My first introduction to plant-based kinds of milk (also known as dairy-free milk) was almond milk, store-bought. After a few tries of unsweetened almond milk I noticed that every time I drank it, I would have a moderate allergic reaction. Therefore, I decided to eliminate it. Later on, I started to recognize my allergic reactions to all nuts and ventured into the world of nut-free plant-based kinds of milk, and making my own from scratch.
What I thought would be time-consuming actually took about 10 minutes to make. Not a long time at all. In fact easy enough to add in making my own milk from scratch every few days if needed.
I realized that making plant milk was really easy. And while buying plant milk at the market seems more convenient there are pros and cons to doing both that you should know about before you decided what you want to do.
There are months that I only make various types of plant milk from scratch. And then there are other times where buying it at the store makes more sense.
Is there a difference between store-bought plant milk and homemade plant milk?
Yes.
The difference between store-bought milk and homemade milk
- Homemade plant-based milk is usually 2-3 ingredients that consists of water, the main ingredient, and sweetener. Sometimes an additional two for spices. That's it. Sometimes no sweetener the way I prefer it.
- Homemade plant-based milk is creamier, more flavorful, and thicker.
- Store-bought plant-based kinds of milk also need a thickener to hold the mixture together such as tapioca, gums, lecithin, and carrageenan.
- Store-bought plant milk can have a variety of harmful additives that affect the taste, consistency, and shelf-life.
What is Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a common thickener derived from red seaweed and red algae. This thickener is added to all types of prepared foods, frozen foods, beverages, and even toothpaste! It is a harmful toxin that contributes to intestinal gut conditions. Around 2013 Carrageenan got a lot of hype for being "bad". Consumers were demanding that this ingredient be removed, or replaced with something safer to consume.
Seeing for myself that there were many toxins in plant-based types of milk, I decided to make it myself and it was by far the creamiest plant-based kind of milk I have ever made! It reminded me exactly of dairy milk in consistency and texture.
Benefits of Quinoa
- A complete protein
- Energy
- Gluten-free grain
- Plant-based, and dairy-free
- High in fiber
- Low glycemic
- Loaded with vitamins, and minerals
- I love this quinoa brand so much!
More plant-based and dairy-free milk recipe inspiration
Can you use Quinoa milk with everything?
- No.
- I do not recommend Quinoa milk for hot beverages as the milk curdles, but it works famously in baking, chia puddings, overnight oats, cereal milk, iced coffee, iced tea, and more!
The best part about making your own quinoa milk is that you can rotate your kinds of milk. You get to choose which one you want to make each week, and in that healing and health can be fun! And P.S. This recipe makes 4 cups of milk!
Ready to gather your ingredients?
How To Make The Best Quinoa Milk in Town
Equipment
- high-speed blender
- nut milk bag
Ingredients
- 1 cup white quinoa unsoaked or soaked
- 4 cups spring water
- 2 teaspoon vanilla extract sugar-free
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon cardamom or nutmeg
Instructions
- In a high-speed blender together blast the quinoa and water on high until smooth and blended.
- Using a nut-milk bag over a large bowl pour the milk through the nut-milk bag and strain the mixture into the bowl, squeezing as much milk into the bowl. Then discard pulp left in the bag.
- In a container that closes add the milk, the vanilla, and the cinnamon. Shake vigorously and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Homemade plant-based milk separates when stored in the fridge. Simply shake it up every time you want to use it.
Notes
- If you are using a smaller high-speed blender, or a regular blender you will have to strain the mixture in steps.
- The milk separates when cold. Simply shake it up when ready for use.
- If you soak the quinoa the milk won't last as long. 2 days tops.
- If you don't soak the quinoa the milk is good for up to 7 days.
- Not good for hot beverages as it curdles and thickens
Health & quinoa!
Samantha says
This is soooo great! It's hard to find milk substitutes that don't have added sugar, artificial ingredients, or preservatives. I love the simplicity of this recipe and I can't wait to try it! Thanks! 🙂
Julie Rosenthal says
Hi Samantha! So glad you like this recipe! It really is easy and fun. I also love simplicity. You are so welcome! Have a great day!
Anonymous says
This looks soooo yummy Julie!! I get so angry when I see carrageenan in all of the store bought options!!! I'm so glad there is an easy way to make it at home
Julie Rosenthal says
Yes me too! I drank store bought for about a year clueless to Carrageenan, until Nutrition school. ha, it all changed after that! Honestly it's so much better made from scratch. Definitely give it a try one day! Have a good one!