How to Make Your Own Easy Almond Milk, Cashew Milk and Hemp Milk

Many people are avoiding milk these days, with good reason. Whether it's because they're vegan, Paleo, lactose intolerant or because they don't agree with how the dairy industry treats cows, finding alternatives can be a challenge.

Make your own milk with just a few ingredients. (Image: Getty Images)

Once you stop drinking milk, you'll be surprised by how many foods, recipes and drinks (hello, morning coffee!) require or contain milk. If you're trying to go dairy-free and aren't happy with the alternatives at your local supermarket, you can always try making your own. I reached out to the ladies at Ritual Wellness who shared these three easy recipes for do-it-yourself milk alternatives.

Many of these recipes call for a bit of vanilla extract, cinnamon, agave, and other flavorings. (Image: LIVESTRONG.COM)

1. Almond Milk

This delicious nut milk will have you swearing off dairy forever. Full of protein, essential minerals and healthy fats, this is the perfect protein shake. If you'd like to see the full nutritional information for this recipe, here's the link to it in LIVESTRONG.COM's free calorie tracker. (Makes 16 ounces).

Ingredients
1/2 cup raw almonds, soaked in water for 6 to 8 hours, then drained
1 1/2 cups water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon raw agave, or 2 Medjool dates, pitted

Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Strain through a strainer or a chinois. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours.

Cashew milk is a great source of protein and potassium. (Image: LIVESTRONG.COM)

2. Cashew Milk

This is so tasty you'll think you're eating something bad for you rather than a great source of protein and potassium. If you'd like to see the full nutritional information for this recipe, here's the link to it in LIVESTRONG.COM's free calorie tracker. (Makes 16 ounces).

Ingredients
2/3 cup raw cashew nuts, soaked in water for 4 hours, then drained
2 cups water
1 cup ice
1 Medjool date, pitted or 1 teaspoon raw agave
2 frozen bananas, peeled
2 tablespoons raw cacao powder (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Pinch of Celtic sea salt

Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours.

Add a bit of orange zest to amplify the flavor. (Image: LIVESTRONG.COM)

3. Hemp Milk

Hemp is a great low-fat, lower-calorie source of protein. For flavoring, choose cinnamon or orange zest, based on your personal preference, since on its own, hemp doesn't have a lot of taste. If you'd like to see the full nutritional information for this recipe, here's the link to it in LIVESTRONG.COM's free calorie tracker. (Makes 16 ounces).

Ingredients
1/2 cup hemp seeds
1 tablespoon raw agave, or 2 Medjool dates, pitted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon or orange zest

Directions
Combine all of the ingredients in a high-speed blender and blend until smooth. Store in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 36 hours.

What Do YOU Think?

Do you drink cow's milk or other milk alternatives? What's your preferred milk or milk substitute? Do you drink it on its own or include it within recipes? Have you tried making your own milk substitute? Leave a comment below and let us know.

- Luz Plaza