For decades dairy milk has been cited as the prime source of calcium to promote bone health. But did you know nut milk often contains just as much if not more calcium than its dairy counterparts? Almond, cashew, macadamia, peanut, walnut, pistachio, and hazelnut milk are packed with Vitamin D. Walnut milk even contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may help lower the risk of chronic diseases. Although dairy contains more protein, nut milk naturally contains fewer calories and sugars. Depending on your health goals, nut milk could be the alternative for you.
The one-to-one dairy to nut milk ratio makes them easy to incorporate in tea, smoothies, and baking. Coffee lovers can even purchase nut-based creamers to make delicious caffeinated drinks at home. Another benefit of store-bought nut milk is it tends to last longer than dairy. Say goodbye to sour milk!
And say hello to an environmentally superior alternative. All nut milk contributes less greenhouse gas emissions than dairy milk. Unfortunately, each plant-based milk has its environmental pros and cons. To learn more about the effects of different types of milk, check out this article from friends at The Beet.
You can even make your own milk at home. All you need is a bag of nuts (preferably raw and unsalted), a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, a blender, and water. This homemade method is ideal for people who avoid preservatives often included in store-bought milk. Making your own nut milk also gives you the freedom to choose how creamy you'd like it to be. Add more nuts to the blender, and the milk will turn out creamier. Take Deb's class on making nut milk at home to learn more.
More dairy alternatives include oat, hemp, and coconut milk.
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