Green milk has become an increasingly popular non-dairy milk alternative in recent years. But where does it come from and how is it made? Here we will explore the origins, ingredients, and production process behind this uniquely hued plant milk.
What is Green Milk?
Green milk, sometimes called green almond milk, refers to non-dairy milk substitutes made from almonds or other nuts/seeds that have a distinct green coloration. The green hue comes from the addition of natural green ingredients during production.
Like other plant-based milks, green milk provides a vegan/dairy-free alternative to traditional dairy milk that is suitable for those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. It has a mild nutty flavor and creamy texture while offering nutrients like vitamin E, calcium, and iron.
Origins of Green Milk
The origins of commercially made green milk can be traced back to Elle&Vire, a French company that launched the first mass-produced version in 2014. Their L’EAM beverage featured almonds and spirulina, lending it a vibrant green color.
Spirulina is a blue-green microalgae that acts as the main natural colorant used in most green milks today. In addition to its rich color, spirulina contains protein, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it a nutritious additive.
While Elle&Vire brought it into the mainstream, alternative milks featuring green ingredients existed long before. Homemade versions using pistachios or added greens like kale, matcha, avocado, and spinach have been around for many years.
Common Ingredients
There are a few key ingredients that tend to feature in most store-bought green milk options:
- Base – This is usually water and nuts, like almonds, cashews, or pistachios.
- Thickener – Gums like guar, locust bean, and xanthan are added to give a creamy, milk-like consistency.
- Green coloring – Spirulina or other greens like kale, spinach, or matcha provide color.
- Sweetener – Sugar or alternative sweeteners add sweetness.
- Emulsifier – Soy/sunflower lecithin helps bind ingredients.
- Flavorings – Natural flavors, vanilla, cocoa, etc may enhance taste.
- Salt
- Vitamins/minerals – Calcium, vitamin D and riboflavin are often added to mimic dairy milk.
Ingredients will vary somewhat between brands and recipes. Homemade versions may contain fewer additives.
How Green Milk is Made Commercially
Commercial green milk production follows a process similar to other plant milks, with some additional steps:
- Soaking – Nuts, seeds, grains, or legumes are soaked to soften.
- Straining – The soaked mixture is blended with water then strained to remove solids.
- Heating – The strained milk is heated, often along with thickeners like gums or starches.
- Adding color – Spirulina or other green ingredients are mixed in, lending color.
- Standardizing nutrition – Vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may be added.
- Flavoring – Sugar, salt, vanilla and more are added for taste.
- Homogenizing – The mixture is homogenized for smooth, uniform texture.
- Bottling – Finally, the green milk is bottled, packaged, and shipped out.
The ingredients and exact process can vary depending on factors like raw materials, technology, target nutrition/taste, desired shelf life, and more. Large manufacturers have the equipment and expertise to optimize these.
Common Brands and Varieties
Some top brands producing green milk include:
- Elmhurst – Their Milked Almonds variety uses cold-milled almonds, sunflower lecithin, and spirulina.
- Pacifica – Their Creamy Emerald Green Almond contains coconut cream and sunflower lecithin.
- Plenish – Their Organic Green Cashew Milk features cold-pressed cashews and spirulina.
- Rebel Kitchen – Their Mylk Mint Almond uses coconut sugar, cold-pressed almonds, and spirulina.
In addition to almond and cashew bases, options like pistachio, hazelnut, coconut, oat, and pea green milks can also be found. Flavors include plain/unflavored, chocolate, vanilla, matcha, and mint.
Nutrition Profile
Green milk nutrition will vary depending on the exact ingredients used. However, in general it typically provides:
| Nutrient | Amount per 8 oz |
|---|---|
| Calories | 60-100 |
| Fat | 3-5g |
| Carbs | 5-10g |
| Protein | 1-3g |
| Calcium | 200-500mg (fortified) |
| Vitamin D | 25-100 IU (fortified) |
| Riboflavin | 0.2-0.5mg (fortified) |
Benefits of some key ingredients:
- Nuts – Good fats, protein, magnesium, iron, zinc
- Seeds – Protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E
- Spirulina – Protein, antioxidants, B vitamins, iron
- Matcha – Caffeine, antioxidants, amino acids
How to Make at Home
It’s easy to make your own green milk at home with just a few ingredients:
Basic Green Milk Recipe
- 2 cups raw cashews, almonds, or other nuts/seeds
- 3-4 cups water
- 2 tsp spirulina or other green powder
- Pinch of salt
- Sweetener if desired
- Soak nuts/seeds overnight, then drain.
- Blend nuts/seeds with water, spirulina and salt until smooth.
- Strain mixture through cheesecloth or nut milk bag.
- Add sweetener if desired. Store in fridge up to one week.
You can experiment with additions like coconut cream, extracts, cocoa powder, greens, or fruit. Just keep in mind adding more ingredients can alter the color and nutrition.
Matcha Green Milk
- 2 cups cashews, soaked 4+ hours
- 3 cups water
- 2 tsp matcha powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Sweetener to taste
- Drain and rinse cashews.
- Blend all ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Strain through a nut milk bag. Enjoy over ice or in tea/coffee.
Benefits of Drinking Green Milk
Here are some of the top benefits associated with drinking green milk:
- Lactose-free – Suitable for those with dairy intolerance or milk allergy
- Plant protein – Nuts, seeds, and spirulina provide amino acids
- Vitamins & minerals – Nutrients like B12, iron, zinc, and calcium
- Antioxidants – From spirulina and matcha, protects cells
- Healthy fats – Unsaturated fats from nuts and seeds
- Lower environmental impact – More sustainable than dairy milk
- Natural color – Free of artificial colorants or dyes
The combination of nuts, seeds, and superfoods like spirulina make it more nutritious than dairy or plain plant milks. It can be a healthy addition to a balanced diet.
Potential Downsides
While green milk has some benefits, there are also a few potential downsides to consider:
- Higher price point than basic plant milks
- Allergies or sensitivities to nuts, seeds, spirulina
- Lower protein than dairy milk or added protein milks
- Not suitable for low-carb or keto diets due to carb content
- Contains natural phytic acid which may impact mineral absorption
- More processed than homemade or minimally processed milks
As with any food, personal tolerances and nutritional needs should be considered when deciding if green milk is a good choice.
How to Use Green Milk
Green milk can be used in place of regular dairy milk or other plant-based milks in a variety of applications:
- Cereal, oatmeal, or porridge
- Smoothies, protein shakes, matcha lattes
- Coffee, tea, hot chocolate
- Baked goods like cakes, muffins, or breads
- Overnight oats, chia pudding, or yogurt bowls
- Curries, soups, or creamy sauces
- Ice cream or nice cream
- Pancakes or waffles
Start by substituting it in a 1:1 ratio for other milks. Adjust amount as needed for taste and texture preferences. The vibrant color can alter the appearance of foods significantly.
Storage and Shelf Life
Unopened green milk typically stays fresh 1-2 months past the printed “best by” date. Once opened, it should be stored in the fridge and used within:
- 1 week for homemade varieties
- 5-7 days for store-bought
Look for signs of spoilage like off smells, curdling, or mold development before consuming. Discard if expired or spoiled.
Freezing extends the shelf life significantly. It can be frozen for 2-3 months in airtight containers with minimal separation or change in taste/texture.
Conclusion
Green milk provides a nutrient-dense, vegan-friendly alternative to regular dairy milk. While it’s a relatively new product, its origins trace back to homemade versions using spirulina and other green superfoods to create a naturally colorful beverage. Today, major brands like Elmhurst, Pacifica, Plenish, and Rebel Kitchen are making it more accessible. Combining nuts, seeds, and greens results in a beverage packed with protein, healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The addition of thickeners and emulsifiers mimics the creamy texture of dairy milk. Green milk can be used just like regular milk in everything from coffee to baked goods. With the rising popularity of plant milks, green milk is poised to become a staple in many fridges thanks to its nutritional profile and vibrant hue.