Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (2024)

How can I make such a bold claim? Because, it’s true. Homemade almond milk creamer is more versatile, delicious (IMO), and seamless than store-bought varieties. It’s also healthier, “cleaner,” and truly plant-based. And did I mention, you can make it straight from your pantry with ingredients that you probably have on hand right now? There’s no need to go out for an unnecessary trip to the store when you have this dairy-free almond creamer recipe at your fingertips!

Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (1)

Homemade Almond Milk Creamer that’s Way Better than Store-Bought

This recipe is from my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, which is available in print and instantly as an ebook. I’ve filled that book with dozens of dairy substitute recipes and shortcuts for every need that I could think of. This dairy-free almond milk creamer recipe can be found in the “Cream of the Crop” recipe chapter, and below! As always, I have some alternatives and tips to help this recipe work perfectly for you.

Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (2)

Instant Option

If you don’t have time to soak the nuts, I have a shortcut for you. Blend the nuts in your spice grinder, blender, or food processor until they are finely ground and close to powdered. (If using almonds, I recommend using blanched nuts since you won’t be able to peel them.) Add the powdered / ground nuts to your blender with half of the water. Blend until smooth and creamy. Blend in the remaining water and ingredients.

This method usually produces a thicker finish and less sediment, so I often need to add a little more water. In theory, this sounds like a better method, but we prefer the cleaner taste that you get with the soaked method over this instant option. If you have time, soak first.

Other Types of Nut Creamers

Yes, you can use this recipe with other nuts! Most work well, but check out my post on How to Make the Best Dairy-Free Creamer for a ranked list of the nuts that work best. That post also includes more tips and suggestions that you might find helpful.

Hazelnuts and cashews are the two alternate nuts I recommend most for this recipe, but you might like some of the other nutty options. You can always whip up just a half batch, and use the substitute suggestions that follow if it doesn’t work out.

Homemade Almond Creamer is a Good Substitute for Half & Half or Carnation Almond Cooking Milk

If you need a light cream or half & half for a recipe, and the light nuttiness of almond fits the flavor profile, you can use this almond milk creamer as a substitute! Simply omit the sweetener and flavoring. If you’ve already sweetened or flavored the recipe, it will still work well in smoothies, pancakes, baked goods, and over cereal. Just thin it with a little more water if you need more of a milk beverage.

Special Diet Notes: Almond Milk Creamer

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, vegetarian, paleo-friendly, and optionally keto-friendly.

5.0 from 4 reviews

Dairy-Free Almond Milk Creamer

Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (3)

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Prep time

Total time

My favorite nut to use for this creamer is blanched or peeled almonds, but cashews and hazelnuts also work well. If you want a slightly creamier base and don’t mind a nuttier flavor, you can reduce the water to 2 cups. Please note that the Prep time is hands-on time only; the nuts need time to soak! You can pre-soak the nuts and keep them in an airtight container in your refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Author: Alisa Fleming

Recipe type: Drinks

Cuisine: American

Serves: 2¾ cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup almonds, preferably blanched* (see post above for other options)
  • 2½ cups water, plus additional for soaking
  • 1 to 3 tablespoons sweetener, to taste (optional)
  • ½ to 1 teaspoon vanilla, almond, or hazelnut extract, to taste (optional)
  • Pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Put the almonds in a container and cover with a few inches of water. Cover and place in the refrigerator to soak for 12 to 24 hours.
  2. Drain and rinse the almonds.
  3. Put the soaked almonds and 2½ cups water in your blender. Blend until relatively smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  4. For a smoother finish, pour the milky mixture through a nut milk bag or a few layers of cheesecloth lining a sieve to strain. Squeeze the pulp to extract as much milky goodness as possible.
  5. Return the nut creamer to your blender and blend in the sweetener (if using), extract (if using), and salt.
  6. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir before each use; it will thicken and separate as it chills.

Notes

*If the almonds aren’t blanched, I recommend peeling them for optimum flavor and creaminess. It’s easy to peel a soaked almond, but there are a lot of them! I do this while watching TV or listening to music. If you don’t have time to peel them, the flavor will be a little deeper and more rustic.

Nutrition Facts: These are based on 1 tablespoon of sugar. Each tablespoon of sweetener added, will add about .3g sugar and 1 calorie per serving.

This recipe is from my flagship book, Go Dairy Free: The Guide and Cookbook, which is available in print and instantly, via eBook.

Nutrition Information

Serving size:1 tablespoon Calories:14 Fat:1.1g Saturated fat:.1g Carbohydrates:.8g Sugar:.4g Sodium:0mg Fiber:.3g Protein:.5g

For More Dairy Substiture Recipes, Get Go Dairy Free!

Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (4)

Almond Milk Creamer Recipe that's Way Better than Store-Bought (2024)

FAQs

Does almond milk make a good coffee creamer? ›

Emulsifying a bit of coconut oil into homemade almond milk creates a thick and creamy result, that actually makes you feel like you're drinking a traditional coffee creamer.

How do you thicken almond milk for creamer? ›

Almond milk is water that almonds (shell and skins removed) that are ground to a fine pulp then drained through a filter. The only way almond milk thick like heavy cream would be to use a thickener. If you don't want to use heat and cornstarch, rice flower or arrowroot you can use xanthan gum (zan than gum).

Is almond creamer healthier than regular creamer? ›

Cow's milk contains saturated fat, while many plant-based creamers are free of this type of fat. Coconut creamers are one of the few exceptions. If saturated fat is a concern, try soy- or almond-based creamers.

What is the healthiest creamer to put in my coffee? ›

30 healthiest coffee creamers
  • Elm & Rye Coffee Creamer.
  • Vital Proteins Collagen Coffee Creamer.
  • LAIRD Superfood Creamer.
  • Bulletproof French Vanilla Creamer.
  • nutpods French Vanilla Creamer.
  • Califia Farms – French Vanilla Almond Milk Coffee Creamer.
  • Copper Cow Coffee California Sweetened Condensed Milk Creamers.
Aug 9, 2023

What is the creamiest almond milk for coffee? ›

First Street Vanilla Almondmilk

As one taste tester put it, “This is like liquified vanilla pudding.” Its thick, luscious consistency rivals heavy cream, making it some of the best almond milk for coffee, especially if your usual order is a vanilla latte.

Why does almond milk not mix well with coffee? ›

Why Does Almond Milk Curdle in Coffee? Unlike dairy milk, almond milk contains fewer stabilizing proteins, making it more prone to curdling. Additionally, the acidity of coffee can also contribute to the curdling process, as the proteins in almond milk react to the acid in the coffee.

What makes extra creamy almond milk creamy? ›

Almonds, of course! Added authentic Blue Diamond almond oil blended with the Almondmilk you already know and love creates the extra creamy texture reminiscent of whole dairy milk. So basically, our answer to make our new Almondmilk was the use of more of our almonds because the Best Almonds Make the Best Almondmilk®.

How do I make almond milk taste like heavy cream? ›

To make a heavy cream substitute with almond milk, we recommend adding soaked nuts or vegan butter, or plain silken tofu to get the right texture. Add sweeteners as desired to replicate the taste in sweet recipes.

What is the best thickener for almond milk? ›

These thickeners are often made from ingredients like xanthan gum or carrageenan, which help create a desirable thickness without altering the taste of your almond milk. Xanthan gum, a popular choice among plant-based milk enthusiasts, is a natural thickening agent derived from fermented sugars.

Which is better for you Oatmilk or almond milk? ›

Depends. If you're aiming to lose weight or are diabetic, almond milk with its lower sugar and calorie content might be right for you. On the other side, oat milk is high in fiber and nutrients, which boosts heart health and immunity, and helps muscle grow.

Is almond creamer anti inflammatory? ›

While not all almond milk products are created equal, many do contain high levels of vitamin E and other anti-inflammatory nutrients, making them a potentially beneficial choice for those looking to reduce inflammation in their diets.

What is the healthiest milk or creamer for coffee? ›

Both half and half and 1% milk are better choices than the non-dairy creamers. They are less processed and have more vitamins and minerals. But between these two dairy options, 1% milk is a better choice because it has less saturated fat and cholesterol than half and half.

How can I make coffee taste better without creamer or sugar? ›

Try one of these four ways to flavor your coffee without adding cream or sugar.
  1. Vanilla extract. Try adding a few drops of vanilla extract as a sugar substitute. ...
  2. Cinnamon. ...
  3. Salt. ...
  4. Unsweetened cocoa powder.
Sep 22, 2021

Is there such a thing as healthy creamer? ›

Many healthy coffee creamers have no added oils or gums. Three of the brands on our list — Elmhurst, So Delicious, and Chobani® — fall into that category. Two other options include nutpods' dairy-free creamer and this pistachio crème oat creamer from Elmhurst.

What is a good substitute for creamer in coffee? ›

Simple Ingredients For A Healthier Cup Of Coffee
  • Heavy Cream. This is heavy whipping cream which you'll find in the dairy aisle. ...
  • Full-Fat Canned Coconut Milk. ...
  • Unsalted Butter. ...
  • Unsweetened Nut Milk. ...
  • MCT Oil. ...
  • Coconut Oil. ...
  • Honey. ...
  • Real Maple Syrup.
Apr 1, 2024

Why does my almond milk creamer curdle in hot coffee? ›

Why does almond milk curdle in coffee? Nut milks are very different from dairy milks in that they have a lighter consistency (they're mostly water) and contain less protein, which makes them less stable when it comes to heat.

Why does almond milk creamer upset my stomach? ›

In conclusion, while almond milk is a popular dairy-free alternative, it may cause digestive issues in some individuals. The presence of FODMAPs and the high fiber content in almond milk can contribute to symptoms such as bloating, gas, and stomach pain.

What's the difference between almond milk and almond milk creamer? ›

A: The milk is thinner & does not taste good in coffee. The creamer seems to be thicker & adds a nice flavor to the creamer. I tried to do the milk in coffee & it's like adding nonfat milk to coffee.

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