Are you an almond milk fanatic, or do you prefer oat milk? Maybe you enjoy macadamia nut milk or hemp seed milk instead. There is nothing wrong with these non-dairy milk alternatives; rather, quite the opposite, so long as you buy the unsweetened varieties with minimally processed ingredients. Better yet, if you make your own plant-based milks then you are really killing the game. We will say, though, that if you have never tried cashew milk, you are in for a treat, especially with this recipe.

Cashew milk can be quite expensive in stores, so making it at home may help you save a little money. Plus, as you know by now, making your own nut or seed milk is an incredibly easy process, especially if you have a nut milk bag. In the case of this recipe, the cashew milk offers a warm, sweet, and slightly richer flavor than your typical store bought variety. It also drinks smoother and has a creamier texture, which is great if you want to add this to your post-cleanse cup of coffee.

The great thing about this cashew milk, besides the highly addictive flavor, is its versatility. It goes great in smoothies, baked goods, energy balls/bars, cereal, or coffee. The options are truly endless and you can feel great about enjoying this cashew milk because it doesn’t contain the emulsifiers, thickening agents, added sugars, or preservatives, all of which are usually in store bought varieties. If you like this recipe and want to see more like it, drop a comment below so we know!

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Coffee used to be simple, with milk and sugar being the only additions. Nowadays, you can look at an entire refrigerated section in a grocery store with hundreds of coffee creamer options to choose from. With dairy and non-dairy options aplenty, how do you know which ones to choose? Not to mention, which one is healthy, unhealthy, or somewhat healthy? We can assure you of one thing, and it is that the brown sugar cinnamon swirl option isn’t doing your body any favors. 

Are any of these coffee creamers better or healthier options than cow’s milk? Even oat milk, which is a popular non-dairy milk alternative, recently received negative attention for spiking blood sugar. Most coffee creamers, though, have added sugars, emulsifiers, thickening agents, and preservatives to extend their shelf life. And yet, even with these ingredients, people choose them over regular cow’s milk and sugar. 

How do you select the healthiest coffee creamer? It can be very difficult to do this, but you can click here to make three homemade vegan coffee creamers that are healthier than store bought varieties. They don’t have harmful ingredients and they taste incredible! Make them and see for yourself. Continue reading to learn why you should rethink your coffee creamer. 

The Different Types Of Creamers

Generally, you can break down coffee creamers into the following four categories:

• Basic dairy, including milk, cream, and half-and-half
• Powders, such as nonperishable products, either plain or flavored
• Basic non-dairy, including unsweetened oat, soy, almond, coconut, and macadamia nut milks
• Liquids, such as coffee flavored products, either made from dairy or non-dairy ingredients

As a quick rule of thumb, the simpler the product, the healthier it is for you, according to registered dietitians. From the four categories above, basic dairy and basic non-dairy creamers are the best options. That said, you still have to read the nutritional labels to ensure that they aren’t full of emulsifiers, added sugars, and more. You want to look for minimal ingredients!

When Is Coffee Creamer Bad For You?

Everything in moderation, right? If you use your favorite coffee creamer sparingly, there is nothing to worry about. Most people add coffee to their creamer. You know those types, the people that like their coffee so sweet to the point where the coffee flavor is almost non-existent. Additionally, coffee milkshakes, frappuccinos, pumpkin spice lattes, and other similar drinks contain excess calories and sugar. Those drinks don’t contain coffee creamers, but they are just as unhealthy as pouring tablespoons of creamer into your coffee cup. 

Just keep in mind that nutritional values vary between brands and flavors. Most coffee creamers have about 20 calories and at least one gram of sugar per serving, although many non-dairy creamers do not contain sugar. Here are some of the ingredients in coffee creamers to watch out for, especially if you over-pour.

Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil

Hydrogenated vegetable oil typically tops the ingredient lists of most powdered creamers. It is used as a preservative and thickening agent, extending the shelf life and giving the creamer its creamy texture. Although hydrogenated oil is not as bad as partially hydrogenated oil (trans fat), you still shouldn’t consume a lot of it. Hydrogenated oil is still saturated fat, which can increase the risk of heart disease. If that is the case, why does powdered coffee creamer state that it has zero grams of saturated fat? Well, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that a label can claim zero grams of saturated fat if a serving has less than 0.5 grams per serving. That is why you need to be aware of the serving size and monitor how many servings you add to your cup. 

Carrageenan

This is a common food additive in many non-dairy creamers and non-dairy milks. Extracted from red seaweed, carrageenan may potentially impact gastrointestinal health, causing bowel inflammation. That said, a USDA report found that food-grade carrageenan doesn’t pose significant health risks at dietary levels. Carrageenan intake should be based on your individual health status, so just be aware of how it makes you feel if you consume a creamer that contains it. 

Dipotassium Phosphate

As a common additive in many processed foods, dipotassium phosphate is generally considered safe by the FDA. Some health experts have their concerns about this additive, and other food additives in general. According to research, dipotassium phosphate is absorbed at a much higher rate than phosphorus. Because of this ingredient’s prevalence in processed foods, many Americans may be over-consuming phosphates. Researchers note that high levels of phosphates in the blood increase the risk of kidney problems, cardiovascular disease, and mortality. More rigorous studies are still necessary, but you may want to consider limiting your intake of phosphate additives. 

Gellan And Other Gums

Gellan gum is a plant-based alternative to gelatin, so it is used as a stabilizer and thickening agent in non-dairy creamers. According to research, gellan and other gums are generally safe, even when consumed in larger amounts than your regular coffee creamer serving size. Just be mindful of your intake because too many gums may negatively affect digestive health.

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Regular cow’s milk is a staple in many people’s diets. People consume it with their cereal, coffee, tea, smoothies, and pre-workout drinks. Although cow’s milk is a popular choice, some people can’t or choose not to drink it because of dietary restrictions, intolerances, or personal preferences. Fortunately, there are plenty of non-dairy substitutes for cow’s milk, and this article aims to highlight the best ones. 

Did you know that lactose intolerance affects about 25-40% of adults worldwide? Tens of millions of Americans are lactose intolerant, which can cause cramping, diarrhea, bloating, and gas. Surveys found that lactose intolerance is more common in American Indians, Ashkenazi Jews, Latinos, and African Americans. In fact, lactose intolerance affects 80% or more of some of those groups!

From a nutritional standpoint, many non-dairy alternatives can be very beneficial. Nut and seed milks are often rich in heart-healthy fats, but you have to make sure to read the nutrition labels. Unfortunately, plant-based milks can contain added sugars, natural flavors, and lots of preservatives. Do your best to buy unsweetened varieties, as opposed to flavored or sweetened ones. You can even make your own non-dairy milks and avoid preservatives! You just need a blender, a nut milk bag or cheesecloth, and a jar for the liquid.

Oat Milk

In its simplest form, oat milk comes from a blended mixture of oats and water. Manufacturers add gums, oils, salt, and more preservatives for a more desirable texture and flavor. Oat milk is naturally sweet and is very similar to cow’s milk, and can be used in the same way as cow’s milk. It goes great in coffee, cereal, or smoothies! Oat milk contains beta-glucan, which binds to cholesterol as it passes through the body. This can help lower LDL cholesterol, the type that’s associated with a higher risk of heart disease. 

Cashew Milk

Made from cashews and water, or cashew butter and water, cashew milk is a thicker non-dairy milk that goes great in smoothies or coffee. Cashew milk contains fewer than one-third of the calories of cow’s milk, half the fat, and way less carbohydrates. Because it has a low protein content, it may not be the best non-dairy milk substitute for people who want to increase protein intake. With only 25-50 calories per cup, though, unsweetened cashew milk is a great beverage for people who are watching their waistlines.

Almond Milk

Perhaps the most notable of plant-based milks, almond milk has a light texture and sweet, slightly nutty flavor. Just like oat milk, you can directly substitute almond milk for cow’s milk in myriad recipes. Although it contains more calories than cashew milk, almond milk is one of the lowest-calorie non-dairy milks available. Additionally, almond milk is a great source of vitamin E, a group of antioxidants that protect the body from oxidative stress. 

Macadamia Nut Milk

Macadamia nut milk has a richer, smoother, and creamier consistency than most non-dairy milks, and tastes great in recipes or on its own. It is more calorically dense than other plant-based milks, so it may not be a great option for calorie counters. Because macadamia nut milk is low in carbohydrates, it may be a great option for people with diabetes, or those who want to watch their carb intake. Macadamia nuts are also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for reducing blood cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Quinoa Milk

Quinoa is an edible seed, although it’s commonly thought of as a grain because of how people use it. It is highly nutritious, gluten-free, and rich in quality protein. Although quinoa has risen to popularity as a superfood, quinoa milk is a newcomer to the non-dairy milk market. Quinoa milk exhibits a slightly nutty flavor that is a little sweet, making it great for cereal and porridge. It contains a similar number of carbs to cow’s milk, but fewer than half the calories. The nutritional profile is very well-balanced when compared to other non-dairy milks. 

Coconut Milk

Sold in cartons and cans alike, coconut milk is made from water and the white coconut meat. Coconut milk has a creamy texture and a sweet, subtle coconut flavor, especially if you buy the unsweetened varieties. Coconut milk has the lowest protein and carb content of the non-dairy milks, so it may not be great if you want to increase protein intake. However, it is a great option for keto enthusiasts because it contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs). These are healthy fats that may increase feelings of fullness, helping to reduce appetite and improve blood cholesterol levels.

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The last thing you want to do in the middle of a chaotic morning is make breakfast. You don’t have time to waste, so you end up hitting a drive thru or donut place on the way to work. Either that or you spend extra money on food delivery. The final scenario is that you don’t eat at all and you end up snacking on unhealthy treats until lunch time. How do you prevent all of that from happening? That’s why overnight oats exist.

This recipe contains a handful of simple ingredients that pair beautifully together. Cinnamon and maple syrup with vanilla extract! Are you joking? Plus, you have the option to top the overnight oats with sliced bananas and pecan halves. If you don’t go the extra mile and use those toppings, what are you even doing? But this recipe isn’t meant to bash or shame you; rather, it should help make your mornings less stressful and more filling.

As a final note for these overnight oats, you can use whichever non-dairy milk you prefer. Whether you use almond milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or macadamia nut milk, make sure to purchase the unsweetened varieties. You don’t need the excess sugars and artificial flavors that are in sweetened and flavored plant-based milks. Do your body a solid and avoid the sweeteners! If you have the time, consider making your own plant-based milk. It’s surprisingly easy and incredibly rewarding!

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Almond milk is a plant-based milk made from almonds. Because it is dairy-free, almond milk is a favorite in the vegetarian/vegan community. It’s also a favorite beverage for raw vegan enthusiasts. You can easily whip up a batch of almond milk, so long as you have a blender, water, raw almonds, and your optional sweetener of choice. For people who follow the raw vegan diet, grade A maple syrup, dates, and raw agave nectar are acceptable sweeteners.

For this recipe, we’re taking plain almond milk up a notch by making chocolate almond milk. The beauty of making your own almond milk is that you can customize it. Some people prefer chocolate while others enjoy vanilla or strawberry varieties. Not only are almond milk variations great for enjoying on their own, but they also make great additions to smoothies. The entire flavor profile of your smoothie can change when you have chocolate almond milk, for example. It blends beautifully with bananas, dates, and raw almond butter to make a protein-rich smoothie. In fact, it may even make your smoothie taste like a milkshake!

The most important ingredient, besides the almonds, is the nut milk bag. A cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer will do just fine, but a nut milk bag makes the process a whole lot easier. You can find them online or in certain health food stores. If you were unable to find or don’t have a nut milk bag, fine mesh strainer, or cheesecloth, you can use a clean T-shirt or linen towel in a pinch. You may not be able to wear that T-shirt after squeezing almond milk through it, though. Keep in mind that homemade almond milk does not contain preservatives, so that means you have to consume it in a hurry. Stored in a glass container in the fridge, homemade almond milk will stay fresh for 3-5 days.

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You only need two ingredients to successfully make chia pudding: chia seeds and liquid. Adding a sweetener like raw agave nectar or grade A maple syrup makes the pudding more palatable. Additionally, it’s better to use plant-based milk, as opposed to water, because it contributes to a more velvety texture. This recipe, for instance, calls for almond milk that you make yourself. The reason for this is because it is raw vegan and store bought almond milks contain preservatives, thickening agents, and added sugars.

Some chia pudding recipes instruct you to blend the ingredients together. This yields a quick pudding, but this recipe uses the traditional method. Add all of the ingredients to a jar, place in the refrigerator overnight, and enjoy in the morning. To fully incorporate the banana into the pudding, you have to mash it into a paste. Because mashing is involved, it’s better to choose a ripe banana. You don’t want it to be fully brown, but it should be yellow with brown spots. A ripe banana contributes to the overall sweetness of the pudding as well.

Once you combine everything in the jar, shake vigorously and place in the fridge. This is the standard chia pudding, but you have the ability to take it up a few notches if you desire. You can stir in a tablespoon or two of raw almond butter, or make it more chocolatey by adding one tablespoon of raw cacao powder. When you remove the chia pudding from the fridge, feel free to top it with a drizzle of raw almond butter or some banana slices and chopped almonds. The beauty of chia pudding is that you can customize it to please your taste buds. Let us know how your chia pudding ends up in the comments below.

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When you go to the grocery store and peruse the plant-based milks, it seems that more and more varieties appear. It’s as if milk can be made out of anything! There’s almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk, cashew milk, hazelnut milk, walnut milk, pistachio milk, hemp seed milk and many more. All of those dairy alternatives are healthy, right? Well, not entirely.

Before you randomly grab a carton of pea milk or almond milk off the shelf, keep in mind that they can be unhealthy. Much like dairy milks, plant-based milks can also be bad for your health. For example, dairy milks can contain added hormones and antibiotics, while some plant-based milks have emulsifiers, carrageenan, and added sugars.

In theory, plant-based milks should only contain water and the nut, seed, or grain that the milk is made out of. Almonds and water yield almond milk and oats and water yield oat milk. Of course, it’s always possible to add a little sea salt and raw agave or stevia to sweeten when you make it yourself. Some reputable brands (stored in the refrigerated section) produce plant-based milks with minimal ingredients. Because of this, they tend to have a shorter shelf-life, especially after opening. Plant-based milks that don’t require refrigeration tend to contain more preservatives. 

Plant-based milks are not always healthy, but they have the potential to be. Avoid plant-based milks that contain the following ingredients. 

Vegetable Oils

It’s very common for nut and seed milks to contain sunflower seed oil, safflower oil, corn oil, soybean oil, or even canola oil. These do not belong in your plant-based milks. The vegetables, from which manufactures extract the oils, are commonly sprayed with heavy pesticides and GMOs. Corn and soybeans are the worst of the worst. On top of this, manufacturers use toxic solvents, high heat, and other agents that compromise the fatty acid structure of the plants. 

Emulsifiers

The two most popular emulsifiers in plant-based milks are xanthan gum and guar gum. Xanthan gum is a thickening agent made from fermenting yeast with corn or another sugar source. Not only can xanthan gum cause digestive discomfort and weight gain, but it may also increase the risk of colitis and other intestinal disorders. Guar gum, on the other hand, is from a bean plant. It’s very difficult to digest because of the highly processed nature. These are thickening agents that manufactures use to give plant-based milks a similar texture to dairy milks.

Evaporated Cane Juice, Cane Sugar, Or Cane Syrup

As a general rule of thumb, an ingredient list that has any term with the word “cane” in it is not the healthiest food item. Cane is code for sugar, and it does not refer to freshly juiced sugar cane. Cane sugar is devoid of nutrients and is 99% sucrose, which is pure sugar. This is harmful to blood sugar and overall health. Please avoid any plant-based milk that contains evaporated cane juice, cane sugar, of cane syrup on the ingredient list. It’s better to purchase a healthy, unsweetened variety and add your own healthy sweetener. Raw agave nectar, stevia, grade A maple syrup, or raw coconut nectar are healthier sweeteners. 

Natural Flavors

Unfortunately, there is nothing natural about natural flavors. It’s common to see “natural flavors” on many ingredients lists, but what are they? Natural flavors can indicate artificial sweeteners or forms of monosodium glutamate (MSG). If you want to know exactly what’s in your plant-based milk, avoid any variety that has “natural flavors” on the ingredient list. 

Vitamin D2

Natural vitamin D that the human body produces after sun exposure is vitamin D3. In their whole forms, vitamins are very beneficial for the body, even necessary for optimal health. They are some of the primary factors for maximum nutrient absorption. The same cannot be said for synthetic vitamins like vitamin D2. This synthetic vitamin is an isolated form of natural vitamin D, and the body cannot properly absorb it. There are no real benefits to the body; in fact, it may even do more harm than good. Many health experts believe that vitamin D2 desensitizes D3 receptors, which can increase the risk of vitamin D deficiency.

Carrageenan

Several studies confirmed carrageenan’s link to diabetes, chronic inflammation, and certain cancers. It comes from red seaweed and manufacturers add it to many processed foods and beverages as a thickening agent. Researchers found that carrageenan is very harmful to the digestive tract. In fact, the common use for it is to induce colitis in lab animals. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), carrageenan is a potential human carcinogen. 

Just because you purchase plant-based dairy alternatives, don’t think that you are automatically healthier. Be on the lookout for the ingredients in this article and avoid them at all costs. 

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Is flax milk your new favorite beverage to drink? If it isn’t already, it’s about to become your new favorite plant-based milk. Many people cannot properly digest because they are lactose intolerant. In fact, roughly 65% of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose. Luckily, we live in a time when there are more plant-based milks than we know what to do with. You can enjoy everything from hazelnut milk and hemp seed milk to macadamia nut milk and this homemade flax seed milk.

For people with nut allergies who struggle to find nut-free dairy alternatives, flax seed milk is an excellent choice. Flax seeds contain beneficial polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s and omega-6s. In fact, flax seeds are one of the richest dietary sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which is an essential omega-3. The body cannot produce it, so you have to obtain it via your diet. According to studies, ALA can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood clots. It also helps to reduce triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Next time you need a plant-based milk option, turn to this recipe. It will always be here for your enjoyment. And don’t forget to explore our other plant-based milk recipes in our recipe section.

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If you can’t have alliteration in your recipe title, is the recipe even good? We understand that words have no bearing over flavor, which this recipe doesn’t lack. Hazelnut milk is downright delicious, which explains why most people enjoy it as a coffee creamer flavor. Aside from being wonderfully nutty and nutritious, hazelnuts may also help to lower cholesterol levels and improve insulin resistance. They are naturally rich in vitamin E, healthy fats, dietary fiber, and protein.

Studies found that the fiber in hazelnuts helps to reduce constipation by moving food through the digestive tract. Hazelnuts also contain antioxidants that work to protect against cellular oxidation. That means that hazelnuts work to keep your cells safe and healthy. The vitamin E in hazelnuts also shields your cells from harmful bacteria. Lastly, hazelnuts may also reduce your risk of inflammation. One study found that people who ate hazelnuts actually reduced inflammatory markers.

Does eating hazelnuts have the same effect as drinking hazelnut milk? Yes, provided there are no additional preservatives, thickeners, emulsifiers, and gums in it. Homemade hazelnut milk, like this recipe, offers the same benefits. Additionally, feel free to add your desired amount of sweetener (raw agave nectar works best) or alcohol-free vanilla extract to flavor the milk.

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The world of plant-based milks continues to evolve, and we couldn’t be happier. More and more people understand the harm that high-fat dairy products can have on the body’s organs and systems. Not to mention the fact that dairy products can contribute to inflammation, weight gain, and mucus accumulation. That’s why people turn their attention to plant-based milks, like the pistachio milk in this recipe.

Pistachios grow abundantly in California, but the also grow in Central Asia and the Middle East. Most pistachios come from Iran, which is the primary exporter of pistachios. In fact, Iran accounts for roughly 60-70% of the world’s pistachios. While pistachios are incredibly popular snacks, pistachio milk is relatively new on the nut milk scene. The texture is luscious, like a decadent, creamy beverage. The flavor is mild but rich, and it goes great in smoothies or chia pudding. This recipe contains some vanilla and a little bit of cardamom, which is optional, but it adds incredible depth of flavor.

A Quick Note: If your pistachio milk comes out with a subtle green tinge, don’t worry. this is completely normal.

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