Plant-based milks are everywhere — oat, almond, soy, rice, cashew — but did you know you can make them easily at home, with just a few ingredients?
Homemade plant milk is cheaper, fresher, free from additives, and fully customizable. Whether you want it for coffee, cereal, smoothies, or baking, this guide will show you how to make your own dairy-free milk from scratch.
Why Make Plant-Based Milk at Home?
✅ Saves money — store-bought milks can be expensive
✅ No additives — skip gums, oils, preservatives, and added sugar
✅ Customizable — choose the texture, flavor, and sweetness
✅ Eco-friendly — reduce packaging waste
✅ Fresh and clean — ready in minutes, tastes better than boxed!
Let’s explore the easiest options.
What You’ll Need
✳️ Basic Tools:
- Blender (high-speed is best, but regular works too)
- Nut milk bag, clean dish towel, or fine mesh strainer
- Large bowl or pitcher
- Airtight glass bottle or jar for storage
1. Almond Milk (Classic + Creamy)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight)
- 4 cups filtered water
- Optional: 1–2 pitted dates, vanilla extract, pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Soak almonds in water overnight, then drain and rinse.
- Blend almonds + fresh water for 1–2 minutes.
- Strain using a nut milk bag or clean towel.
- Store in the fridge for up to 4–5 days.
Tip: Save the almond pulp for baking, smoothies, or energy balls.
2. Oat Milk (Quick + Budget-Friendly)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups cold water
- Optional: pinch of salt, date or maple syrup, vanilla
Instructions:
- Blend oats + water for 30 seconds (no more, to avoid sliminess).
- Strain through a nut milk bag or very fine mesh.
- Chill and shake before each use.
Tip: For less slimy texture, use cold water and don’t over-blend.
3. Cashew Milk (No Straining Needed!)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup raw cashews (soaked 4 hours or boiled 15 min)
- 4 cups water
- Optional: cinnamon, vanilla, maple syrup
Instructions:
- Blend soaked cashews with water until fully smooth.
- No need to strain — just pour and enjoy!
Creamy and rich, great for coffee, sauces, or chai lattes.
4. Soy Milk (High Protein)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup dried soybeans (soaked overnight)
- 4 cups water
- Optional: pinch of salt, vanilla, sweetener
Instructions:
- Soak beans overnight, drain, and rinse.
- Blend with water until smooth.
- Boil the mixture for 15–20 minutes to remove raw taste.
- Strain and cool before using.
Soy milk has more protein than most plant-based milks — ideal for smoothies, cereals, and baking.
5. Rice Milk (Naturally Sweet)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
- 4 cups water
- Optional: vanilla, cinnamon, date
Instructions:
- Blend cooked rice with water until smooth.
- Strain for a thinner milk, or keep unstrained for cooking.
- Chill before serving.
Naturally sweet and light — great for baking or with cereal.
Flavor Boosts and Sweeteners (Optional)
Customize any plant milk with:
- 1–2 pitted dates or a dash of maple syrup
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or nutmeg
- Pinch of sea salt to enhance flavor
- 1 tsp cocoa powder for chocolate milk
- 1 tbsp nut butter for richness
How to Store Homemade Plant Milk
- Store in a glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator
- Use within 3 to 5 days
- Shake well before each use — separation is natural
- Label with the date it was made
Common Questions
🥛 Can I use them in coffee?
Yes! Cashew and soy milk froth best. Oat milk works too — just avoid over-blending or it may thicken.
🥛 Can I freeze them?
It depends — freezing may cause separation, but it’s fine for baking or cooking use.
🥛 Are homemade milks fortified with calcium or B12?
No — homemade milks are not fortified. You can still get these nutrients from other sources (like leafy greens, tofu, or supplements).
Final Thoughts: Simple, Fresh, and Nourishing
Making your own plant-based milk is easier than it sounds — and once you try it, it’s hard to go back to store-bought.
It’s quick, clean, and customizable, and gives you control over every ingredient you consume.
Pick one recipe and give it a try this week. Your smoothies, cereals, and coffee will thank you!