Dairy-free milk is everywhere—from coffee shop lattes to family recipes. 

But the freshest version? It comes from your own blender.

With a strainer, water, and a few basic ingredients, you can blend a fresh batch in minutes. Pick the flavor, adjust the texture, and fine-tune the sweetness until it’s all yours.

Why choose dairy-free?

  • Soothe your gut: Gentle on the stomach for those who can’t digest lactose or other milk proteins.
  • Lower in saturated fat: A smart swap for heart health, hormones, and more.
  • Allergy-friendly options: From oat to rice milk, there’s an alternative for almost every dietary need.
  • Free from added hormones or antibiotics: A clean choice without factory farming  byproducts.
  • Lower environmental footprint: Less water, less land, fewer emissions.
  • Supports balanced eating: A lighter option for calorie-conscious drinkers.
  • Compassionate choice: Savor your favorites without supporting the separation of calves from their mothers.

What you’ll need

Before we dive in, here’s your basic toolkit for homemade milks:

  • Large bowl
  • Measuring cups
  • High-speed blender
  • Fine-mesh sieve or strainer
  • Plant milk mesh strainer (nut milk bag) – optional, for extra-smooth texture
  • Large container – to catch the strained milk
  • Glass jars or airtight containers – to store finished milk in the fridge

[photos of tools for those who are unfamiliar?]

The flavors everyone’s loving

  1. Soy milk

Creamy and protein-packed, soy milk is a go-to for smoothies, coffee, and baking. Its mild flavor makes it one of the most versatile plant milks.

soy milk

  1. Oat milk

Smooth, naturally sweet, and perfect for frothing, oat milk is a barista favorite for lattes and a great match for cereal.

oat-milk-pexels-polina-tankilevitch

  1. Homemade coconut milk

Rich and tropical, coconut milk works wonders in curries, desserts, and creamy drinks.

coconut-milk-pexels-pexels-cottonbro

  1. Peanut milk

Nutty, full-bodied, and budget-friendly, peanut milk is perfect for smoothies, baking, and even as a post-workout drink.

peanut milk

  1. Rice milk

Light, mild, and naturally sweet, rice milk is gentle for those with multiple allergies and kid-approved.

rice-milk-pexels-polina-tankilevitch

  1. Almond milk

Lightly nutty and refreshing, almond milk is a classic for coffee, oatmeal, and homemade treats.

almond milk

Pro tips for all plant milks

  • Sweeten naturally with dates, maple syrup, or pure vanilla extract.
  • Add a pinch of salt to enhance flavor.
  • Shake before use—separation is natural.
  • Experiment with ingredients and blends. Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can create endless plant milk variations!