Whether you’ve just ran out of almond milk in the midst of a baking marathon or you want to experiment with more ecologically friendly alternative milk choices, there are several almond milk replacements to test. Nondairy milk options such as cashew, coconut, and rice milk all offer comparable nutrients, taste, and texture.

Top 5 Almond Milk Substitutes

There are many of almond milk alternatives to test, but we feel the five listed below are the finest.

Cashew Milk

Cashew milk is a great almond milk replacement. In terms of consistency and taste, it is significantly closer to conventional cow’s milk. It also has a richer, creamier texture than other forms of nondairy milk, which may make it simpler for typical dairy consumers to switch to.

Cashew milk tastes somewhat earthier than almond milk, whereas almond milk tastes nuttier. Cashew milk is excellent on its own as a coffee creamer, in soups and sauces, and simply as a solo glass.

To make this nut milk, soak roasted and shelled cashews in filtered water until soft enough to grind into a pulp. The particles are filtered away, and the liquid that remains is known as milk.

Cashew and almond milk are quite comparable in terms of nutrients. Both are low in fat and calories. One cup includes one gram of carbs. They also include less than 1 gram of protein per cup and are supplemented with vitamins A, D, E, and calcium.

Cashew milk may be replaced for almond milk in most recipes at a 1:1 ratio.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk is a fantastic substitute for almond milk. Coconut milk is a creamy, higher-fat substitute that offers many of the same advantages as conventional milk. It is substantially thicker than almond milk and is created from the flesh of the coconut. It has a naturally sweet taste that may be used to enrich everything from your morning coffee to your supper sauce.

Unlike almond milk, coconut milk may also be used as a substitute for whipped cream. The end product is a light, fluffy cream with just a trace of coconut flavor.

Coconut milk has more calories than almond milk, with 1 cup containing around 70 calories and 6g of sugar. Despite this, coconut milk may be substituted in most recipes in a 1:1 ratio. Keep in mind that the creamier texture of coconut milk may affect the final result.

Soy Milk

Soy milk is a popular plant-based milk replacement that works well in place of almond milk, particularly if you’re trying to avoid nuts. It is prepared from soybeans and is usually enriched with vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids to provide a nutritious, non-dairy alternative.

Soy milk is thicker and creamier than almond milk, which has a neutral taste with a trace of nuttiness. It has a moderate taste, although many people describe it as gritty when consumed alone. However, when used in recipes, the less pleasant tastes are mostly eliminated.

1 cup of soy milk has 80 calories, 4g of fat, 3g of carbohydrates, and 2g of fiber. It also has 7g of protein, which is much more than almond milk’s protein level.

To substitute almond milk for soy milk in a recipe, just change it out in a 1:1 ratio. Soy milk is best used in the preparation of sweets and desserts such as cake, pie, and other structure-heavy dishes.

Oat Milk

Steel-cut oats are steeped in water before being mixed and filtered to make oat milk. The residual liquid is smooth and has a warm, toasted oat flavor that many people prefer to almond milk’s nutty flavor.

Because it is creamier than almond milk, oat milk is an excellent substitute. It may simply be substituted for almond milk in any dish, including sweets and savory soups. Because it foams up more quickly than nut milk alternatives, baristas often utilize oat milk for nondairy lattes and espresso drinks.

At 120 calories per cup, oat milk has a greater calorie content than almond milk. It also comprises 5 grams of fat, 3 grams of protein, 16 grams of carbs, and 7 grams of sugar. It has the highest carb count of any substitute milk we’ve explored so far, ruling it out for paleo and keto diet devotees.

Oat milk, on the other hand, is rich in calcium and vitamin D and has much less sugar than conventional cow’s milk.

Hemp Milk

Hemp milk is another popular dairy-alternative milk. Hemp milk is manufactured in the same way as other alternative milks, with hemp seeds mixed with water and the solids filtered off. Hemp milk has a distinct earthy taste and the consistency of milk.

Although hemp milk is made from the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant, widely known as marijuana, the seeds have very low THC contents. That implies the milk will not make you high.

Hemp milk is an excellent almond milk substitute for those who are allergic to almonds or dislike the flavor of soy or oat milk.

At 130 calories per cup, it is a high-calorie option. Hemp milk also has 4g of protein, 3g of fat, 15g of sugar, and 20g of carbs in a single serving. Its greater carb and sugar content makes it ideal for energy maintenance. This is also a sweeter alternative to many milk substitutes.

Most hemp milk contains vitamins and minerals such as A, D, B12, iron, zinc, and calcium. Many commercially produced hemp milks include thickeners to give them a richer, creamier texture.

You may use it in place of oat milk in any dish, just like the other best almond milk substitutes on our list.

It is crucial to remember that when substituting another kind of milk or alternative ingredient into a recipe that asks for almond milk, you should use something as similar to almond milk as possible to obtain the desired texture and consistency of the finished result.

Substitute for Almond Milk in Baking

When it comes to baking using almond milk alternatives, it is recommended to stay with nut milks like cashew or coconut.

People who live a vegan diet have long used cashew milk in baking. Although it isn’t widely consumed on its own, it has a great texture and creaminess that elevates recipes that call for almond milk. Coconut is also fantastic for overall texture, although it will impart a faint coconut taste to anything you’re baking.

Soy milk is the greatest nut-free alternative to almond milk if you have allergies or other dietary limitations. With its watery foundation, this milk substitute has a similar texture and viscosity to normal almond milk.

Soy milk, in particular, is an excellent substitute due to its high protein content and mild taste. It retains its structure at high temperatures, allowing it to preserve the structure of muffins, cakes, or cookies without dominating the foundation tastes in your treat.

Substitute for Almond Milk in a Recipe

When cooking, it is recommended to use thicker, creamier options such as coconut milk or cashew milk for almond milk. With their larger fat content and pleasing texture, these non-dairy alternatives will be able to improve the recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s look at some of the most often asked questions about almond milk replacements.

Can I replace almond milk with water?

Although water is not the finest alternative for almond milk, it will suffice if you have no other choice. Water will supply the liquid your recipe requires, but it will most likely change the final result by making it less creamy or rich.

To compensate for the loss of fat when substituting water for almond milk, add a tablespoon of butter per cup of water.

Can you substitute coconut water for almond milk?

In a similar line, many people question whether coconut water may be substituted for almond milk.

Coconut water may be used as an almond milk substitute; nevertheless, it has the same risks as ordinary water. Coconut water differs from coconut milk in that it is the current liquid inside a coconut rather than a combination formed from the fruit’s white meat.

Final Thoughts

Cashew milk, coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk, and rice milk are the finest almond milk substitutes. Although making a decision might be difficult, there is no law that says you can’t try them all. Simply consider what you intend to cook or bake and how the underlying components of protein, fat content, and sugar content will influence the final product.