Hazelnut Milk

Hazelnut milk is a popular milk alternative for people who don't want dairy or want a different flavor.

However, its popularity is due to more than just it's taste; this nut milk alternative provides many health benefits as well.

In this article, we'll cover the rich flavor of hazelnut milk, how to make it, and the health benefits of this healthy treat!

What is Hazelnut Milk?

Hazelnut milk, as you've probably guessed, is a non-dairy milk that's completely vegan and plant-based, making it ideal for those who don't consume meat or animal products. 

Hazelnut milk isn't as common as cashew milk or almond milk, but it's just as yummy. This milk has a creamy consistency that makes it great for lattes and coffee beverages. 

On top of that, hazelnut milk has a slight hazelnut taste to it. 

Hazelnut Milk Nutrition Facts

The exact nutritional information of a glass of hazelnut milk will vary depending on whether you buy it at a store or make it at home. It'll also depend on the hazelnuts you use, the quantity of the milk you make, and the brand you're drinking.

In order to find the nutrition facts, we looked at a hazelnut milk brand that's unsweetened and only contains two ingredients—hazelnuts and water.

Here are the nutrition facts for one 8oz serving of hazelnut milk.

(Source), Nutrition Facts Disclaimer

The Benefits of Hazelnut Milk

Hazelnut milk offers quite a few health benefits, which is one of the many reasons why so many people enjoy it. Let's check out a few of the benefits you can take advantage of by drinking hazelnut milk. 

Packed With Antioxidants

Antioxidants are important substances that attack free radicals. Free radicals cause cell breakdown and dysfunction, which is why it's so important to get enough antioxidants. 

One antioxidant you'll find in hazelnut milk is vitamin E. This helps prevent cell aging and also balances the hormones in the body. That makes it a great drink to help you look and feel your best. 

Finally, hazelnut milk contains manganese. Manganese helps improve the function of antioxidant enzymes, allowing your body to make use of the benefits of vitamin E in your beverage. 

Boost Collagen Production

If you're looking for healthy skin, hair, and nails, then hazelnut milk may help. This beverage contains many proanthocyanidins, also known as PACs.

PACs are powerful antioxidants that actually work better than vitamin C does! PACs bond to collagen, improving your body's collagen production and giving you healthier skin and nails.

On top of that, PACs improve your joint flexibility. That's great for people who are aging or who just want to be able to finally touch their toes. 

Protect Your Hair and Skin

The vitamin E in hazelnut milk does more than just protect against cell damage. It can also help promote healthy hair and skin. 

Vitamin E helps to moisten your hair and make it more elastic. Plus, vitamin E helps protect the body from harmful UV rays, keeping your skin in good condition. 

Improve Brain Health

Who doesn't want to improve their brain function? Hazelnut milk may help you do just that thanks to the folate, thiamine, manganese, and vitamin E in the beverage. 

These minerals and vitamins have been linked to improved cognitive function and memory. 

Heart-Healthy

Another interesting benefit of hazelnut milk is that it can help promote a healthy heart. Studies have shown that people who eat a diet rich in hazelnuts experience:

• Lower LDL cholesterol 
• Increased HDL cholesterol 
• Improved endothelial function
• Decreased triglycerides

Regulate Blood Sugar

Another benefit that hazelnut milk may provide is to help regulate your blood sugar levels. 

Studies have been conducted that show individuals who take hazelnuts show a decrease in insulin resistance.

This may mean that you can keep your blood sugar in check by drinking a cup or two of hazelnut milk!

The Downsides of Hazelnut Milk

Even though there are tons of benefits to drinking hazelnut milk, there are also a couple of downsides. 

Nut Allergens

One major downside of hazelnut milk is that it can cause severe allergic reactions in people with nut allergies.

That's especially true if you buy it from a store. Hazelnuts are often processed in centers that process peanuts and other nuts, so even if the milk doesn't have them in the ingredients, it could contain traces. 

Hard to Find

Hazelnut milk tends to be harder to find in stores than other non-dairy milk options. You might have better luck buying it online from Amazon.com.

How To Make Hazelnut Milk

If all these benefits have got you excited about making your own hazelnut milk, we get it. Lucky for you, we've got a straightforward recipe that you can use to whip up some delicious hazelnut milk!

Ingredients

• 1 cup of raw hazelnuts
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 2 teaspoons of agave syrup,  maple syrup, or 2 dates
• 2 cups of water
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Equipment Needed

• High-speed blender
• Nut milk bag or cheesecloth
• Bowl
• Air-tight container for storage

Instructions

Step 1

Place your hazelnuts in a large bowl and cover them in about two inches of cold water. Cover them with a kitchen towel or lid and store them in the refrigerator and soak them for between two and 12 hours.

Step 2

After allowing the nuts to soak, drain them and rinse with clean, cold water

Step 3

Place the nuts and water into a blender and blend until it's smooth.

Step 4

Add the mixture into your nut milk bag and strain it into a large bowl or measuring cup. 

Step 5

Pour the strained milk into a clean blender and add in your salt, vanilla extract, and sweetener of choice (dates, agave syrup, or maple syrup) and blend.

Step 6

Pour the milk in an air-tight container and refrigerate it. Homemade hazelnut milk can be stored for up to four days

Hazelnut Milk Recipes

Now that you've got a delicious batch of hazelnut milk whipped up, let's check out some ways you can use it in. Here are a couple of fun hazelnut milk recipes. 

Hazelnut Milk Waffles

Who doesn't love starting their morning with waffles? Well, you can make a delicious hazelnut variety with just a few ingredients! 

Ready to get to work? Head over to Simple Veganista for everything you need to know.

Strawberry Hazelnut Milk Muffins

One great way to use your hazelnut milk is in some delicious strawberry muffins. And besides, who doesn't love some fruity muffins as an afternoon pick-me-up?

If you want to make a batch of muffins with hazelnut milk, you can check out Simple Veganista. There you'll find this delightful recipe.

Hazelnut Milk FAQ

Do you have more questions about hazelnut milk? Let's check out the answers in this handy FAQ. 

What Is Hazelnut Milk Good for?

Hazelnut milk is great for drinking straight or for using in your favorite coffee. The nutty flavor of the milk adds a delicious twist to your morning brew!

What Does Hazelnut Milk Taste Like?

Hazelnut milk tastes smooth and creamy. It has notes of hazelnut in it, which are soft and sweet. 

How Long Does Hazelnut Milk Last?

Hazelnut milk will last for two to four days if it's homemade. If you bought it from a store, it will usually last for two to three weeks after opening.

Is Hazelnut or Almond Milk Better?

Hazelnut and almond milk have very similar flavor profiles. Almond milk is lower in calories, but some people prefer hazelnut's flavor. Neither milk is "better", it comes down to preference.

Go Nuts for Hazelnut Milk!

Hazelnut milk is a unique non-dairy milk that offers tons of health benefits. It's a great beverage for anyone who's wanting to avoid drinking milk from cows and instead wants to live a plant-based lifestyle. 

If you loved this guide on hazelnut milk vs dairy milk, you'll love our other guides too. Check out our other posts about non-dairy milk and join our plant-based lifestyle.