Don’t let the name “Lotus Produce Bag” fool you. These multi-purpose mesh bags do a lot more than hold fruits and veggies. One of the coolest ways to use our produce bags is to make your own almond milk!
Below, we’ll show you just how easy it is to make your own almond milk using a Lotus Produce Bag. But first, let's learn a little more about the health benefits of almond milk.
7 Healthy Reasons to Love Almond Milk
1. Almond milk is low in calories
Although almonds are caloric, almond milk is very light. In fact, almond milk contains about 65-80% fewer calories than cow’s milk. Try replacing milk with almond milk in your morning cereal to reduce your daily calorie intake.
2. Almond milk is low in sugar
Well, unsweetened almond milk is low in sugar. (Store-bought almond milk is often packed with sweeteners. All the more reason to make your own!) One cup of unsweetened almond milk contains zero grams of sugar and only 1-2 carbohydrates, which are mostly fiber. Dairy milks can contain 17 grams of sugar or more per cup!
3. Almond milk is high in vitamin E
Almonds are naturally high in vitamin E, providing 37% of your daily requirement per ounce. Almond milk is just as nourishing, providing up to 50% of your daily vitamin E in just one cup! Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that combats inflammation and stress in the body. It helps protect against heart disease and cancer, while also strengthening our eyes and brain health. Pretty cool, right? And guess what, there is no vitamin E in cow’s milk!
4. Almond milk is naturally lactose-free
Trouble digesting dairy products? Have no fear! Almond milk is here. Don’t worry, you are not alone. Lactose intolerance is estimated to affect up to 75% of people worldwide. That’s a lot of people. Luckily, almond milk is naturally lactose-free, making it a great alternative to dairy milk.
5. Almond milk is dairy-free and vegan
Sustainable diets with no dairy or animal products are more popular now than ever. Having a get-together or baking cookies for the school’s bake sale? Use plant-based almond milk as a substitute for dairy milk in all of your favorite recipes.
6. Almond milk is low in phosphorus, with a moderate amount of potassium
If you or someone you love has a chronic kidney disease, you know to avoid dairy milk because of its high levels of phosphorus and potassium. If too much of these nutrients build up in the blood, they can cause serious health issues like heart and bone disease. Almond milk contains much less phosphorus and potassium than dairy milk, making it a safer choice for individuals with kidney complications.
7. Almond milk is delicious!
Almond milk is light, refreshing and nutrient-packed. And, just like cow’s milk, almond milk can be enjoyed in so many ways:
- As a nutritious drink
- In cereal or oats
- In coffee or tea
- To make hot chocolate or cold chocolate milk
- Cooking and baking
- Soups and sauces
- Homemade ice cream and yogurt
Is your mouth watering yet? Ours is. So let's get to the good stuff...
How to Make Almond Milk
(yields about 4 cups)
Measure 1-2 cups of almonds
Soak overnight
Drain water
Place almonds in blender and blend for 30-60 seconds
Add 4 cups water and blend until creamy
Place a Lotus Produce Bag over a glass measuring cup (We like to use the smallest bag, but you can use any size produce bag! Just fold it over the sides of the measuring cup.)
Pour the mixture into the produce bag
Close the bag so nothing spills out. Then lift the bag and twist to strain over the measuring cup.
That’s it! Rince or machine wash your Lotus Produce Bag and hang to dry.
Refrigerate almond milk
Make Almond Flour with the Leftover Almonds
After straining all the almond milk out of your Lotus Produce Bag, open the bag and spread the leftover almonds onto a baking tray. Bake at 200 degrees (F) for 2 hours. Store in a cool, dry place.
Healthy Almond Chicken Fritters
Looking for an easy way to use your homemade almond flour? Try our healthy almond chicken fritters!
In a large bowl, whisk together 2-3 eggs. Dip each cut of chicken into the egg. Then, coat the chicken in your homemade almond flour. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy.