Macadamia Milk

Macadamia milk is a rich and creamy non-dairy milk that's packed with healthy fats, low carbs, and tons of nutrients! 

Yet, a lot of people are unaware of all of its benefits or simply don't know enough about it.

If you're looking for a new plant-based milk, read on to learn more about macadamia milk and what makes it different from other non-dairy milk options. 

What is Macadamia Milk?

Macadamia milk is a reasonably recent inclusion in the non-dairy game. It is made by blending soaked macadamia nuts (usually raw) with water.

Native to Australia, macadamia trees grow well in coastal environments and generally don't like the cold. More recently, Queensland town Gympie has been identified as the birthplace of 70% of the world's macadamia nuts. 

Macadamia Milk Nutrition Facts

Let's take a look at the Macadamia Milk Nutrition Facts courtesy of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA):

(Source), Nutrition Facts Disclaimer

The Benefits of Macadamia Milk

Macadamia benefits are aplenty. Here are a few of the best ones. 

Macadamia Milk is Low in Carbs

Macadamia milk is keto-friendly because it is low in carbs. Compared to other nuts, macadamia's have the lowest fat content and can be enjoyed guilt-free.

Because they are loaded with healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, eating macadamias will help reduce harmful cholesterol levels and provide nutrients to help develop and maintain your body's cells. 

According to a recent study, macadamia nuts can support weight loss... in obese sheep!

Research is yet to determine whether these weight-loss benefits carry over to humans, but it looks promising. 

Macadamia Milk May Improve Gut Health 

A healthy gut contains healthy bacteria and immune cells that ward off bacteria and viruses. A healthy gut also aids in digestion and helps maintain general health and well-being. 

Macadamia nuts (and nuts in general) contain fiber, unsaturated fatty acids, and polyphenols that may benefit your digestion and overall gut health. 

Macadamia Milk Boosts Healthy Fats

People tend to shy away from certain foods when they hear the word "fat." But it's important to remember there are "good" and "bad" fats. 

Macadamia nuts are a great example of a food containing plenty of good fats, monounsaturated fats, to be more specific. 

Monounsaturated fats are primarily found in olive oil, nuts, and seeds. Diets high in monounsaturated fats may reduce risk factors for heart disease, decrease inflammation, and improve cholesterol. 

Although macadamia milk has up to 5 grams of fat per serving, remember it's full of healthy fats, not bad ones like saturated and trans fats. 

Macadamia Milk May Improve Brain Health

Brain health is crucial for our ability to think, make decisions, problem-solve, and live a long productive life. Studies suggest including nuts in your diet may help ward off dementia and improve cognitive function. 

While the study referred to nuts in general, further research has suggested that macadamia nuts may improve brain health and reduce oxidative stress. That's because they contain antioxidant minerals copper, magnesium, and manganese.

During oxidative stress, there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. The consumption of antioxidant food sources, such as macadamia nuts may reduce and prevent oxidative stress in the brain.  

The Downsides of Macadamia Milk

No milk is without its downsides. Here are some reasons why macadamia milk might not be the right choice for you. 

Macadamia Milk Can Cause Allergies

Allergies to tree nuts are common in both children and adults. Tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, macadamias, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts. 

Even tiny amounts of tree nuts can trigger a reaction that can be life-threatening. A person may suffer from swelling, itching, hives, wheezing, nausea, and shortness of breath during a reaction. 

To avoid any of the above, it's best to steer clear of macadamia milk. 

Macadamia Milk Is Expensive

Unfortunately, macadamia nuts are the world's most expensive nuts. According to ABC Australia, macadamia nuts are doubling in price as growers struggle to keep up with the demand. 

Growing the world's most expensive nut takes time, patience, and a lot of love. On average, macadamia trees take four to five years before cropping.

They are also sensitive to frost, heat, wind, fire, and poor drainage, making it challenging to find a suitable climate to grow them. 

Macadamia Milk Contains Selenium

Macadamias are an excellent source of minerals and provide up to 3.6μg of selenium. Selenium is a powerhouse mineral that supports the proper functioning of your body. It can help improve cognition, fertility and boost your immune system.

At this point, you may be wondering why selenium is listed under "downsides." While selenium does have many health benefits, it also has several side effects that you should be wary of. 

While selenium toxicity is rare, consuming the recommended daily allowance is best.

High selenium intake can cause serious problems, including difficulty breathing, kidney failure, heart attacks, and heart failure. 

How To Make Macadamia Milk

There's no denying it; macadamia milk can be very pricey. Making your own macadamia milk can be a cost-effective and easy way to enjoy your favorite nut milk without financial disrepair. 

The following recipe is super easy and only requires three ingredients (unless you add in the optional extras). It will take you a little over two hours and serves six. 

Ingredients

• 1 cup of raw macadamia nuts
• 3–4 cups of water (use less water for creamier milk, more water for thinner milk)
• 1 pinch of salt
• 1 whole date, pitted (optional, or 1 Tbsp of honey or maple syrup)
• 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract (optional) 
• 2 Tbsp of cacao or cacao powder for chocolate milk (optional) 
• 1/4 cup of fresh berries for berry milk (optional, but is berry delicious) 

Equipment Needed

• 1 large mixing bowl
• 1 high-speed blender 
• 1 nut milk bag or cheesecloth 
• 1 sealed glass jar (or any sealed container large enough to hold milk)

Instructions

The process of making macadamia milk is similar to other alternative milk. Don't worry if you're a novice, though; these steps are super easy to follow. 

Step 1

Soak macadamias nuts in room temperature water for 1–2 hours.

Step 2

Rinse and drain macadamia nuts. 

Step 3

Add the macadamia nuts, water, salt, and any optional add-ins to a high-speed blender. Blend for around 1–2 minutes. 

Step 4

Pour the macadamia mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth over a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

Transfer the milk to a sealed jar or container and refrigerate. Your milk will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to five days (sometimes more if you pray hard enough). Enjoy hot or cold and shake very well before use. 

Macadamia Milk Recipes

Macadamia milk is surprisingly easy to make and has a beautiful delicate flavor that can be added to a range of dishes, sweet or savory. 

There are plenty of delicious recipes on the net, but here are some of our top picks.

Macadamia Mexican Hot Chocolate

You'll never make a regular hot chocolate again after trying this recipe. It's chocolatey, nutty, and spicy. 

Made with unsweetened macadamia milk, unsweetened cocoa, and a hint of cayenne pepper, this is the ultimate drink to comfort you during the cold winter. 

Feel free to top it with coconut whipped cream and chocolate syrup to increase the decadence. 

You can find the recipe for this spicy concoction here. 

Chicken and Macadamia Curry

Macadamia milk in a curry? Yes, you read right. It's also as delicious as it sounds. 

Because of its natural creaminess, macadamia milk can be used instead of coconut milk. Coconut milk is relatively high in calories and fat, especially saturated fat.

(Coconuts don't contain actual milk by the way)

You can create an equally delicious yet guilt-free creamy curry by replacing coconut milk with macadamia milk. 

You can find this nutty savory recipe here. 

Macadamia Milk Iced Coffee

Treat yourself to this decadent Macadamia iced coffee with vanilla syrup!

The best thing about summer is arguably a nice cold glass of iced coffee. Nothing hits the spot more than the chilled version when it's too warm outside for a hot coffee. 

To enjoy this nutty beverage, pour an espresso shot into a tall glass and fill it with macadamia milk. Make the vanilla syrup and pour over top. Stir and serve. 

Whenever you find a hankering for a pick-me-up, you can find the recipe here. 

Grilled Banana and Macadamia Milk Ice Cream

Yes, there are hundreds of vegan ice cream options on the market. But have you ever thought about making your own? 

This grilled banana and macadamia milk ice cream recipe might just save you a trip to the grocery store.

Vegan ice cream or "nice cream" is super easy to make, and you know exactly what you're eating. This recipe uses macadamia milk as its base instead of coconut milk. 

Again, this is due to macadamia milk's creamy texture making it the ideal milk to use in an ice cream recipe. The grilled banana on top makes for an excellent flavor pairing. 

Go bananas for this recipe here. 

Macadamia Milk FAQ

If you still have questions about macadamia milk, you're not alone. This intriguing nutty milk is relatively new, and its benefits (and downsides) aren't necessarily well-known. 

That's why we've answered the top frequently asked questions, so you can make the best decision that's right for you. 

How Healthy Is Macadamia Milk?

Macadamia milk is higher in fat and has fewer calories than most other non-dairy nut milk. It is also high in vitamin B1, magnesium, and manganese. For people on a keto diet, macadamia milk is an excellent choice. 

What Does Macadamia Milk Taste Like?

Unlike other nut milk, macadamia milk tastes like its namesake with a slightly sweet natural vanilla aroma. Its creamy consistency is often compared to dairy milk, which is why it is becoming a popular first step in the world of alternative milk. 

Does Macadamia Milk Make You Fat?

Macadamia milk is higher in healthy fats than most other non-dairy nut milk. However, that doesn't mean it will make you fat.

Healthy fats are an essential part of a healthy diet. They help regulate hunger hormones, keep you fuller for longer, and balance your sugar levels. 

What Can I Use Macadamia Milk For?

Because of its creamy texture, many people choose to drink macadamia on its own. But it's also very versatile, too. Splash it in your morning coffee, pair it with a bowl of granola, or add a hint of it to your spicy curry. 

Give Macadamia Milk A Try!

Macadamia milk has the creamy thickness of dairy milk minus the cow! It's also pretty good for you, with fewer calories and less sugar than dairy milk but packed with similar levels of calcium and vitamin D. 

With a wide range of health benefits, macadamia milk is a popular choice if you're trying to manage diabetes, reduce your dairy intake, or are lactose-intolerant. 

Looking for more dairy-free milk options? Check out more of our guides below!