Healthy Homemade Almond Milk (Paleo & Whole30)

This Healthy Homemade Almond Milk (Paleo & Whole30) uses 2 simple ingredients for a great almond milk that’s creamy and actually has a delicious almond taste. Also, since it is free of all the emulsifiers and gums that most store-bought versions use, this homemade nut milk is better for you.

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The title of this post might sound like an oxymoron. I mean, isn’t all almond milk healthy? At least that’s what I thought until a few months ago.

My husband Matt recently read that most store-bought almond milks are filled with emulsifiers, oils, and gums. In fact, most commercial almond milks only contain about 2% of actual almonds in each carton.

These news came as quite a shock to me because I have been buying and drinking almond milk for years.

I made the switch to almond milk after doing the Whole30 and discovering that drinking cow’s milk in the mornings was causing me stomach pains, bloat, and stuffiness. After years of dealing with these issues, I had to make a change.

So I started trying non-dairy alternatives. Out of all the milks I tried, almond became my variety of choice. I can cook with it and bake with it just like with regular milk. It’s creamy and froths up nicely for my morning coffee. Plus, I can usually find good deals on it or buy it in bulk.

However, once Matt told me the surprising news about commercial nut milk, I decided it was time to learn how to make my own. Sure buying almond milk is more convenient, but I am on a quest to have more control over what I put in our bodies and I know all those gums and emulsifiers are not great for our stomachs.

So equipped with a new Vitamix that Matt and my sister purchased me on my last birthday, I have worked diligently the last few months to learn to make healthy almond milk.

This homemade version uses 2 simple ingredients (one of those being a nice, heaping cup of almonds) for a healthy, paleo, Whole30 almond milk with amazing texture and flavor.

About Homemade Almond Milk

Before we get into how to make almond milk, let’s talk about the equipment needed and some other important information I have learned in my homemade nut milk adventures.

Equipment Needed

High-Powered Blender: Like I said above, I am now the proud owner of a Vitamix. This blender does an amazing job of pulverizing the almonds and creating the creamy texture that a regular blender is just not powerful enough to do.

Nut Bag or Cheesecloth: Although the high-powered blender will break down the almonds, there will still be almond pulp that needs to be strained to extract all the milky goodness. You can use either a nut bag or cheesecloth for the job, but a nut bag is less messy and easier to use. You can usually find both at natural grocery stores like Whole Foods or Sprouts or order online on Amazon.

The Ingredients

Raw Almonds

Be sure to buy raw, almonds without added salt. Roasted almonds are not recommended as they have added oil and salt that will change the flavor and consistency of your end product.

Filtered Water

Using filtered water will yield a better flavor and helps the almond milk stay fresh longer.

Salt (optional)

Just a pinch of salt, such as kosher, fine sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, accentuates the flavor of the almonds, but this is completely optional.

Is Almond Milk Good for You?

Yes, almond milk is healthy with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

Also, according to a study published in the World Journal of Dairy & Food Sciences, almond milk is more nutrient dense when compared to other plant milks. It is high in fiber, potassium, iron and zinc. Plus, it is low in sodium and low in calories.

Also, if you’re affected negatively by cow’s milk, almond milk can be a good option if you’re allergic to cow’s milk or are lactose intolerant.

Is Homemade Almond Milk Whole30 Compatible?

As long as you keep your homemade almond milk unsweetened then it is a great choice for Whole30.

Read more abut Whole30 here.

Does Homemade Almond Milk Taste Good?

Homemade almond milk is so creamy, smooth, and has a delicious, gentle flavor. It wasn’t until I made my own almond milk that I discovered that almond milk should actually taste like, well, almonds. I can’t tell what store-bought almond milk tastes like, but it certainly is not almonds.

Should I Peel the Almonds?

Your high-powered blender can definitely blend almonds just fine without being peeled. I have had almond milk this way and it tastes great.

However, peeling almonds will actually make for a healthier milk. This is because the skin has anti-nutrients which makes them difficult to digest which can interfere with nutrient absorption.

Whether to leave the skin or not is up to you. I have included steps on how to remove the skins in the recipe details below.

Where to Buy Almonds

My recommendation is to buy your almonds in bulk from Sam’s Club or Costco. It is the most cost effective and you’ll have a big supply for lots of delicious milk.

If you’re worried about your almonds going rancid, just be sure to store them in an air-tight container in the refrigerator to extend their shelf-life.

What if I Don’t Have a High-Powered Blender?

If you do not have a high-powered blender, my best advice is to use almond butter. Look for an almond butter that is just almonds, without any additives or added sugar.

Using almond butter will yield a creamy milk without needing to strain it. Use a ratio of one tablespoon of almond butter for every cup of filtered water to make it.

In my experience though, this method doesn’t have as delicious of a flavor and turns out oilier than when beginning with raw almonds.

What to do with the Almond Pulp

Don’t throw the almond pulp away! You can add it to smoothies or oatmeal for added fat and fiber.

You can also use it to make your own almond meal for baking and so many other uses. Click here to learn more.

What is the Best Store-Bought Almond Milk?

If you are still looking for the convenience of buying instead of making almond milk, here’s a few tips of what to look for.

• Try to buy almond milks that only have almonds, water and salt listed in the ingredients.
• Avoid almond milks with a long list of emulsifiers and gums which can cause stomach issues. You may find some brands use one or two emulsifiers or gums, while this is still not the best, it is a better option.
• The top additive to avoid is carrageenan which has been linked to many health issues and is highly inflammatory to the digestive tract.
• The best almond milk brands out there include Malk, Elmhurst, Three Trees, and Mooala, New Barn.

How to Make Healthy Homemade Almond Milk

To begin, place one cup of almonds in a bowl and cover with filtered water. Cover the bowl and place in the fridge. Soak the almonds for 8-12 hours.

After soaking, discard the water and rinse the almonds.

Once soaked it will be very easy to remove the skins. Simply rub each almond and the peel will come right off.

Discard the peels and place the almonds in the pitcher of a high-powered blender. Add 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt (if using).

Blend on high for about 2 minutes until the almonds are broken down, the water turns white and begins to froth.

Pour the contents of the blender into a nut bag or cheese cloth placed on top of a fine sieve.

Squeeze until all the liquid has been drained and only the pulp remains.

Transfer the milk into a clean glass jar or bottle. Cover with a lid and refrigerate. Use within 5 days.

You may notice some separation after storing the milk, so just shake well before drinking.

Sweetened Vanilla Almond Milk

Unsweetened almond milk is great for savory cooking and for Whole30. However, my absolute favorite tasting almond milk has a touch of vanilla and maple syrup. This sweetened version is amazing by itself, in coffee or in smoothies.

To make it, add the strained milk back to the blender. Then add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and a teaspoon of maple syrup. Blend to combine.

Storing

Store your homemade nut milk in the refrigerator in a glass jar or bottle that has a lid for up to 5 days. It is important that the container is clean to avoid cross contamination which could cause your milk to go bad faster. So be sure to hand wash it and rinse it thoroughly to get rid of any soap residue.

If you want to ensure your container is very clean you can also sterilize it. You can do this in a variety of ways, such as:

• Microwave your clean glass container for about 45 seconds to a minute (until it is dry).
• Fully submerge in boiling water. The times will vary depending on your altitude, click here to learn more.

Ways to Use Homemade Almond Milk

Here are some great recipes from the blog that call for almond milk:

• Creamy Almond Butter, Spinach and Banana Smoothie
• Velvety Peanut Butter Oatmeal Smoothie
• Gluten-Free Dairy-Free Tres Leches Cake
• Light and Fluffy Gluten-Free Powdered Donuts
• Roasted Green Chile Pastel de Papa
• Cheesy Calabacitas con Elote
• Peppermint Hot Chocolate (Vegan)

I hope you enjoy!

Please leave me a comment below if you make this or tag me on Instagram @everydaylatina.

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