Are you looking to make a healthy, plant-based switch to milk? You’re not alone.
With its creamy texture and nutty flavor, cashew milk has become a popular choice.
But what is it, exactly?
Learn more about this tasty substitute and the five best alternatives.
What’s Cashew Milk?
Cashew milk is a dairy-free alternative to cow’s milk made with filtered water and raw cashews.
It has a creamy flavor and can be used as a substitute for cow’s milk in many recipes.
As well as being dairy-free, cashew milk is also low in sugar and calories, making it an ideal choice for health-conscious individuals.
The ingredients needed to make cashew milk are simple: filtered water, raw cashews, (preferably) organic maple syrup or coconut sugar for sweetness, vanilla extract for flavor, and salt.
Cashews are high in magnesium, zinc, iron, vitamin E and healthy fats that may help the body fight inflammation.
The process of making the nut milk is similar to that of making regular dairy products but simpler — simply blend all the ingredients together until smooth and strain through a fine cloth or nut milk bag to remove any clumps or bits of nuts.
Cashew milk can be used as an alternative to cow’s milk in many recipes such as cereals, toast, smoothies, baked goods and desserts; it is often used to make vegan cheese because its high fat content makes it fairly easy to melt into a cheese-like consistency.
To get the most flavor out of your nut milks it’s important to store them securely in glass jars in order to keep out air and light which could cause souring or spoilage.
For added taste variations you can add spices such as cinnamon or cardamom – both delicious ways to season your homemade dairy free milks.
5 Best Cashew Milk Substitutes to Consider
Cashew milk has become especially popular for its slightly sweet flavor and creaminess that is better than other nut milks.
Although cashew milk is widely available in most supermarkets, if you’re unable to find it due to unavailable supply or other reasons there are plenty of alternatives you can try instead.
The following are five excellent cashew milk substitutes you might want to consider:
1 – Almond Milk
Almond milk is one of the most popular dairy-free alternatives to cow’s milk, and for good reason.
It’s very low in calories and fat but rich in other essential nutrients such as vitamin E, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Almond milk also contains just enough protein to make it a satisfactory alternative to traditional cow’s milk consumption.
Plus, it has a subtle nutty flavor that blends well with any recipe.
Finally, if you have difficulty digesting dairy then this nut-based option is a great substitute as it’s lactose-free (not all are—always check the label).
All you need to know is that almond milk can replace cashew milk cup for cup in recipes calling for plant-base milks.
2 – Coconut Milk
Coconut milk is a popular plant-based milk alternative that is made from water and coconut cream, or from grated or blended mature coconuts.
This rich source of calcium, magnesium, potassium and vitamins B1, B3 and B6 is known for its creamy texture and sweet and nutty taste.
It works well as an alternative to cow’s milk in both hot and cold recipes.
It is widely used in Asian cuisine as a traditional ingredient in dishes like curries, soups and desserts.
Its versatility makes it a great substitute for cashew milk because it can also be used in smoothies, coffee creamer or as an ingredient in baking recipes.
Coconut milk might not have the same high protein content found in cashew milk, but it still provides essential nutrients such as cholesterol-lowering fatty acids that are not found in cow’s milk.
3 – Hemp Milk
Hemp milk is one of the most nutritious options when it comes to plant milks, as it contains omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids.
It also contains trace elements of magnesium, zinc and iron.
Hemp milk has a nutty flavor and creamy texture that make it a great addition to shakes and smoothies.
Its mild flavor makes it a good choice for those who are looking for an alternate to cow’s milk or almond milk, but want something with more body.
Compared to cow’s milk, hemp has significantly less carbohydrates but also slightly fewer calories.
A cup of hemp milk contains 150 calories and 2 grams of fat, 5 grams of carbs, 7 grams of protein, 0 grams of sugar and 4% daily value calcium.
It’s important to note that like rice or oat milks, most brands of hemp milk have added sugar in them so be sure to check labels if you are watching your sugar intake.
4 – Soy Milk
Soy milk is a plant-based milk product that is made from boiled soybeans blended with water.
It contains 7 to 8 grams of protein per cup, along with potassium, iron, vitamin B12 and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Soy milk is generally milder than cow’s milk or cashew milk, but it does have a slightly nutty flavor.
When using soy milk as an alternative to cashew milk, it’s important to be aware that it contains more calories and fat than the other milks on the list.
If you’re looking for a substitute for baking or other culinary uses, you may want to consider almond or oat milks instead.
5 – Rice Milk
Rice milk is the sweetest of all nondairy milks, and it has a light, watery texture that makes it a good choice for cereal and smoothies.
Rice milk is made from brown or white rice, blended with water and sweetened with sugar or other natural sweeteners like agave nectar.
It also comes in enriched varieties, which are fortified with calcium, B vitamins and other nutrients.
Rice milk has the least amount of protein out of all the dairy alternatives but is high in carbohydrates.
It’s also a good source of vitamin A, vitamin D and iron.
Conclusion
In conclusion, nut milks, such as Cashew Milk, are a great dairy-free alternative.
Not only do they have a creamy and delicious flavor, but they are also packed with vitamins and minerals.
They can be used in any recipe that calls for traditional milk so you can enjoy your favorite foods without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
Whichever type of nut or grain based milk you choose to try out in your recipes — enjoy.
5 Best Cashew Milk Substitutes to Consider
Ingredients
- 1 – Almond Milk
- 2 – Coconut Milk
- 3 – Hemp Milk
- 4 – Soy Milk
- 5 – Rice Milk
Instructions
- Choose your preferred substitute from the list of options.
- Organize all of your ingredients.
- Use the proper substitute to cook your recipes.
Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.
As the Editor in Chief of IntroChicago.com, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.
A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!