Mint milk is a flavored dairy milk that has been infused with mint flavor. While not as common as flavors like chocolate or strawberry, mint milk does exist and can be found in some grocery stores or made at home. The refreshing minty flavor makes it a tasty alternative to regular milk.
What is mint milk?
Mint milk is cow’s milk that has had mint flavoring added. The mint gives the milk a cool, refreshing taste. Brands that produce mint milk add peppermint or spearmint extract during processing to infuse the dairy milk with minty flavor. The end result is a creamy, pale green-colored milk with a pleasant mint aroma and taste.
Mint milk has a flavor profile similar to mint chocolate milk but without the chocolate. The mint tastes natural rather than artificial. The flavor pairs well with the creamy dairy base. Mint milk contains the same nutrients as regular milk including calcium, protein, vitamin D and more. The only addition is the mint flavor.
Where can you buy mint milk?
Mint milk can be purchased pre-made or made at home:
- Grocery stores – Some grocery stores carry mint milk from dairy brands like Dean’s or Organic Valley. It’s usually found in the dairy case alongside other flavored milks.
- Specialty markets – Places like health food stores or gourmet grocers may also stock mint milk options, both conventional and organic.
- Online – Mint milk can be purchased online from grocery delivery services or directly from some dairy brands if it’s not carried in your local market.
- Made at home – It’s easy to make DIY mint milk at home by adding a few drops of mint extract to cold milk and chilling overnight, or heating milk with fresh mint leaves then straining.
Availability varies by location. Mint milk tends to be easier to find in the spring and summer when the cooling minty flavor is more popular. If you can’t find it in stores, making your own is a simple option.
What does mint milk taste like?
Mint milk has a predominant minty flavor paired with the underlying creamy dairy taste. It can have hints of different mint varieties depending on the extract used:
- Peppermint – Peppermint is the most common mint variety used. It gives mint milk a cool, aromatic, candy cane-like mint taste.
- Spearmint – Spearmint has a sweeter, more herbaceous mint flavor. It provides a gentle mint taste.
- Chocolate mint – Chocolate mint gives mint milk extra richness paired with mint. It has a smooth mint-chocolate flavor.
The mint flavor infuses the milk with refreshing flavor without overpowering it. The creamy dairy balances out the bolder mint. Mint milk is cooling and satisfying. It has a palate-cleansing effect, making it perfect to accompany sweet treats.
Is mint milk good for you?
Mint milk has the same nutritional value as regular milk. One cup provides:
- 149 calories
- 8 g protein
- 12 g carbohydrates
- 8 g fat
- 282 mg calcium
- 299 mg potassium
- 24 mcg vitamin D
Milk is packed with nutrients like calcium, vitamin D, potassium and protein. The mint flavor does not change the nutritional makeup. Mint itself also provides benefits:
- Antioxidants like rosmarinic acid that reduce inflammation
- Vitamin A, a vision-booster
- Anti-nausea effects from aromatherapy
- Breath freshening qualities
- Soothing effects on digestion
Overall, mint milk is just as nutritious as regular milk with the extra perks of mint. It makes a healthy, refreshing beverage any time of day.
How to make mint milk at home
It’s simple to whip up homemade mint milk. Here are two easy methods:
Stovetop Mint Milk
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 2-3 drops peppermint extract (optional)
- Honey or sugar, to taste (optional)
Instructions:
- Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium heat until just steaming but not boiling.
- Remove from heat and add the fresh mint leaves. Let steep 10 minutes.
- Strain the mint leaves out through a fine mesh strainer.
- Stir in the mint extract if desired for more mint flavor.
- Add honey or sugar to taste if desired.
- Transfer to a bottle or pitcher and refrigerate until chilled before serving, at least 2 hours.
Overnight Infused Mint Milk
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 4-5 drops peppermint extract
Instructions:
- Lightly crush the mint leaves to release flavor.
- Place leaves in a large glass jar or pitcher. Add the milk and mint extract. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate 8-12 hours to infuse the mint flavor.
- Strain out the mint leaves when ready to serve.
Try experimenting with different types of mint like chocolate mint or orange mint. Store homemade mint milk up to 4 days in the fridge.
How to use mint milk
Mint milk is very versatile. It can be enjoyed in both savory and sweet recipes. Some ways to use it include:
- Drink it straight up as a beverage
- Pour it over cereal or oatmeal
- Make smoothies with it
- Use it in milkshakes or ice cream
- Add it to coffee instead of regular milk
- Bake it into cookies, cakes or other desserts
- Swirl it into yogurt
- Use it as the base for mint chocolate milk
- Make chia pudding with it
- Drizzle it over fruit salads
- Splash it into soups
It can replace regular milk in any recipe. The possibilities are endless!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mint milk actually green?
Yes, mint milk made by dairy brands is often a light green color. This comes from natural chlorophyll in the mint leaves used for flavoring. Homemade mint milk can take on a pale green hue as well depending on the amount and type of mint used.
What brands make mint milk?
Some popular dairy brands producing mint milk include:
- Dean’s
- Organic Valley
- Maple Hill Creamery
- Horizon Organic
Smaller regional dairies may also offer their own versions. Check your dairy case to see what’s available near you.
Does mint milk help with nausea?
Yes, the mint in mint milk can help ease nausea. Mint has anti-nausea effects when consumed and also from inhaling the aroma. The combination of mint and milk is gentle on the stomach. Mint milk provides hydration from the milk as well.
Is mint milk lactose free?
Regular mint milk is not lactose free unless specified on the label. People with lactose intolerance can sometimes tolerate small amounts of regular milk, but lactose free mint milk is also available. Brands like Lactaid make lactose free milk in mint flavor.
Conclusion
Mint milk is a refreshing twist on plain dairy milk, infusing it with bright minty flavor. It makes a tasty beverage or addition to recipes ranging from breakfasts to desserts. While not as ubiquitous as chocolate milk, mint milk can be purchased at many grocery stores or easily whipped up at home. With its cool, creamy flavor and nutritional content similar to regular milk, mint milk is a fun way to add something new to your glass or recipe rotation.