Why My Nut Milk Maker Was Actually Worth It

When I first saw a nut milk maker I had the same thought most people do — do I really need another appliance? I already had a blender and didn't really want to add something new to my counter. But I saw one on sale during Prime Day and decided to give it a try.

It ended up being one of the most useful things in my kitchen.

Why I Got One

Most store-bought nut milks have extra ingredients I’d rather avoid. Even the ones labeled “clean” still sneak in gums, natural flavors or oils that can be inflammatory. I wanted something simpler with just nuts and water. However, the handful of brands that make milk with minimal ingredients like that tend to be expensive. A nut milk maker let me make it myself in just a few steps and it’s actually cheaper over time.

I eventually realized I could also use it to make creams and thicker blends for recipes, which made it even more worth it.

What I Use It For

• Nut and seed milks like almond, cashew, coconut and soy

• Creams for soups sauces or to add richness to grains

• Warm drinks like vanilla cashew milk or spiced oat milk for evenings when I want something cozy (I've even tried a warm drink with apples. It was amazing.)

  
  

Can’t You Just Use a Blender?

You can. I’ve made almond and cashew milk in a blender before and it works fine especially if you have a nut milk bag for straining. But what a nut milk maker does better is heat and blend in one go. That means you can make things like soy milk (which needs to be cooked to be safe to drink) without any extra steps.

It also just makes the process easier as they tend to have settings for different types of nuts. I press a button and walk away.

The Difference

The milks taste fresher and I know exactly what’s in them. I can also adjust the texture depending on what I’m using it for. If I want something thinner for cereal I use more water. If I want something creamier for coffee or baking I just adjust the ratio.

Basic Nut Milk Recipes

These are the ones I use most often. You can sweeten or flavor them if you want but they’re great on their own.

Almond Milk

• 1 cup raw almonds

• 4 cups water

• Optional: pinch of salt or splash of vanilla

• Blend and strain if needed

Cashew Milk

• 1 cup raw cashews

• 4 cups water

• No straining needed

Oat Milk

• 1 cup rolled oats

• 4 cups cold water

• Blend for 30 seconds max to avoid slime

• Strain twice

A Few Tips

• Clean the machine right after using it. It’s much easier when it hasn’t dried.

• Save the leftover pulp and add it to smoothies muffins or oatmeal.

• Store milk in a glass jar and give it a shake before using. Separation is normal because there aren't any gums and additives.

Final Thoughts

I’m not someone who tries to DIY everything but this was an easy swap that made a difference to how I feel and my wallet. It sounds intimidating but it is so easy once you have a feel for the ratios.

Have you tried out a nut milk maker before?