Have you ever read the ingredients in store bought nut milk? Those "healthy" dairy alternatives aren't so healthy after all! Here are some common ingredients in store bough almond, oat, and coconut milks:
- carrageenans
- natural flavors
- vegetable oils
- soy
- synthetic vitamins
Let's get into these ingredients a little further...
carrageenans: These could cause digestive issues and disrupt the gut microbiome. The body doesn't recognize this additive. The World Health Organization refers to them as a "possible human carcinogen"!
natural flavors: be weary of anything labeled "natural". If it was so natural, what IS it?!
vegetable oils: The crops used to produce these oils are often GMO crops and sprayed with chemicals like glyphosate. You want to do your best to avoid these yellow corn and seed oils since they're highly inflammatory.
soy: Soy milk specifically - soy is the most genetically modified crop. 94% of soy crops in the U.S. to be exact! Soy can also cause harm to the gut.
synthetic vitamins: The body can't recognize and absorb these. Store bought milks add in vitamin A and D to appeal to consumers. It's best to get these vitamins from whole food sources (food and sun exposure), not synthetic ones.
The upside of making your own nut milks is you know exactly what's inside them and you don't need these ingredients to give them a longer shelf life! There is also less plastic/paper waste, you can customize them, and I promise they taste so much better! Once you blend your nut milk, it will be good for up to five days refrigerated in an airtight container.
What you need to make your own nut milk at home:
- a high speed blender
- glass jars and lids for storage
- a nut milk bag for straining
Here are some of my go to nut milk recipes:
1 cup soaked almonds (soak overnight then rinse before blending), 4 cups water - blend and strain in nut milk bag
1/2 cup soaked almonds, 1/2 cup shredded coconut flakes, 1/4 cup oats, 4 cups water - blend and strain in nut milk bag
3/4 cup soaked cashews, 1 pitted date, 4 cups water - blend and no straining needed!
Get blending!
JN