How long to soak dry fruits in milk? The ultimate guide

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies have shown that soaking nuts and seeds can significantly enhance their nutritional value by reducing phytic acid, and the same principle applies when you ask, how long to soak dry fruits in milk? While many simply add dried fruit to milk, the soaking time is crucial for both flavor and maximum health benefits, making them easier to digest and their nutrients more bioavailable.

Quick Summary

Soaking dry fruits in milk improves texture and nutrient absorption. Optimal time varies by fruit, with overnight soaking common for best results, enhancing flavor and digestibility.

Key Points

Almonds: Soaking almonds in milk overnight (6-8 hours) is recommended to soften them and remove phytic acid, boosting nutrient absorption.
Dates: To extract their natural sweetness and soften their texture, dates should be soaked in milk for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, overnight.
Figs (Anjeer): For tough dried figs, an overnight soak in milk is best to make them tender and easier to digest, with a quicker option using warm milk.
Raisins: A short overnight soak (6-8 hours) is perfect for plumping up raisins, making them juicy and easier to digest for a morning tonic.
Nutrient Boost: Soaking in milk enhances digestion, improves nutrient bioavailability, and creates a more flavorful, naturally sweetened and fulfilling drink or snack.

Why Soaking Dry Fruits in Milk is Beneficial

Soaking dry fruits is a traditional practice that significantly boosts their health benefits. When dry fruits are soaked, their hard exterior softens, which helps with digestion and nutrient release. Soaking in milk, in particular, combines the benefits of both ingredients. The milk provides calcium and protein, while the dry fruits infuse the milk with vitamins, minerals, and natural sweetness. This process can neutralize phytic acid and other enzyme inhibitors present in the fruits and nuts, which can otherwise hinder the absorption of important minerals like iron and zinc. The resulting drink or snack is not only more nutritious but also more flavorful and satisfying.

Enhanced Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

One of the primary reasons to soak dry fruits is to improve digestibility. Many nuts and seeds contain compounds that can be tough on the digestive system. Soaking them softens the fiber, making it gentler on the stomach. For instance, almonds, when soaked, can be easily peeled to remove the outer skin, which contains tannins that can inhibit nutrient absorption. The milk and softened fruits together create a mix that is much easier for the body to process and absorb, helping to prevent issues like bloating and constipation.

Increased Bioavailability of Nutrients

Bioavailability refers to the proportion of a nutrient that is absorbed from the diet and used for normal bodily functions. Soaking dry fruits in milk for the right amount of time enhances this process. The water-soluble vitamins and minerals from the fruits are released into the milk, creating a nutrient-dense beverage. This makes a dry fruit milkshake an excellent way to get a quick energy boost, especially in the morning or after a workout.

Optimal Soaking Times for Different Dry Fruits

It is important to note that different dry fruits require different soaking times to achieve optimal results. While overnight soaking is a common and effective method for many, a shorter soak time is sometimes sufficient, especially when using hot milk.

Almonds: A popular choice for soaking, almonds benefit greatly from being soaked overnight, or for 6-8 hours in water before combining with milk. This makes them easier to digest and allows for the easy removal of the skin. If you are in a hurry, a quick soak in boiling milk for 15-20 minutes can also work.
Dates: To make them soft and extract their natural sweetness, dates should be soaked in milk for at least 4 hours, and ideally overnight. This is especially useful for making a creamy and naturally sweetened date shake. Using warm milk can shorten this time to about 30 minutes, which is helpful for quick preparations.
Figs (Anjeer): Dried figs are quite tough and need a good soak to become tender. Soaking 2-3 figs in milk overnight is a popular method to soften them for a morning tonic. A shorter soak of 1-2 hours in warm milk can also suffice for blending into a shake.
Raisins: These smaller fruits require less soaking time. Simply soaking 6-8 raisins in a glass of milk overnight is sufficient for them to plump up and release their nutrients. This combo is particularly beneficial for digestion and boosting energy levels.

Comparison Table: Soaking Dry Fruits in Milk


Dry Fruit	Optimal Soaking Time	Preparation Notes
Almonds	6-8 hours (overnight)	Soak in water first, then add to milk, or soak directly in cold milk. Peel after soaking for best digestion.
Dates	4-8 hours (overnight)	Softens dates and extracts maximum sweetness. Can use warm milk for a shorter 30-minute soak.
Figs	4-8 hours (overnight)	Makes tough figs tender and easier to blend. Using warm milk can reduce soaking time to 1-2 hours.
Raisins	6-8 hours (overnight)	Plumps up the raisins, making them juicy. A quick soak in warm milk also works well.

Preparing Your Soaked Dry Fruit and Milk Tonic

Creating your own nutritious dry fruit milk is a simple process. First, choose your preferred dry fruits based on their benefits and flavor profile. For an energy-boosting blend, a mix of almonds, dates, and figs is a great choice. For a simple digestive aid, raisins and figs are excellent. Once you have soaked your dry fruits for the recommended time, you have several options for consumption.

Recipe: Simple Dry Fruit Milkshake

Soak: Place your chosen dry fruits in a bowl with enough milk to cover them. Let them soak overnight in the refrigerator.
Blend: The next morning, transfer the softened dry fruits and the milk into a blender.
Additions: For a flavor boost, add a pinch of cardamom, saffron, or a bit of cinnamon. You can also add honey or jaggery for extra sweetness, though dates often provide enough natural sugar.
Serve: Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve chilled or warm for a comforting start to your day.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

Determining how long to soak dry fruits in milk depends on the specific fruit and your desired outcome. While overnight soaking is a reliable method for maximizing benefits like nutrient absorption and enhanced digestion, shorter periods with warm milk can also be effective for softening the fruits. The key is to understand the properties of each dry fruit and adjust the soaking time accordingly. This practice not only makes dry fruits more palatable and nutritious but also turns a simple glass of milk into a powerful, nutrient-rich tonic for better health and well-being. Incorporating this simple habit into your daily routine is a delicious way to improve your overall health.

Visit a reputable health site for more dietary and nutritional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

While soaking in water is also beneficial, soaking in milk combines the nutrients of the dry fruits with milk's protein and calcium, offering a more complete nutritional profile and a creamier texture.

Yes, you can soak a mixture of different dry fruits like almonds, dates, and figs together in the same bowl of milk. This creates a nutrient-dense blend, which is great for milkshakes.

If you are short on time, you can soak the dry fruits in warm or hot milk for 30 minutes to an hour. This will soften them more quickly, although an overnight soak is generally best for maximum nutrient release.

For overnight soaking, cold milk is perfectly fine. For a quicker soak, warm milk is more effective as it helps the dry fruits soften faster. However, be cautious not to overheat the milk.

Peeling almonds after soaking is recommended, as their skin contains tannins that can interfere with nutrient absorption. The soaking process makes the skin very easy to remove.

Yes, it is highly recommended to drink the milk. The milk absorbs the vitamins, minerals, and flavors from the dry fruits, turning it into a nutritious tonic.

A handful of mixed dry fruits is a good starting point. For specific items, 6-8 raisins, 2-3 figs, and a few almonds and cashews are generally considered sufficient for a daily serving.