On my zero waste journey I have been asked this question: how do you plan to buy milk?
My husband likes regular ol’ dairy milk and we are lucky that our local Co-Op sells milk in glass jugs from Castle Rock Organic Farms in Osseo, WI. But I strayed away from milk long ago and most recently I’ve been enjoying almond milk in my coffee and smoothies. But almond milk is only served in cartons covered in a wax, meaning they aren’t recycled everywhere. So I wanted to find an alternative.
I decided I would set out on an adventure to make my own almond milk (yikes, intimidating!). It was shockingly easy and tasted phenomenal (I’ve had two cups of coffee today instead of my regular one, just so I could have more of it). It does take some forethought as you have to soak the almonds overnight.
Almond milk recipe
- 1.5 cups almonds
- 4 cups water
- 1 tsp vanilla (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp honey or other sweetener (optional)
Place almonds in a bowl and cover with water. Allow almonds to soak for 8-12 hours. Drain almonds and add to blender with 2 cups water. Blend for 30-60 seconds and drain through a nut bag (the first time I did this I only had a giant mesh colander and I made it work, so don’t fret if you don’t have a nut bag). Return strained nuts to blender and add remaining 2 cups of water. Blend again for 30-60 seconds and drain through the nut bag. Add vanilla and honey to your final product. Stores in the refrigerator for 4-5 days.
I have noticed that the milk separates while sitting in the refrigerator. This is normal! Just give it a good shake before pouring.
What to do with you leftover almond pulp? I like to add a heaping tablespoon to my morning smoothies or make Apple Cinnamon Breakfast Porridge (grain free, dairy free).
Sounds yummy! Going to try this tomorrow!
I can’t wait to start making my own almond milk….and even more excited to see the money I save doing so! Thanks for the recipe!
I hope you like it! Let me know how it goes.
Love the picture! I don’t even drink coffee, but you’re making me want to have a cup just so I can have some almond milk.
Thanks for this Amber! I too drink almond milk. I’ll have to give this a try. FYI waxed covered cartons are recyclable in some areas of the US. In MA they are the most valuable source of recycled paper (or were when I lived/worked there…source materials value is always a moving target 🙂 and are turned into tissue paper within the state. They are also recyclable here in the Seattle Area.
Thanks! You’ve inspired me! In Seattle it’s easy to just recycle and compost so you often get lazy and forget the first and most important “R”.
Hi Annie! Thanks for the comment. Yes, wax paper cartons are recyclable in a lot of areas (Minneapolis, for example) and thats a great option for someone who doesn’t have the time or energy to make their own. I didn’t know that the cartons are so valued in MA – interesting! I gave this recipe a try because I am trying to decrease both my waste and the amount of items in my recycle bin, as both take energy to process. So good to hear from you!
I want to try this almond milk recipe! I am addicted to almond milk lattes right now so this would be a total money saver and good for the environment! As Michael Scott with say “It’s a win win win ” lol
Yes! It would be a win win.