12 Tasty Almond Milk Substitutes To Try At Home

Almond milk is popular vegan milk widely used due to its incredible taste and nutritional benefits. Full of healthy, natural ingredients and boasting a delicious, nutty flavor, this wonder milk is the main ingredient in numerous healthy recipes.

With 53% more calcium than cow milk, and zero sugar, lactose, and cholesterol, you can never go wrong with this creamy, healthy vegan milk.

Although almond milk is highly desirable, not having enough of it shouldn’t stop you from preparing healthy, delicious dishes.

We have prepared a list of healthy and flavorful almond milk substitutes that you can use in your next dish.

Almond Milk Substitutes Table

Let’s analyze these almond milk substitutes and see how you can fit them into your next gourmet creation.

1. Soy Milk

Soy milk is a healthy, non-dairy, vegan-based drink made by grinding soybean seeds that’s popular due to its nutty flavor, creamy texture, and numerous health benefits.

Besides creamy and delicious milkshakes, soy milk is a widely used ingredient in cakes, biscuits, cookies, doughnuts, and sweets preparation.

This lactose-free delight with excellent antioxidation and anti-inflammatory properties helps reduce cardiovascular diseases, manage diabetes, and lower blood pressure.

Although widely available and reasonably priced, preparing natural, homemade soy milk is faster and cheaper.

Preparing Soy Milk At Home

• Soak a cup of dry soybeans for a day or two
• Drain the water and add damp soybeans to a bowl of fresh water
• Remove the outer soybean skins by hand
• Drain the water and add soybeans to a blender
• Add a glass or two of water and blend the soybeans
• Strain the soybean mixture through a nut bag, or cheese cloths over a sieve
• Use the leftover soybean mixture (okara) for other recipes
• Boil the raw soybean milk in a large pot, stirring continuously
• Turn the heat to medium-low and let the soy milk simmer for a couple of hours
• Filter the soymilk and add a sweetener if you wish
• Store the soy milk in the fridge for up to three days.

How To Substitute

Substitute almond milk with soy milk on a 1:1 ratio, i.e., One cup of soy milk for one cup of almond milk.

2. Rice Milk

Although slightly thinner and salty, rice milk is a healthy, plant-based almond milk substitute.

Rice milk made by grinding soft-boiled brown or white rice is extensively used in the kitchen for baking, frying, stewing, and thickening sauces.

Savory rice milk dishes include rice milk muffins, cakes, smoothies, gravy, vegan ice creams, toast souffle, and rice milk cocktail sakes.

Besides having a mild taste that makes it compatible with different recipes, rice milk offers various nutritional benefits, including strengthening bones, improving skin health, reducing cholesterol levels, and improving digestion.

Rice milk is readily available in grocery stores, or you can easily make it at home.

Preparing Rice Milk At Home

• Boil rice on medium heat with plenty of water until it’s very soft.
• Add one cup of rice with two cups of water into a blender.
• Add a pinch of salt, and natural sweetening syrup
• Blend the milk for a few seconds (30 – 60 seconds)
• Sieve with a milk cloth
• Put in a glass bottle and store in the fridge for two to five days

How To Substitute

Substitute almond milk for rice milk on a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one cup of rice milk to one cup of almond milk.

3. Coconut Milk

Due to its excellent taste, creamy texture, and impressive nutritional benefits, coconut milk is a worthy almond milk substitute.

Coconut milk is a rich, creamy plant-based beverage with a distinct sweet taste and aroma, perfect for baking, desserts, soups, stews, and curries.

This vegan milk, rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, electrolytes, micronutrients, and proteins, is known to reduce cardiovascular issues, improve skin health, and boost immunity.

Due to its excellent taste, coconut milk is used in numerous gourmet delicacies, including coconut rice, creamy prawn curry, coconut-flavored pastries, and coconut smoothies.

While coconut milk is readily available in stores, it’s healthier, tastier, and cheaper to make fresh coconut milk at home.

Preparing Coconut Milk At Home

• Break a coconut and drain the coconut water.
• Grate and clean the coconut flakes or pieces.
• Add the coconut flakes into a blender/grinder
• Add a cup of water to the blender and grind
• Take out the coconut mixture and put on a muslin cloth
• Squeeze out the coconut milk
• Put back the coconut mix, add water and repeat the grinding and milking process 
• Pour the coconut milk into a clean glass or bottle and serve immediately or store it in the fridge.

How To Substitute

Coconut milk is naturally creamy and fine-textured, much like almond milk. Substitute coconut milk with almond milk on a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one glass of coconut milk to one glass of almond milk.

4. Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is a natural, low-carb, low-calorie, vegan almond milk alternative made by grinding and straining hemp hearts.

This nutrient-rich, vegan milk, high in protein, essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, offers a sweet, nutty flavor and excellent health benefits.

Besides being lactose and gluten-free, hemp is also soy free, which makes it perfect for people with soy and nut allergies.

Due to its silky texture, nutritional benefit, and excellent taste, hemp milk is a highly desired almond milk substitute, especially in cereals, teas, sweet pastries, lattes, and smoothies.

Although hemp milk is readily available in the market, homemade hemp milk is tastier, healthier, and more affordable.

Preparing Hemp Milk At Home

• Add a cup of shelled hemp hearts/seeds, a pinch of vanilla extract, two teaspoons of molasses, a bit of sea salt, and two glasses of water into a blender.
• Blend for one to two minutes until it’s smooth
• Pour the mixture into a nut milk bag and squeeze out the hemp milk.
• Add more water to adjust the texture or sweetness of the hemp milk.
• Serve immediately or store in the fridge for a maximum of five days.

How To Substitute

Since hemp and almond milk are almost identical in texture and density, replace the two on a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one cup of hemp milk for one cup of almond milk.

5. Oat Milk

Oat milk’s popularity has skyrocketed over the last couple of years due to its excellent taste, texture, and nutritional benefits.

Besides being vegan, oat milk is cholesterol, soy, nut, and gluten-free making it a perfect substitute for nutty almond milk.

Due to its high protein, micronutrient, and mineral content, oat milk helps improve bone strength and lower cholesterol levels.

Although readily available in markets, it’s cheaper and healthier to prepare oat milk at home.

When preparing oat milk at home, ensure that you use organic rolled oats instead of steel-cut or quick-cooking oats.

Preparing Oat Milk At Home

• Start with a cup of rolled oats
• Add four cups of ice-cold water along with the rolled oats into a blender
• Add a splash of vanilla and maple syrup or honey (optional)
• Blend for 20-30 seconds in a high-speed blender.
• Pour the oat mixture into a nut bag and gently strain out the oat milk
• Pour the oat milk into a glass jar and store in the fridge for up to a week

How To Substitute

Consider substituting almond milk for oat milk on a 1:1 ratio since they’re similar in structure, nutrition, and texture, i.e., one cup of oat milk for every cup of almond milk.

6. Flaxseed Milk

Flaxseed milk made from ground flax seeds is a nutritious, lactose and cholesterol-free almond milk substitute.

Full of vitamins A, D, and B12, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed milk is good for your health and is essential in preventing strokes, cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

Due to its delicate creaminess and rich taste, flaxseed milk is actively used in preparing healthy and tasty cakes, cookies, pancakes, stews, smoothies, and other baked delights.

Although commercial flaxseed is readily available, it’s easier and safer to prepare low-carb flaxseed milk at home.

How To Prepare Flaxseed Milk At Home

• Soak your desired amount of dried flaxseed overnight in water.
• Pour out the excess water and add the damp flaxseed into a blender
• Add 2 cups of water for every ⅓ cup of dry flaxseed
• Blend the flaxseed for a short while until the mixture is smooth
• Use a cheesecloth, nut bag, or towel to strain the blended flaxseed mix
• Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later use

How To Substitute

With almost similar densities and fat content, substitute the almond milk with flaxseed milk on a 1:1 basis. Replace one cup of almond milk with one cup of flaxseed milk.

7. Pistachio Milk

Pistachio milk is a rich, creamy and healthy almond milk alternative made by grinding pistachio nuts.

The plant-based pistachio milk, rich in essential fatty acids, minerals, fibers, proteins, and vitamins, offers a distinct nutty and rich taste, making it a star ingredient in smoothies, cereals, and baked dishes.

Although pistachio milk is a viable almond milk alternative, it’s usually more expensive than almond milk, and it’s advisable to prepare pistachio milk at home.

How To Prepare Pistachio Milk At Home

• Soak pistachios in water overnight or for 12 hours
• Thoroughly wash the pistachios the next day
• Drain the water and add pistachios to a blender
• Add water to the pistachios (1.5 liters of water for two cups of pistachio)
• Blend the pistachio mix for 30-60 seconds
• Pour the pistachio mix into a muslin bag
• Secure the bag and squeeze out the milk
• Store the pistachio in glass bottles or serve immediately.

How To Substitute

Although higher in calories, pistachio milk contains almost similar amounts of fats and nutrients as almond milk. To substitute the almond milk with pistachio milk, use a 1:1 ratio.

8. Cashew Milk

The rich, creamy, and nutty-flavored cashew milk is one of the best almond milk replacements.

Cashew milk made by grinding raw cashews offers a delicate flavor and rich taste, making it a critical ingredient in smoothies, hot beverages, baked goods, cereals, and savory soups.

The nutritious cashew milk helps reduce cancer, improves eye health, boosts immunity, and controls blood sugar levels.

Store-bought cashew milk is readily available, though it’s healthier, easier, and faster to make cashew milk at home.

Preparing Cashew Milk At Home

• Soak one cup of raw cashews in water for at least four to twelve hours.
• Drain the cashews in a colander and rinse thoroughly
• Add the cashews with at least four cups of water into a blender. 
• Add two tablespoons of your preferred sweetener, a dash of vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (optional)
• Blend the mix on high setting for at least one minute
• Put the cashew milk into a glass bottle for immediate serving or later use

How To Substitute

Substitute almond milk with cashew milk one a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one cup of cashew milk for one cup of almond milk.

9. Walnut Milk

A popular almond milk alternative is the highly versatile and nutritious walnut milk.

Walnut milk made by grinding walnut seeds is low-carb milk rich in fiber, antioxidants, protein, and essential fatty acids essential in reducing cancer, preventing heart disease, and improving brain function.

Although walnut milk is slightly less sweet than almond milk, its earthy, nutty flavor makes it perfect for baked desserts, soups, chocolate, and coffee drinks.

How To Prepare Walnut Milk At Home

• Soak 100 grams of walnuts overnight
• Drain the excess water and thoroughly wash under running water
• Add the walnuts with three cups of water into a blender
• Add vanilla extract and coconut sugar (optional)
• Blend the mix for sixty seconds
• Pour the mixture into a nut bag and strain
• Pour the walnut milk into a storage container and refrigerate or serve immediately

How To Substitute

Substitute walnut milk for almond milk on a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one part of walnut milk for every equal part of almond milk.

10. Hazelnut Milk

Hazelnut milk is a creamy, rich, nutritious light brown milk made by grinding hazelnuts in a blender.

This nutty-flavored, plant-based milk, similar to almond milk in calories and nutrients, is perfect in baked dishes, pancakes, hot beverages, and smoothies.

Besides its delectable flavor, hazelnut milk contains antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that help reduce inflammation, cancer, blood sugar, and heart disease.

Commercial hazelnut milk is widely available, although natural, homemade hazelnut milk without additives and preservatives provides better nutritional value to you.

How To Prepare Hazelnut Milk At Home

• Soak a cup of hazelnuts overnight
• Drain and wash the hazelnuts thoroughly
• Add the hazelnuts with a liter of water into a blender.
• Add a teaspoon of maple syrup, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (optional)
• Blend the hazelnut mix for 60 to 90 seconds until it achieves an even consistency
• Pour the hazelnut mixture into a nut bag and strain out the hazelnut milk
• Pour the hazelnut milk into a glass bottle and store it in the fridge

How To Substitute

Hazelnut milk is similar to almond milk in terms of calories, texture, and consistency. Substitute almond milk with hazelnut milk in a 1:1 ratio.

11. Peanut Milk

Peanut milk is a healthy, nutty-flavored plant-based milk that is an excellent almond milk substitute.

This low-calorie, gluten-free milk made by grinding peanuts offers a rich, creamy and delicious milk that’s perfect for baking, smoothies, desserts, thickening sauces, and making delicious creams.

Popular peanut milk recipes include peanut cupcakes, fried sweet potatoes with peanut sauce, banana peanut smoothies, peanut sauce curry, and peanut cookies.

Besides its great taste and texture, peanut milk offers incredible health benefits, including aiding in weight loss, preventing cardiovascular diseases, fighting cancer, and preventing gallstones.

Although healthy, commercial peanut milk is not widely available due to its nutty taste that doesn’t allow it to blend with many foods. Consider preparing some at home for domestic use.

Preparing Peanut Milk At Home

• Put one and a half cups of raw peanuts in a saucepan and soak them overnight
• Drain and thoroughly wash the peanuts
• Put the peanuts in a saucepan and boil for a few minutes
• Drain the excess water and wash the peanuts in cold water
• Put the peanuts in a blender with 700ml of water and grind for 60 seconds or until smooth
• Pour the peanut mixture into a nut bag
• Strain out the peanut milk
• Pour the pure peanut milk into glass containers and store in the fridge

How To Substitute

Though not as versatile as almond milk, peanut milk fits perfectly in some recipes. Substitute almond milk with almond milk in a 1:1 ratio, i.e., one part of peanut milk for an equal amount of almond milk.

12. Macadamia Milk

Macadamia milk is a nut milk made from ground macadamia nuts, which has been touted as a superfood. It is creamy, rich, and delicious. 

This milk is high in protein and low in carbs. It can be used as a substitute for cow’s, soy, and almond milk.

A creamy drink made from the seeds of the macadamia tree, macadamia milk is a popular choice for people with dairy allergies or intolerances. 

It has a similar taste to cow’s milk but is much higher in protein, calcium, and potassium. It is also gluten-free and lactose-free.

Preparing Macadamia Milk At Home

• Soak macadamia seeds in room temperature water for 1-2 Hours.
• Rinse and drain the water, add salt, nuts, water, and any additional nuts to the blender, and blend until the nuts seem well combined.
• Taste the flavor and pour the mixture into a large bowl. You can save the pulp for baked goods such as smoothies, energy bites, or oatmeal.
• Keep the mixture in a container and refrigerate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Healthy Almond Milk Alternatives Can I Use For Cooking?

Healthy almond milk alternatives include coconut milk, hazelnut milk, oat milk, hemp milk, flaxseed milk, pistachio milk, soy milk, rice milk, walnut milk, and cashew milk.

Can I Use Almond Milk In Place Of Regular Milk In A Recipe?

Yes, almond milk is a healthy, lactose-free alternative to regular milk. Substitute regular milk with regular milk on a 1:1 basis.

Is Almond Milk Healthy?

Almond milk is a healthy, low-carb, plant-based dairy alternative rich in vitamins, micronutrients, proteins, and fats which are critical for improved body health.

What Is The Best Substitute For Almond Milk?

The low calories cashew milk, rich in vitamins and sporting a nutty flavor, is the closest substitute to almond milk.

How Long Can Almond Milk Last?

Fresh almond milk can last up to five days in the fridge and six months in the freezer.

12 Tasty Almond Milk Substitutes To Try At Home

Prep time

12

hours 

Cooking time

10

minutes

Total time

12

hours 

10

minutes

With a sweet, creamy taste and the perfect amount of protein, almond milk can be enjoyed by everyone

Ingredients

• Soy Milk

• Rice Milk

• Coconut Milk

• Hemp Milk

• Oat Milk

• Flaxseed Milk

• Pistachio Milk

• Cashew Milk

• Walnut Milk

• Hazelnut Milk

• Peanut Milk

• Macadamia Milk

Directions

• Choose your favorite substitute from the list given above
• Follow the directions given in the recipe after having substituted the ingredient in the correct ratio

Recipe Video

• Author
• Recent Posts

Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!

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