Are you a fan of homemade almond milk but worried about missing out on important nutrients like calcium?
Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to easily fortify your homemade almond milk with calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals.
Whether you’re making almond milk for yourself or your little ones, this simple addition will ensure that you’re getting all the nutrients you need.
Plus, we’ll share some tips for making your almond milk even creamier and sweeter.
So grab your blender and let’s get started!
How To Add Calcium To Homemade Almond Milk?
Adding calcium to homemade almond milk is a simple process that can be done with just a few extra steps. Here’s how:
1. Soak your almonds: Before making your almond milk, soak your raw, unsalted almonds in water for 12-24 hours. This will help them blend more easily and create a smoother milk.
2. Blend your almonds: Drain and rinse the soaked almonds, then add them to a blender with 4 cups of water and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
3. Strain your milk: Pour the blended mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to strain out any pulp. Squeeze the bag to extract as much milk as possible.
4. Add calcium powder: Return the strained almond milk to the blender and add your desired amount of calcium powder. We recommend using calcium citrate or a calcium-magnesium combination for better absorption.
5. Blend again: Blend the almond milk and calcium powder together until well combined.
6. Store and enjoy: Pour your fortified almond milk into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Remember to stir before each use, as it may thicken and separate as it chills.
By adding calcium powder to your homemade almond milk, you can ensure that you’re getting all the essential nutrients you need for strong bones and overall health.
Why Adding Calcium To Almond Milk Is Important
Almond milk is not naturally high in calcium, unlike cow’s milk, which is an excellent source of absorbable dietary calcium. Calcium is essential for normal development and maintenance of bones, muscle and heart function. Low intakes of calcium can lead to osteoporosis, which is one of the major causes of morbidity amongst older adults. Therefore, it is important to ensure that you are consuming enough calcium in your diet. Adding calcium powder to homemade almond milk is an easy and effective way to increase your calcium intake. Calcium-fortified plant-based milks are recommended as alternatives in the dairy food group by the Australian Dietary Guidelines, as long as they are fortified with at least 100mg of calcium per 100mL of milk. By fortifying your homemade almond milk with calcium powder, you can make it a healthier and more nutritious option for your daily diet.
Other Nutrients To Consider Adding To Almond Milk
While calcium is an important nutrient to add to almond milk, there are other essential vitamins and minerals that can be beneficial as well. Here are some other nutrients to consider adding:
1. Vitamin D: Almond milk is naturally low in vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. Look for a plant-based vitamin D supplement and add it to your fortified almond milk.
2. Vitamin B12: This vitamin is important for nerve function and the production of red blood cells. It is typically found in animal products, so vegans and vegetarians may need to supplement their diets with B12. Look for a plant-based B12 supplement and add it to your almond milk.
3. Protein: While almonds do contain some protein, it may not be enough for those who rely on almond milk as a primary source of protein. Consider adding a plant-based protein powder to your fortified almond milk for an extra boost.
4. Omega-3 fatty acids: Almond milk is not a significant source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for brain and heart health. Consider adding a plant-based omega-3 supplement, such as flaxseed oil or algae oil, to your fortified almond milk.
By adding these additional nutrients to your homemade almond milk, you can create a well-rounded and nutritious beverage that supports your overall health and wellness.
Tips For Making Creamier And Sweeter Almond Milk
If you want to make your homemade almond milk creamier and sweeter, there are several tips and tricks you can try.
1. Add coconut oil, vanilla, and maple syrup: For an extra-special treat, add 1 tablespoon of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of vanilla, and 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or 2 pitted dates to the mixture before blending. This will result in a creamy, sweet, and irresistible almond milk.
2. Use agave syrup: To sweeten your nut milk, use 1 tablespoon of agave syrup per quart of homemade almond milk. Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that won’t spike your blood sugar levels like regular sugar.
3. Make chocolate almond milk: For a delicious chocolate flavor, add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder or roasted cacao powder per quart of almond milk. Blend well to ensure the powder is fully incorporated.
4. Add cinnamon: For an extra burst of flavor, add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon per quart of almond milk. This will give your nut milk a warm and cozy taste.
5. Try fruit-infused almond milk: Blend 1 1/2 cups of plant-based milk, 3 strawberries, and honey to taste for a delicious strawberry almond milk. You can also experiment with other fruits like blueberries or raspberries.
6. Use pumpkin spice: For a fall-inspired flavor, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin spice per quart of homemade nut milk. This will give your almond milk a warm and spicy taste that’s perfect for chilly days.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make your homemade almond milk taste even better and more satisfying. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.
How To Store And Use Fortified Almond Milk.
Fortified almond milk is a great option for those looking for a nutritional replacement for dairy milk. However, it’s important to properly store and use it to ensure maximum freshness and quality.
When it comes to storing fortified almond milk, the guidelines are similar to those of regular almond milk. Shelf-stable almond milk can be stored in your pantry for up to two months before opening, and up to 10 days in the fridge after opening. Almond milk bought from the refrigerated section of your market will last in your fridge for about seven to 10 days. It’s important to always check the expiration date on the package before consuming.
When using fortified almond milk, it’s important to be mindful of the added nutrients. Some products boast twice the calcium as cow’s milk, which can be beneficial for those who need more calcium in their diet. However, it’s also possible to consume too much of certain nutrients, such as vitamin A, zinc, and niacin. This is especially important to consider for children who may be consuming fortified almond milk in addition to other fortified foods.
If you’re looking for a non-fortified option, you can still use almond milk in place of cow’s milk. It’s relatively low in calories and high in nutrients like vitamin E and calcium. Almond milk can be used in a variety of ways, from adding it to coffee and smoothies to using it in savory dishes like creamy soups and sauces.
