Can I Drink Homemade Almond Milk Every Day? A Comprehensive Guide

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to nutrition experts, drinking unsweetened almond milk every day is generally safe for most people, especially as a dairy alternative. If you're considering whether you can drink homemade almond milk every day, it's essential to understand its unique nutritional profile, which differs significantly from store-bought versions.

Quick Summary

Homemade almond milk offers a fresher, more nutrient-dense alternative to commercial brands without additives or thickeners. Daily consumption is generally safe for adults, offering vitamins and healthy fats, but be mindful of its low protein content and shorter shelf life. Individuals with nut allergies or thyroid issues should exercise caution and seek medical advice.

Key Points

Daily Consumption is Generally Safe: For most adults, drinking homemade almond milk every day is a healthy, safe practice, especially when unsweetened.
Homemade Offers Higher Nutrient Density: Unlike watered-down store-bought versions, homemade milk contains more almonds per serving, providing a richer profile of natural vitamins and minerals.
Beware of Low Protein and Lack of Fortification: Homemade almond milk is very low in protein and lacks the added calcium and vitamin D typically found in fortified commercial products.
Control Over Additives: Making it at home allows you to avoid artificial thickeners, preservatives, and high levels of added sugars found in many commercial options.
Short Shelf Life Requires Planning: Homemade almond milk only lasts for 3–5 days in the refrigerator, so it must be made in smaller, more frequent batches.
Consult a Doctor for Health Conditions: Individuals with tree nut allergies or thyroid issues should be cautious or avoid daily consumption and consult a healthcare provider.

Understanding the Nutritional Differences

Homemade almond milk is fundamentally different from its store-bought counterpart. While commercial brands are often heavily processed, containing low percentages of actual almonds along with stabilizers, emulsifiers, and added sugars, homemade versions are pure and contain only the ingredients you choose. This purity means a higher concentration of the natural nutrients found in almonds, such as vitamin E, healthy fats, and minerals, but a lack of the synthetic fortification common in store-bought options.

Benefits of Drinking Homemade Almond Milk Daily

High in Vitamin E: Almonds are a fantastic source of vitamin E, a potent antioxidant that protects your body's cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage. Daily consumption can help support skin health, immune function, and cardiovascular health.
Control Over Ingredients: When you make it yourself, you have complete control. You can avoid added sugars, preservatives, and questionable ingredients like carrageenan, which has been linked to digestive issues in some individuals. You can also use organic almonds to ensure a cleaner product.
Supports Heart Health: Almonds contain monounsaturated fats and other heart-healthy compounds that can help reduce LDL ('bad') cholesterol. Drinking homemade almond milk daily may contribute to a healthier lipid profile and support overall heart health.
Excellent for Lactose Intolerance and Vegan Diets: For those with lactose intolerance or following a vegan diet, homemade almond milk is a perfect dairy-free substitute that is easy on the digestive system.
Supports Weight Management: Unsweetened homemade almond milk is naturally low in calories and fat compared to whole dairy milk, making it a good option for those managing their weight, provided it's balanced with other protein sources.

Potential Risks and Considerations

Despite its many benefits, daily consumption of homemade almond milk isn't without considerations, primarily due to what it lacks and its natural compounds.

Low in Protein: Unlike cow's milk and soy milk, homemade almond milk contains very little protein, often just around 1 gram per cup. If you're using it as a primary milk source, you'll need to find protein from other dietary sources to meet your daily needs.
Lack of Fortification: Store-bought versions are typically fortified with calcium and vitamin D, crucial for bone health. Homemade almond milk lacks these added nutrients, so those relying on it daily must ensure they get enough calcium and vitamin D from other foods or supplements.
Goitrogenic Effects: Almonds are goitrogenic, meaning they contain compounds that can potentially interfere with thyroid function if consumed in very large amounts. For most people, moderate consumption of homemade almond milk is not a concern, but those with existing thyroid conditions should consult a doctor.
Nut Allergies: Individuals with a tree nut allergy must avoid almond milk entirely, as it can trigger severe allergic reactions.
Shelf Life: Homemade almond milk has a much shorter shelf life than its commercial counterpart, lasting only 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator due to the absence of preservatives. This requires more frequent preparation.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Almond Milk: A Comparison

To highlight the key differences, here is a comparison table:


Feature	Homemade Almond Milk	Store-Bought Almond Milk
Ingredients	Typically just almonds and water, plus optional natural flavors (e.g., dates, vanilla).	Often contains added sugars, thickeners (carrageenan, guar gum), preservatives, and stabilizers.
Nutritional Density	Higher concentration of almonds provides a denser nutrient profile, but lacks synthetic fortification.	Can be less nutrient-dense per volume due to low almond content, but often fortified with calcium and vitamin D.
Protein Content	Low, around 1 gram per cup.	Low, similar to homemade, unless specified as a high-protein variety.
Sugar Content	You control the sweetness; unsweetened versions are sugar-free.	Flavored versions can contain significant amounts of added sugar.
Taste and Texture	Richer, creamier, and fresher with a more pronounced nutty flavor.	Can taste watered down and may have a different consistency due to additives.
Shelf Life	Short, 3–5 days in the refrigerator.	Long, often weeks or months due to pasteurization and preservatives.

Making Homemade Almond Milk Safely

To ensure your daily intake is safe, follow a proper preparation method. Always begin by soaking raw almonds overnight to soften them and deactivate enzyme inhibitors, which can aid digestion. Use a high-speed blender for best results. After blending with filtered water, strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or fine cheesecloth to remove the pulp. Store the milk in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator and use it within a few days to avoid spoilage. Using fresh, high-quality almonds is also key to maximizing nutritional content and flavor.

What About Phytic Acid?

Almonds naturally contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that can reduce the absorption of certain minerals. Soaking the almonds before blending helps to reduce the phytic acid content, making the homemade milk easier to digest and its minerals more bioavailable. This is a simple step that significantly enhances the nutritional value of your daily almond milk.

Conclusion

Drinking homemade almond milk every day is a healthy, delicious, and customizable option for most adults. It offers a fresh, pure alternative free from the additives found in many store-bought products and is rich in vitamin E and healthy fats. However, it is crucial to recognize its low protein and mineral content compared to fortified commercial milks. By ensuring a balanced diet that includes other sources of protein, calcium, and vitamin D, and being mindful of the short shelf life, you can confidently make homemade almond milk a regular part of your daily routine. As always, those with specific health concerns, such as thyroid conditions or nut allergies, should consult a healthcare provider.

Visit Healthline for more detailed information on almond milk's nutrition and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, homemade almond milk is often more nutritious because it typically contains a higher ratio of almonds to water. This provides more of the nuts' natural vitamins and minerals without the additives, preservatives, or sweeteners found in commercial brands.

For most healthy adults, drinking homemade almond milk daily is acceptable. However, due to its low protein content, it's best to consume it as part of a balanced diet rather than relying on it as a primary source of major nutrients like protein.

Homemade almond milk contains trace amounts of naturally occurring calcium from the almonds. Unlike most commercial almond milks, it is not fortified with additional calcium and vitamin D, so you must get these nutrients from other food sources.

The main drawbacks include its low protein content, lack of fortification with calcium and vitamin D, and short shelf life. For those with thyroid issues, moderate intake is recommended due to goitrogenic compounds in almonds.

Homemade almond milk typically lasts for only 3 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lack of preservatives means it will spoil much faster than store-bought versions.

No, homemade almond milk is not suitable as a replacement for breast milk or formula for infants and young children. It does not contain the necessary fat, protein, and nutrients required for their growth and development.

Absolutely not. Individuals with a tree nut allergy must avoid almond milk and any products containing almonds, as consumption can cause a severe allergic reaction.