Vegan Milk & How To Make It!

Plant-based diets have a lot of takers these days, with the numbers getting steeper over time. Naturally, people also look for alternatives to dairy milk and products too! Sure, you might be lactose intolerant or turning vegan. But, does that have to mean that you have to let go of your favourite coffee or tea drinks? Does that mean you can’t have desserts that have milk as an ingredient? Well, thanks to the different types of vegan milk available, you can still enjoy your cheesecakes! 

In this blog, we bring you a list of the different types of vegan milk available and everything you need to know about them! Whether it’s the process of how you can make them at home, or their best uses and limitations. Also, you might be interested in reading this blog about the best vegan sources of protein for your diet.

Everything You Need To Know About Different Types of Vegan Milk

Soy Milk

One of the most popular and affordable one out of the different types of vegan milk is Soy Milk. It is made from soybeans and water and is a versatile vegan milk that can be used in various ways. It is not only rich in plant-based protein but is also a complete source of protein containing all essential amino acids. 

Soy milk manufacturers often fortify it with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12 to match the nutritional content of dairy milk. It has a creamy texture and a slightly nutty flavor. It can be used in coffee, tea, and smoothies, and as a substitute for milk in baking. Although it is quite popular and also safe to use for most people, people with soy allergies must choose to avoid it. Soy has certain estrogen-like compounds too, so one must practice caution and moderation while drinking it.

How to Make Soy Milk At Home

To make soy milk at home, simply soak soybeans overnight. Next morning, blend them with water and then strain the mixture. The blending process might be time-consuming but is relatively straightforward and simple if you have a good blender.

Almond Milk

Almond Milk has a delicate and distinct nutty flavour and a creamy texture. It is lower in calories than dairy milk and contains healthy fats and vitamin E. Commercial manufacturers of almond milk also often fortify it with calcium. Almond milk can be used to make coffee, tea, cereal bowls, and also smoothies. However, it has a lower protein content when compared with dairy milk. 

How to Make Almond Milk At Home

To get the perfect nutty flavour for almond milk, soak the almonds overnight. The next morning, remove the almond skins. Once all skins are removed, blend the de-skinned almond kernels with water and strain the mixture, and enjoy your almond milk!

Oat Milk

Oat milk, made by soaking and blending oats with water, has gained popularity for its creamy texture and versatility. It is naturally sweet with a subtle oaty flavour. Commercial sellers and oat milk brands often fortify it with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12. Oat Milk is naturally rich in dietary fibre, including beta-glucans, which is shown to help lower cholesterol levels. 

Oat Milk can easily be used to make coffee, tea, cereal bowls, and smoothies. People who have nut or soy allergies, and also might be lactose intolerant or simply vegan, can go for this option. 

How to Make Almond Milk At Home

Making oat milk at home involves blending oats with water and straining the mixture. It is relatively simple and requires minimal preparation.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk, made from fresh coconut pulp blended with water, is a rich and creamy alternative to dairy milk. Out of the different types of vegan milk, coconut milk has a unique taste and flavour and is used as a base for many dishes. In India’s coastal regions, coconut milk is widely used as a base for many stews and curries. Also, you might be interested in reading this blog about the best vegan sources of protein for your diet.

Coconut Milk has a high-fat content and is commonly used in curries, soups, and desserts. Although it is rich in healthy fats, we advise you to practice caution and moderation of its consumption due to its high-calorie content. 

How to Make Coconut Milk At Home

Canned coconut milk is easily available in stores. However, if you want to make it at home, all you need is tender coconut flesh. Blend the fresh coconut meat with water and strain the mixture.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is made from hulled hemp seeds and water. It is rich in nutrients and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and omega-6. It also offers a complete plant-based protein profile. Hemp milk has a slightly nutty flavour and a creamy texture. It can be used to make coffee, tea, and smoothies, and can also be substituted for milk in baking. 

How to Make Hemp Milk At Home

Hemp milk can be made at home by blending hemp seeds with water and straining the mixture. However, make sure that you do not have hemp seed allergies or concerns about the possible THC content of the milk.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is made by blending cashews with water. This type of Vegan milk has a rich and creamy texture with a subtle nutty flavour. It is a good source of healthy fats and can be fortified with additional nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. 

Cashew milk is suitable for drinking, cooking, and baking. It is commonly used in coffee, tea, smoothies, and in making creamy sauces. To make cashew milk at home, just blend cashews with water and strain the mixture. Make sure that you have also soaked the cashews overnight to make the blending process smoother and get a better consistency.

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