Hemp milk is one of the easiest plant milks to make at home. It’s creamy, a little nutty, and it comes together in about five minutes with two ingredients. If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just want an alternative to dairy, this is worth learning. Here’s how.
Why make your own?
A few good reasons. You control what goes in, so you can skip the additives and preservatives that show up in a lot of store-bought cartons. It’s cheaper, since the packaged versions aren’t cheap. And honestly it’s a fun little kitchen project, one where you get to play with flavors and dial the sweetness exactly where you want it.
What you’ll need
- 1 cup shelled hemp seeds
- 4 cups water
- A blender
- A nut milk bag or cheesecloth
- A container for the finished milk
Step by step
- Rinse the hemp seeds in a fine-mesh strainer, then drop them in the blender.
- Add the water and blend on high for 2 to 3 minutes, until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Pour it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth into a large bowl to separate the liquid from the solids.
- Squeeze the bag or cloth to wring out as much liquid as you can.
- Pour the hemp milk into a container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Flavor variations
Plain is nice, but this is where the fun is. A few popular add-ins:
- Vanilla extract with a sweetener like maple syrup or honey
- Cocoa powder and sweetener for chocolate hemp milk
- Berries or other fruit for a fruity version
- Spices like cinnamon or nutmeg
The bottom line
Homemade hemp milk is a simple, cheap way to enjoy a dairy-free milk that actually tastes good. It’s creamy and nutty, and it works anywhere you’d use cow’s milk, from smoothies to soups. Lactose intolerant, vegan, or just curious, it’s an easy one to try.
FAQs
What is hemp milk? A dairy-free milk made from hemp seeds, with a creamy texture and nutty flavor. Popular with people who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
Is it healthy? Yes. It’s low in saturated fat, contains essential fatty acids like Omega-3 and Omega-6, and provides protein, vitamins, and minerals.
Can I cook and bake with it? Absolutely. Use it just like cow’s milk in smoothies, soups, and baking recipes.
How long does it keep? Up to 5 days in an airtight container in the fridge. Give it a good shake before using, since it tends to separate.
One last tip: the quality of your ingredients really shows up in the final product. Use fresh, high-quality hemp seeds and filtered water, and with a little experimentation you’ll land on a version that’s both delicious and good for you.