How To Make Unsweetened Almond Milk

Making unsweetened almond milk at home is easier than you might think, and it only takes a handful of simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
 
You don’t need any fancy equipment or special skills to make unsweetened almond milk that tastes fresh and clean.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make unsweetened almond milk step by step, plus a few tips so yours turns out perfectly every single time.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Make Unsweetened Almond Milk

To make unsweetened almond milk, you simply blend soaked almonds with water and strain the mixture.
 
That’s really the whole process in a nutshell.
 
The key is in the details, so let me break it down into steps that make it easy to follow.
 

1. Soak Your Almonds

Start by soaking one cup of raw almonds in water overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
 
Soaking softens the almonds and makes them easier to blend into smooth unsweetened almond milk.
 
It also helps remove some of the phytic acid, which can make the milk easier on your digestion.
 
If you’re short on time, you can soak them in hot water for about an hour, though overnight soaking gives the best results.
 

2. Rinse and Blend

After soaking, drain and rinse the almonds well under running water.
 
Then add them to your blender with about three to four cups of fresh water.
 
The less water you use, the creamier your unsweetened almond milk will be.
 
Blend on high for about one to two minutes until the mixture looks milky and smooth.
 

3. Strain the Mixture

Now comes the straining part, which is what gives you that smooth unsweetened almond milk texture.
 
Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag, a fine mesh strainer, or a clean cheesecloth.
 
Squeeze gently to get all the milk out.
 
Don’t toss the leftover pulp though, because you can save it for baking or add it to smoothies.
 

4. Store It Properly

Pour your fresh unsweetened almond milk into a clean glass jar or bottle with a tight lid.
 
It’ll keep in the fridge for about three to four days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
 
Give it a good shake before each use since homemade unsweetened almond milk separates naturally.
 

Tips for the Best Unsweetened Almond Milk

Now that you know the basics, here are a few tips to make your unsweetened almond milk even better.
 

1. Keep It Truly Unsweetened

The beauty of making unsweetened almond milk yourself is that you control exactly what goes in.
 
Skip the sugar, honey, or syrups entirely if you want it truly unsweetened.
 
If you like a little flavor, a tiny pinch of salt or a drop of vanilla extract won’t add sweetness but will round out the taste.
 

2. Adjust the Water Ratio

Want thicker unsweetened almond milk for coffee or cereal?
 
Use less water, maybe two and a half cups instead of four.
 
For a lighter, more drinkable unsweetened almond milk, add more water until you reach the consistency you love.
 

3. Use Fresh, Raw Almonds

The quality of your almonds really does affect the final result.
 
Raw, unsalted almonds give you the cleanest flavor for unsweetened almond milk.
 
Avoid roasted or salted ones since they’ll change the taste and add sodium you don’t need.
 

4. Blend Long Enough

Don’t rush the blending step.
 
The longer you blend, the creamier your unsweetened almond milk will turn out.
 
Give your blender a full minute or two on high speed so the almonds break down completely.
 

Why Make Unsweetened Almond Milk at Home?

Making unsweetened almond milk at home has some real perks worth mentioning.
 

1. No Additives or Preservatives

Store-bought unsweetened almond milk often contains stabilizers, gums, and preservatives to keep it shelf-stable.
 
When you make unsweetened almond milk yourself, you know exactly what’s in it, and that’s just almonds and water.
 

2. It’s More Affordable

Raw almonds cost less per batch than buying cartons of unsweetened almond milk week after week.
 
One cup of almonds makes about four cups of milk, which stretches your grocery budget further.
 

3. You Control the Taste and Texture

Homemade unsweetened almond milk lets you tweak everything from thickness to flavor.
 
You’re never stuck with a consistency or taste you don’t love.
 

So, How Do You Make Unsweetened Almond Milk?

You make unsweetened almond milk by soaking almonds, blending them with water, and straining the mixture until smooth.
 
That’s really all there is to it, and the result is a fresh, clean-tasting milk you can feel good about.
 
With these tips, your homemade unsweetened almond milk will turn out creamy and delicious every time, and you’ll wonder why you didn’t start making it sooner.
 
So go ahead and give it a try, and enjoy every last drop.