Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for making homemade Vitamix Almond Milk that is super creamy. This recipe is vegan and dairy-free, and perfect for a dairy substitute. Plus, you can save money by making your own at home!

almond milk on a table in glass surrounded by almonds.

Homemade almond milk is one of the small luxuries in life.

It’s so much creamier and delicious when you make it at home, without any unnecessary fillers or gums. And, as mentioned, it’s cheaper and reduces packaging waste when you make your own almond milk.

This recipe is made using a Vitamix high-speed blender to make it extra creamy.

Why You Need DIY Almond Milk

Homemade Almond Milk Ingredients

ingredients for making almond milk.

Raw almonds make the base of this Vitamix Almond Milk recipe. Look for the highest quality you can find, including raw, unsalted, and organic (if possible).

Filtered water is necessary to blend the almonds. I recommend filtered water to ensure you don’t get a chlorine flavor from tap water.

How is Almond Milk Made?

process photos for making homemade almond milk.

Step One

Place your almonds in a large mixing bowl if you plan to peel them. I highly recommend this step as it will result in a much creamier milk once it’s blended.

Removing the skins also removes most of the lectins in the almonds which can be irritating to the digestive system of some people. 

Step Two

Add very hot water to your bowl with the almonds and let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

Soaking the almonds in water will help loosen the skins so that they are easier to peel.

Step Three

After the almonds have soaked, give them a quick rinse and then start using your hands to manually remove the skin from each almond.

It takes a little time, but removing the skin is the key to having the creamiest almond milk you’ve ever tasted!

If you don’t want to remove the skins or you don’t have time, then just combine the raw almonds with the water in the pitcher of your Vitamix.

Step Four

The next step is to blend the almonds with water for about 35-45 seconds per the recipe card below.

Step Five

Next, you’ll need to strain the milk through a nut milk bag to remove the almond pulp.

If you don’t want to buy an expensive nut milk bag, then you can use a clean 1-gallon paint strainer bag. This material is nylon, but it is re-usable as long as you rinse it well. Feel free to use a nut milk bag, but the paint strainer bag works just as well for much less money.

This technique is also similar to what I describe in my article for Juicing with a Vitamix.

After blending, you pour the mixture through the opening of the strainer bag and then squeeze from the top down to force the liquid out of the bag into the bowl. 

Step Six

Lastly, just pour your mixture into your storage container and serve it immediately. Or, you can store your milk in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

There you have it…homemade almond milk with no sweeteners or preservatives.

You can use almond milk for just about anything, including baking.

Do you need to soak almonds before making almond milk?

You don’t have to, but I promise it is worth it to soak the almonds and then remove the skins before making almond milk. It is the key to making it super creamy!

How to Use Clean Almond Milk

  • Smoothies and Shakes: Replace regular milk or yogurt with almond milk in smoothies and shakes. It offers a creamy consistency and a nutty flavor that pairs well with fruits, veggies, and protein powders.
  • Baking: Use almond milk as a dairy substitute in baking recipes like muffins, pancakes, waffles, and breads. It can be a direct replacement for cow’s milk in most recipes.
  • Creamy Soups and Sauces: Substitute almond milk for regular milk or heavy cream to make soups, bechamel sauce, or other creamy sauces. Ensure the almond milk is unsweetened for savory dishes.
  • Hot Beverages: Use almond milk for lattes, hot chocolate, egg nog, or teas. It steams well and can provide a dairy-free option for those looking to avoid lactose or casein.
  • Cereals and Oats: Pour almond milk over breakfast cereals or use it to cook oatmeal or porridge, giving a slightly nutty taste to the meal.
  • Desserts: Make dairy-free puddings, custards, and ice creams with almond milk. It’s particularly useful for vegan recipes that call for a milk alternative.
  • Cooking Grains: Instead of water or broth, cook grains like quinoa or rice in almond milk for a creamier texture and added flavor, especially in dishes like risottos or dessert rice puddings.

Can you cook with almond milk?

You can absolutely cook using almond milk instead of dairy milk. Just be mindful of whether you are using an unsweetened or sweetened version of almond milk for savory or sweet recipes.

Homemade Almond Milk Storage

How long does homemade almond milk last?

In general, homemade almond milk will last for at least 5 days in a covered container in the refrigerator.

Why does almond milk go bad?

Homemade almond milk is free from preservatives so it has a limited lifespan, like any fresh food.

Recipe Tips & Substitutions

  • Removing the skins of the almonds before blending them is an optional step. Doing so makes your milk creamier, but the Vitamix will pulverize the skins so you won’t notice them if you prefer not to peel the almonds.
  • Because there aren’t any stabilizers, the milk might separate a bit in the fridge. Just shake before using.
  • To make a sweeter version, add 2 pitted Medjool dates to the almonds and water. You can also add the seeds of one vanilla bean pod or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make a vanilla version.

Vitamix Almond Milk FAQs

Is almond milk vegan?

Yes, almond milk is vegan, dairy-free, paleo, and Whole30-friendly.

Can you heat almond milk?

Yes, you can heat almond milk.

What is the best blender for making almond milk?

I would suggest a high-speed blender like a Blendtec or a Vitamix if you are going to make almond milk on a regular basis. You can choose any of the models from these brands and they will be perfect for making homemade almond milk.

Can you bake with almond milk?

Yes, you can use almond milk in baking in place of dairy milk.

Can you boil almond milk?

Yes, you can boil almond milk in recipes that need to be boiled or simmered.

Does almond milk have lectins?

Most brands of commercial almond milk or homemade recipes for almond milk will have lectins. But, if you take the extra step of removing the almond skins before blending them, then you will greatly reduce the amount of lectins in your almond milk. Or, you can also use blanched almonds (which don’t have skins) to make your almond milk.

two glasses of homemade almond milk with straws.

More Dairy-Free Recipes You Might Like

Don’t miss my entire index of healthy beverages, the best cancer-fighting smoothies, or my round-up of the best dairy-free smoothies.

I hope you make this recipe! If you do, please leave a comment and a starred review below.

And, consider following me on social media so we can stay connected. I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Two glasses of almond milk, each with two paper straws.

Homemade Almond Milk (Vitamix Recipe)

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 11 reviews

Here’s a step-by-step tutorial for making homemade Vitamix Almond Milk that is super creamy. This recipe is vegan and dairy-free, and perfect for a dairy substitute.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup raw almonds
  • 4 cups filtered water

Instructions

  1. Place your almonds in a large mixing bowl if you plan to peel them. 
  2. Add very hot water to your bowl with the almonds and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This will help loosen the skins so that they are easier to peel.
  3. After the almonds have soaked, give them a quick rinse in a colander with fresh water. Then, use your hands to manually remove the skin from each almond.
  4. Combine the peeled almonds with the water in the base of your Vitamix or high-speed blender. Blend on high for 30-45 seconds, or until the mixture is thick and creamy.
  5. Pour the blended milk through a nut milk bag, squeezing from the top down into a large bowl.
  6. Lastly, just pour your mixture into your storage container. 

Notes

  1. You don’t have to remove the skins from the almonds, but this will help make the almond milk super creamy.
  2. Homemade almond milk will keep in the refrigerator in a tightly-sealed container for at least 5 days. If the milk starts to separate, just give the jar a quick shake before using it.
  3. To make a sweeter version, add 2 pitted Medjool dates to the almonds and water. You can also add the seeds of one vanilla bean pod or 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract to make a vanilla version.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 39
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 186 mg
  • Fat: 2.9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat:
  • Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 1.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Don’t forget to join my newsletter list to get exclusive clean eating recipes and tips. The newsletter is 100% free with no spam; unsubscribe anytime.

About the Author: Carrie Forrest has a master’s degree in public health with a specialty in nutrition. She is a top wellness and food blogger with nearly 10 million annual visitors to her site. Carrie has an incredible story of recovery from chronic illness and is passionate about helping other women transform their health. Send Carrie a message through her contact form.