drink reserved for the affluent, what with high-speed blenders and modern nut harvesting practices not existing yet.
It has been a common household product for me from back in the early 2000s and even before, and was popular in the “hippie” circles and health food stores. Now, with more people discovering how good milk substitutes can be, almond milk is booming in popularity.
Almond milk is no longer an über expensive niche item only found in health food stores or specialty groceries, but can now be found in nearly every supermarket and corner store. There are also a multitude of almond milk based ice creams, yogurts, cheeses, and other traditionally cow’s milk based products.
Is Almond Milk Good For You?
Most importantly, they are heart-healthy; they contain monounsaturated fats and no cholesterol. Mono-saturated fats are healthy fats known to reduce LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) and prevent heart disease.
Almonds also contain Vitamin E, an antioxidant beneficial in neutralizing free radicals.
Studies showed that almonds will control the blood sugar level and prevent blood sugar surges. Therefore eating almonds are beneficial in preventing diabetes.
Other nutrients are calcium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, potassium, and zinc.
I love eating almonds as a quick healthy snack, and the same can be said for a glass of almond milk. With its mineral content and healthy fats its a good hydrating drink to have.
Is Almond Milk Dairy?
Almond milk consists only of almonds, water, and other ingredients used for flavoring, sweetening, and texture. Unless the other ingredients added to the almonds are of cow or other dairy origin, then it is safe to say that almond milk is dairy-free.
I also want to note that there are some products catering to lessening a person’s animal product intake, and they will mix almond or other non-dairy milk with cow’s milk. These products are not dairy-free, but in my experience they are clearly marked as such.
Is Almond Milk Vegan?
Most almond milks, including mine, only include almonds, water, and a couple additional ingredients used for sweetening, flavor, and texture. Once these ingredients are of vegan sources, then the almond milk is vegan.
My almond milk recipe is vegan, and most commercially produced almond milks will be marked as such.
Medjool Dates Nutrition
Medjool dates, the fruit of the date palm tree, are a deliciously juicy sweet fruit that you usually find dried from grocery stores and health food stores. I love to use dates as a whole food sugar replacement.
Dates are not only a sugary fruit, they are also full of fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Because they are dried, they are a good quick snack for a boost in energy, making them a popular ingredient in energy bites usually eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or before and after working out.
These wonderful fruits make a great sugar replacement for those with diabetes, because of their lower glycemic index. This means that they cause less of a blood sugar spike, making it easier to control.
As I am not a physician, please be sure to discuss any dietary changes with your doctor.
Where To Buy Medjool Dates?
I like to buy my dates from bulk stores such as Costco or Sam’s Club, as I get more for my value. However, if you don’t think you’ll be using very many dates, you can buy a smaller amount from most grocery stores, such as Kroger or Publix. You can also buy them online here.
Make sure you buy pitted dates, or pit them yourself. The pits of the dates can damage your blender blade, plus you don’t want them in your milk!
Vanilla Almond Milk Recipe
- Almonds
- Medjool Dates
- Water
- Vanilla Extract
- Salt
How To Make Almond Milk?
Making your own almond milk is quite simple and tastes delicious too. I use it as a non-dairy alternative in my smoothies, granola, muffins, etc. or basically anywhere milk would normally be used.
- Sort and soak almonds in water for 8 hours or overnight. I find that when I soak the almonds they are easier to blend and digest better.
- Rinse almonds, then place in a blender with water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Strain almond milk through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or Nut Milk Bag. If you like, save the almond pulp to add to your baked goods.
- If the dates are too hard, you can soften dates by soaking in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Place the almond milk back into the blender, along with the dates. Add vanilla and sea salt, and blend again until smooth.
- Almond milk should be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid and kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
How Long Does Almond Milk Last?
Because this is a basic almond milk recipe with no preservatives added, I don’t recommend keeping this homemade almond milk for more than 3-5 days.
Store bought almond milk can usually last a bit longer, usually 7-10 days after opening.
Can Dogs Eat Almonds?
Almonds are not toxic to dogs, however they aren’t necessarily good for them either. They are high in fat, and hard for your pup to digest.
If your dog sneaks a few almonds, hopefully at worst he will probably have a little stomach upset, gassiness, and diarrhea. Contact an emergency animal hospital if they eat a large number of almonds.
Other Recipes With Vanilla Almond Milk
- Banana Blueberry Smoothie
- Vegan Sausage Gravy
- Vegan Banana Oatmeal Pancakes
- Coconut Milk
- Vegan Condensed Milk
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Vanilla Almond Milk
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup almonds
- 4 cups water
- 6 pitted Medjool dates (optional) or sweetener of choice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
- Sort and soak almonds in water for 8 hours or overnight. I find that when I soak the almonds, they are easier to blend and digest better.
- Rinse almonds, then place in a blender with water. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Strain almond milk through a fine-mesh strainer, cheesecloth, or Nut Milk Bag. If you like, save the almond pulp to add to your baked goods.
- If the dates are too hard, you can soften them by soaking them in warm water for 10 minutes.
- Place the almond milk back into the blender, along with the dates. Add vanilla and sea salt, and blend again until the almond milk is smooth and creamy.
- Almond milk should be stored in a container with a tight-fitting lid and kept for up to 3 days in the refrigerator
Michelle is actually doing a great job here. Thanks
thank you for showing how to make vanilla almond milk ,that is very important for many people
You are welcome, thank you for your support.
This is by far, the BEST almond milk I’ve ever had. I used the organic medjool dates from Costco, which are also delicious. This is 100% worth the effort, and far better than any store bought (and highly processed) junk. Another one out of the park, Michelle!
I love almond milk, this receipt is better than buying it. I will make it today. Thanks!