There is a growing trend to consume less dairy milk as more people are discovering the benefits of non-dairy milk. Many stores and supermarkets are now selling soy (soya) milk, rice milk and even almond milk. People find that switching to non-dairy milk is »»]]>

There is a growing trend to consume less dairy milk as more people are discovering the benefits of non-dairy milk. Many stores and supermarkets are now selling soy (soya) milk, rice milk and even almond milk. People find that switching to non-dairy milk is better for health in two principal ways:

Firstly, you avoid all the unhealthy aspects of cow’s milk (too numerous to mention in this article). Secondly, you will greatly benefit from the truly delicious and highly nutritious aspects of plant-based milks.

When it comes to non-dairy milk don’t just think ’soy milk’. There are so many kinds of non-dairy milk that offer a great variety of absolutely delicious flavours. For example, the cool, creamy nutty flavours nut milks are truly mouth-watering. Then you have the exotic and delicious flavours of seed-based milks such as sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds. As soon as you start using non-dairy milk and experience the sheer pleasure of the taste and nutrition, you will not want to go back to cow’s milk.

Some people have the impression that making non-dairy milk is time consuming or that it requires special milk-making equipment. In fact, a new and easy method makes it quick and simple to make non-dairy milk at any time.

Soy milk-makers have been marketed vigorously and this has generated the belief that making milk without a special machine is difficult and time-consuming. The concept of a dedicated milk-maker is that all you have to do is put the ingredients into the machine, then come back later and your milk is ready.

In reality, a milk-maker increases the workload, reduces the nutritional value, and is more time consuming. This is why:

More work: the same preparatory work applies, whether or not using a special milk-maker. With a milk-making appliance you have the additional burden of having to take apart and thoroughly clean all the components afterwards.

A milk-making machine is less effective at squeezing out all the milk (this is done much more effectively and quickly using a simple strainer). With a milk-maker you are generally left with soggy residue that has not been fully squeezed out.

Many milk recipes cannot be made using a milk-making machine as it is principally designed for soybeans. A blender is usually much more effective than the limited mixing capability of a milk-making appliance.

The okara (i.e. the highly nutritious left-over residue) usually ends up being too soggy when using a milk-making machine. Soggy okara is more difficult to keep, or freeze, or use with other food preparations.

When adding condiments (e.g. vanilla extract, maple syrup, salt, etc.) you cannot check the taste of the mixture while you are making it in the machine.

Biggest drawback: It is difficult to control the heating/boiling process, and as a result, the nutritional value of the milk can be affected (vitamins and plant oils are easily destroyed with heat). Bottom line: milk-making machines produce milk with poor nutritional value compared to making milk without such a machine.

If you wish, you can simply buy non-dairy milk sold commercially from a retailer (many supermarkets sell soybean and rice milk). Unfortunately, you are likely to have a limited choice. Also, buying non-dairy milk for the whole family can be quite expensive. It is much cheaper to make your own milk. Furthermore, some commercial non-dairy milks are high in added sugars and may have other additives.

Once you start making your own milk most people never go back to buying any kind of milk, dairy or non-dairy. As soon as you see how home-made milk is so tasty and nutritious, and as soon as you realize how quick and easy it is to make you will never want to go back to buying commercial milk.