Are you a fan of almond milk but tired of paying high prices for store-bought versions?
Have you ever wondered how much it would cost to make your own almond milk at home?
Look no further! In this article, we will explore the cost of making almond milk from scratch and compare it to the cost of buying it at the store.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of making your own almond milk, including controlling the ingredients and avoiding additives.
So, grab your blender and let’s get started on this delicious and cost-effective journey!
How Much Does It Cost To Make Almond Milk?
The cost of making almond milk at home can vary depending on the price of almonds and the amount of water used in the recipe.
According to various sources, it costs anywhere from $0.05 to $0.40 per ounce to make almond milk at home. This means that a 16-ounce batch of almond milk can cost anywhere from $0.80 to $6.40 to make.
The cost of almonds can vary depending on whether they are organic or non-organic and where you purchase them. Non-organic almonds are generally cheaper, with prices ranging from $6 to $8 per pound. Organic almonds can cost upwards of $12 per pound.
Using a 1 cup almond to 2 cups water ratio, it costs about $4.05 to make 2 cups, or 16 ounces of almond milk. However, if you use a higher water ratio, the cost per ounce can be significantly lower.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
To make homemade almond milk, you’ll need just two simple ingredients: raw almonds and water. The amount of almonds you’ll need will depend on how much almond milk you want to make. For example, to make a 1/4 gallon (32 ounces) of almond milk, you’ll need 2 cups (12 ounces) of almonds and 4 cups of water. To make a 1/2 gallon (64 ounces) of almond milk, you’ll need 4 cups of almonds and 8 cups of water.
The cost of almonds will vary depending on where you purchase them and whether they are organic or non-organic. Non-organic almonds are generally cheaper, with prices ranging from $6 to $8 per pound. Organic almonds can cost upwards of $12 per pound.
In addition to almonds and water, you can also add other ingredients to your almond milk to customize the flavor. Some popular additions include vanilla extract, maple syrup, honey, or pitted dates for sweetness. However, keep in mind that adding these ingredients will increase the overall cost of making almond milk at home.
The Cost Breakdown Of Making Almond Milk At Home
To break down the cost of making almond milk at home, let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
If you purchase whole raw almonds from a bulk bin at a store like Whole Foods, the cost can be $12.99 per pound. Using a 1 cup almond to 2 cups water ratio, it costs about $4.05 to make 2 cups, or 16 ounces of almond milk. This means that the cost per ounce is about $0.25.
Alternatively, if you use non-organic almonds that cost around $6 to $8 per pound, you can make almond milk for as low as $0.05 to $0.06 per ounce. This means that a 16-ounce batch of almond milk can cost as little as $0.80 to $0.96 to make.
If you want to use organic almonds, which can cost upwards of $12 per pound, the cost per ounce will be higher. However, making your own almond milk can still be more cost-effective than purchasing store-bought versions that often contain additives and stabilizers.
It’s important to note that the amount of water used in the recipe can also impact the cost per ounce of homemade almond milk. Using a higher water ratio can result in a lower cost per ounce, but may also result in a less creamy texture.
Comparing Homemade Almond Milk To Store-Bought
While making almond milk at home can be a fun and rewarding experience, it’s important to consider the cost compared to buying store-bought almond milk. The price of store-bought almond milk can vary depending on the brand and where you purchase it.
For example, 365 Organic Unsweetened Almond Milk is $1.99 for 32 fluid ounces, while other brands can range from $2.29 to $4.00 for the same amount. This makes store-bought almond milk a more affordable option compared to homemade almond milk.
To put this into perspective, let’s take a look at the cost breakdown for making homemade almond milk. A pound of almonds can cost anywhere from $6 to $12 depending on whether they are organic or non-organic. Using a 1 cup almond to 2 cups water ratio, it costs about $7.99 per pound of almonds to make 16 ounces of almond milk. This is significantly more expensive than buying store-bought almond milk.
However, it’s important to note that homemade almond milk has its own benefits. It’s healthier, richer, and creamier compared to store-bought almond milk. Additionally, homemade almond milk contains way more almonds than store-bought varieties, which can contain as little as 2% almonds.
Ultimately, the decision to make homemade almond milk versus buying store-bought is a personal one that depends on your priorities and budget. While homemade almond milk may be more expensive, it offers a unique taste and nutritional profile that cannot be found in store-bought varieties.
The Benefits Of Making Your Own Almond Milk
Making your own almond milk has several benefits that go beyond just cost savings. Firstly, homemade almond milk is much healthier than store-bought versions, as it contains no artificial ingredients, gums or stabilizers. Instead, it only contains almonds and water in their basic form, making it a more nutrient-dense option.
Additionally, homemade almond milk has a richer and creamier texture compared to store-bought versions. This is because the taste of almond milk reflects the taste of the almonds used in it. By using high-quality, organic and fresh almonds, you can ensure that your homemade almond milk has a superior taste and flavor.
Another benefit of making your own almond milk is that you have complete control over the ingredients used. You can customize the sweetness and flavor to your liking by adding natural sweeteners like honey or dates, or even spices like cinnamon or vanilla extract.
Lastly, making your own almond milk is an eco-friendly option as you can reduce waste by reusing the almond pulp leftover from the process. This pulp can be used in various recipes like smoothies, baked goods or even as a topping for oatmeal.
Tips For Making Perfect Almond Milk Every Time
Making homemade almond milk is a simple and affordable process that can yield delicious results. Here are some tips for making perfect almond milk every time:
1. Soak the almonds overnight: Soaking the almonds overnight in cool water helps to soften them and make them easier to blend. This also helps to remove any bitterness from the skins.
2. Use fresh water: Use fresh, filtered water when blending the almonds. This will help to ensure that your almond milk is clean and free of any impurities.
3. Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender is essential for making smooth and creamy almond milk. If you don’t have a high-speed blender, you can still make almond milk, but it may not be as smooth.
4. Strain the milk: After blending the almonds and water, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any solids. This will help to ensure that your almond milk is smooth and creamy.
5. Add sweeteners or flavorings: If desired, you can add sweeteners or flavorings to your almond milk. Dates, maple syrup, or vanilla extract are popular options.
6. Store properly: Homemade almond milk should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using, as separation may occur.
By following these tips, you can make perfect almond milk every time and enjoy its delicious taste and health benefits without breaking the bank.
Creative Ways To Use Leftover Almond Pulp
One of the best things about making almond milk at home is the leftover almond pulp that can be repurposed in various ways. Here are some creative ways to use leftover almond pulp:
1. Almond Flour: Drying out the leftover almond pulp and blending it in a high-speed blender or food processor can yield a fine, powdery flour that can be used in baking recipes. One cup of almonds used in making almond milk should yield roughly 2/3 cup raw almond pulp or 2/3 cup dried almond meal.
2. Bread Crumbs: Spread the wet almond pulp onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and dry it at your oven’s lowest temperature or use a food dehydrator to make it raw. Once your pulp is dry, crumble it up and store it in the fridge to use in recipes that call for bread crumbs as a topping or breading.
3. Smoothies: Toss a half cup of leftover almond pulp into your smoothies to add fiber and protein, leaving you feeling even more satisfied.
4. Granola Bars: The leftover almond pulp can be used to make delicious chocolate chip granola bars that are full of flavor, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and oil-free.
5. Thumbprint Cookies: Thumbprint almond pulp cookies are the easiest and tastiest way to use leftover almond pulp from homemade almond milk. These cookies are gluten-free and vegan fun treats!
6. Crackers: Almond pulp crackers are an easy way to re-purpose the almond pulp leftover from making homemade almond milk. This recipe is completely adaptable, so feel free to use any ingredients you have on hand.
If you are conscious of your power bill, one solution is to collect the pulp from every batch of almond milk you make in an airtight container and freeze it to dry out later in bigger batches. Another option is to invest in a dehydrator, which is supposedly the most efficient and environmentally friendly way to dry it out. However, since I do not own one and have no experience with using it, I will leave it at that. Overall, there are many creative ways to use leftover almond pulp that can save you money and reduce food waste.
