• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Get our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide
freezer meal quick start guide

Get Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide

Loading

About
Free Resources
Contact

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

Thriving Home

Food & Lifestyle

  • Recipe Index
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Lunch & Dinner
      • Sides & Salads
      • Soups & Chilis
      • Appetizers
      • Snacks
      • Desserts
      • Baked Goods
      • Beverages
      • Condiments
    • Method
      • Freezer Meals
      • Stovetop
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Instant Pot
      • Grill or Smoker
      • 6 Ingredients or Less
    • Diet
      • Gluten-Free
      • Dairy-Free
      • Vegetarian
    • Ingredients
      • Chicken & Turkey
      • Beef
      • Pork
      • Seafood
      • Pasta & Pizza
    • Holiday
      • Birthday
      • Christmas
      • Easter
      • Halloween
      • Thanksgiving
      • Valentine's Day
    • All Recipes
  • Freezer Cooking
    • Start Here
    • Freezer Meal Recipes
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Cookbooks
  • Menu Plans
  • Shop
    • Cookbooks
    • 1 Hour Freezer Prep
    • Shop Our Favorites
    • Gift Guides
Search...
Home 6 Ingredients or Less

How to Make Almond Milk {The Quick Way!}

★★★★★ 5 /5
Jump to Recipe Rate Recipe
Rachel Tiemeyer
By: Rachel TiemeyerPosted: 7/13/22Updated: 7/18/22

This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This article gives an overview of how to make almond milk in just minutes using an almond milk machine (the best way in my opinion!). Detailed review of the Nutr Machine included.

a nutr machine pouring almond milk into a mug
Contents hide
What Is Almond Milk?
Is Almond Milk Good for You?
Ingredients Needed
Equipment Needed
Step-by-Step: How To Make Almond Milk
How Long Does It Take to Make a Batch in the Nutr Machine?
What Should I Do with the Leftover Pulp?
Should I Soak the Almonds First?
Can Almond Milk Go Bad?
Is Almond Milk Gluten Free?
Can You Substitute Almond Milk for Milk?
Recipes That Use Almond Milk
Homemade Almond Milk (Recipe for Nutr Machine)
Did you make this?

What Is Almond Milk?

Almonds obviously can’t be milked like an animal, so what the heck is almond milk?

It’s a beverage that’s made by blending together raw almonds and water, then the mixture is strained. The liquid that’s left behind looks like milk and has a mild nutty flavor to it.

Additionally, this non-dairy milk can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in a wide variety of recipes from baked goods to smoothies to coffee creamer. While you can buy it at the store, I want to make a case for why making your own is the best way to go!

Is Almond Milk Good for You?

The almond milk you buy in the store is a processed beverage that’s filled with additives, thickeners, and preservatives that keep it shelf stable.

One study showed that a common additive, carrageenan, may disrupt gut health and adversely affect our health, but more studies are needed for a final conclusion.

overhead shot of almonds, almond milk in a glass and in a glass jug

The good news is that when you make your own nut milk at home, you control what goes in it (see ya additives!). Plus, health benefits include that it’s high in Vitamin E, includes healthy omega 3 fatty acids, is low in sugar and calories, and avoids dairy.

Ingredients Needed

Not only is homemade almond milk a cleaner, healthier beverage, it also tastes SO much better when it’s fresh. You just need two main ingredients to make it:

  1. Raw, unsalted almonds
  2. Water (preferably filtered)

Also, you can add a little cinnamon, pure vanilla extract, and some pure maple syrup to add depth of flavor and/or sweetness.

Equipment Needed

There are two main methods to make almond milk, which each require different equipment.

Method 1: Blender + Nut Milk Bag Method

The first way is to use a high powered blender and a nut milk bag or sieve with a few layers of cheese cloth.

The upside with this method is you can make a large quantity at one time and drink it all week long. The downside is that it’s more time-consuming, a little messier, and the blender takes up a larger footprint in your kitchen.

Vitamix blender

Method 2: Nutr Almond Milk Machine Method

Using a nut milk machine like a Nutr Machine (which I own and use) means you can whip up a single batch of fresh, creamy almond milk in just minutes. Because the Nutr machine is small, easy to use, and a cinch to clean, this is how I opt to make my almond milk. The results are SO TASTY, too!

P.S. This machine can be utilized to make other kinds of non-dairy beverages too, like oat milk and cashew milk.

image of nutr machine

Step-by-Step: How To Make Almond Milk

For this article and my recipe below, I’ll show you how to make almond milk using the Nutr Machine. If you’d like a tutorial for the blender and nut milk bag method, watch this video.

Step 1: Add Almonds to the Nutr Machine

First, add 1 or 2 scoops (your preference) of almond nuts OR your preferred nuts, seeds, or grain. I tested almonds and oats and both worked in this machine. I liked the almond milk better, though.

dumping almonds into a Nutr machine

Step 2: Add Filtered Water

Second, fill the Nutr Machine with water between min and max line, based on your preference of creaminess and quantity. This takes a little trial and error. I like more almonds to water ratio and have found that makes for a creamier milk.

pouring water in a Nutr machine

Step 3: Set and Blend

Third, choose the temperature (hot, warm, room temp) and blend for a few minutes!

Pressing start on a Nutr machine

Step 4: Strain the Milk

Last, to remove pulp, pour the milk through the provided strainer – or enjoy your milk with the nutritious pulp!

pouring oat milk through a strainer

How Long Does It Take to Make a Batch in the Nutr Machine?

The time it takes to make a single batch depends on if you want your milk to be cold (about 1 minute), warm (about 2 1/2 minutes), or piping hot (about 5 minutes).

I opt for the warm or hot setting when making a batch for my coffee, which is the perfect amount of time to get my morning pour over going. If I intend to make the milk for my morning Chocolate Covered Cherry Smoothie, I use the cold setting.

What Should I Do with the Leftover Pulp?

After straining your milk, you’ll have leftover pulp. Don’t toss it! Store leftover pulp in an air-tight container in the fridge or freezer. I use mine in smoothies for added nutrition, but you can also use the pulp in recipes like these.

pulp from making and straining almond milk

Should I Soak the Almonds First?

The answer isn’t totally clear. Soaking the almonds in water for several hours will soften them, resulting in less almond pulp after blending and straining. So that’s a positive!

Additionally, some online sources say that soaking the nuts gets rid of phytic acid that can inhibit absorption of nutrients. But, there doesn’t seem be good evidence for this claim.

Because it doesn’t seem to matter nutritionally, I don’t usually take the time to do this step if making a small batch in my Nutr Machine.

Can Almond Milk Go Bad?

Yes, almond milk can go bad. You can tell that it’s no longer good if it’s curdled, fully separated, or tastes overly bitter or acidic. Store in the refrigerator to keep it fresh the longest.

For store-bought almond milk, do not use beyond the expiration date. Once it’s opened, consume within 2 weeks according to this article.

The homemade version won’t last quite as long. Expect a shelf life of 5-7 days according to MSN. It will probably taste best within 3-5 days.

Is Almond Milk Gluten Free?

Yes, this dairy-free milk is both gluten-free and dairy-free.

Can You Substitute Almond Milk for Milk?

In many recipes you can easily sub it for cow’s milk. Be sure to use unsweetened, unflavored almond milk in savory recipes. I use it in my coffee, over cereal, or in recipes like these…

Recipes That Use Almond Milk

You can use plain almond milk in all kinds of recipes–smoothies, oat recipes, baked goods, soups, and more.

smoothie packs

7 Frozen Smoothie Packs (+ Printable with Shopping List)

a slice of breakfast casserole with hash browns being served with a spatula

5-Ingredient Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole

overhead final shot of Crock Pot chicken and dumplings

Crock Pot Chicken and Dumplings

6 mason jars with various overnight oats in them

7 Overnight Oats Recipes

Blueberry baked oatmeal in a white baking dish

Blueberry Baked Oatmeal

Overhead portrait photo of tomato bisque soup

Tomato Bisque

Whole wheat pumpkin pancakes with syrup on top

Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes

Blueberry French Toast Casserole {with Vanilla Glaze} in a glass casserole dish

Blueberry French Toast Casserole with Vanilla Glaze

Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

almond milk machine
★★★★★ 5 from 1 reviews

Homemade Almond Milk (Recipe for Nutr Machine)

Whether you use this basic recipe or try some of the add-ins I suggest, you’ll love this healthy, fresh-tasting almond milk straight from the Nutr Machine.

Yield: 1 cup 1x
Prep: 1 minuteCook: 2 minutesTotal: 3 minutes
Print Recipe Rate Pin for Later
  • Email
Units:
Scale:

Ingredients

  • 2–4 tablespoons raw, unsalted almonds (I prefer to use more for a creamier result)
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • Optional Add-Ins: a pinch of cinnamon, a splash of pure vanilla extract, and 1-2 teaspoons pure maple syrup

Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions

  1. Add the nuts to the Nutr Machine.
  2. Pour in the filtered water and any of your add-ins.
  3. Lock the lid in place. Select cold, warm, or hot setting and it will start to blend. (I prefer to use cold setting for smoothies and warm or hot setting for coffee.) This will take anywhere from 1-5 minutes depending on the setting.
  4. When the machine is done, open the lid. Place the included filter over a glass and pour the milk through the filter.
  5. Enjoy your fresh almond milk in coffee, over cereal, or in recipes. Store in the fridge for 5-7 days. Save the pulp in the fridge or freezer to use in smoothies or other recipes. (See article above for lots of recipe ideas!)
© Author: Rachel Tiemeyer
Cuisine: American Method: No Cook

Did you make this?

Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!

Rate Recipe

Tag Us on Instagram

3 shares
  • Share
  • Email
Rachel Tiemeyer

Rachel Tiemeyer

As co-founder of Thriving Home, Rachel dreams about creating recipes (literally) and uses her husband, her 3 kids, and even the neighbors as guinea pigs several nights a week. She believes that good food has the power to bring families and friends closer together and continues to wake up excited about her job each day, even after 10+ years!

Read more...

Reader Interactions

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Have a question? Submit your question or comment below.

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. AvatarJamie says

    Posted on 2/28/23 at 11:46 am

    Oooh thanks for this. So delicious!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

sidebar

polly and rachel

Welcome

We’re moms, cookbook authors, and freezer cooking evangelists. Our mission is to help your home thrive, one delicious meal at a time. Let’s make the most of your time in the kitchen! Read more.

Follow Us On Instagram!

freezer cooking

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Autographed Copy

Learn More

freezer to table

Order On:

Amazon • Target

Autographed Copy

Learn More
dump and go freezer meal email cta

Make 6 Dump-and-Go Freezer Meals in 1 Hour

  1. Shopping & equipment lists
  2. Step-by-Step instructions & video tutorial
  3. Serving suggestions & dietary substitutions & more

Try Session 18 (a $6.99 value) for free!

Loading

Trending Recipes

Overhead portrait photo of tomato bisque soup

Tomato Bisque

cheesy chicken and rice casserole being scooped out of casserole dish

Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

cooked mexican soup

Crowd Pleaser Mexican Soup

Easter Favorites

ham sliders

Ham and Cheese Sliders

Cheesy hashbrown casserole

Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole

Fruit Pizza Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

spiral sliced crockpot ham slices on a platter with pineapple sauce on the side

Crockpot Ham with Pineapple Sauce

Popular Round-Ups

marinades for chicken breasts in freezer bags

7 BEST Chicken Marinades

freezer meal

100+ Best Freezer Meals on the Planet

6 mason jars with various overnight oats in them

7 Overnight Oats Recipes

smoothie packs

7 Frozen Smoothie Packs (+ Printable with Shopping List)

freezer meal update
New to freezer cooking?

Grab Our Freezer Meal Quick Start Guide!

5 days of recipes & tips from freezer meal experts.

Loading

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

YouTube

TikTok

About
About Us
Work With Us
Press
Recipes
All Recipes
Freezer Meals
Menu Plans
Shop
Cookbooks
1 Hour Prep Sessions
Gift Guides
Explore
Free Resources
Shop Our Favorites
Facebook Group
Privacy Policy
Accessibility
Disclaimers
Contact
© 2023 Thriving Home
Site Credits
Designed by Melissa Rose Design Developed by Once Coupled
Back to Top