CHOOSING YOUR PLANT-BASED MILK

by Moe Cohen

Photo by Brody Levinsky

Not sure which type of milk is best for you? Or simply curious about the major health benefits of different types of milk? The breakfast drink has come a long way since most of us were children and drinking a daily glass of skim or 2% milk. Now when you walk through the milk aisle at the grocery store, there are shelves upon shelves of dairy and non-dairy options.

We partnered with Elmhurst, a clean plant-based company that delivers simpler, better nutrition, made with more nut, grain, or seed sources and fewer ingredients (its unsweetened nut milks have just two). Elmhurst milk has up to four times more nuts per serving in its nut milks than other plant-based milks on the market. We also love Elmhurst’s commitment to sustainability and saving our water and land resources—as well as reducing emissions—by making the most of plants. All Elmhurst products are Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, gluten-free, and of course, dairy-free. The brand never uses any gums, added oils, emulsifiers, or stabilizers in its products. Today we’re sharing five unexpected ways to incorporate their milks into your next meal.

Now more than ever, it’s important to consider the shelf life of the products you’re buying for your household. Elmhurst’s plant-based milks not only have major health benefits; they also last longer at room temperature than traditional milk with a 6- to 10-month shelf-life. This advantage is courtesy of innovative aseptic technology and packaging (and has nothing to do with added preservatives, to be clear). This means you can rest assured that your family is stocked with nutrient-packed essentials, and you don’t have to worry about refrigerating until they’ve been opened.

Below we’re breaking down the perks of using Elmhurst’s plant-based milks, plus a unique recipe for each.

Unsweetened Almond

Key benefits: Made with two ingredients—almonds and water. Low in carbs, high in fat and protein (5g protein per serving). Rich in vitamin E and healthy source of potassium.
Great for everyday use in: smoothies and cereal (hot and cold)
Unique recipe to try: Easy Cauliflower Alfredo

ELMHURST

Unsweetened Milked Almonds (2-pack for $14)

Easy Cauliflower Alfredo

SERVING SIZE:Makes about 5 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Almonds

4 cups cauliflower florets

2 cups vegetable stock

1/2 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic, minced

1/4 cup nutritional yeast

1 tablespoon lemon juice, fresh

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Optional salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large pot, add cauliflower florets and cover with

vegetable stock.Bring to soft boil. Once the stock is boiling,

cook for an additional 3 to 7 minutes until fork tender.

Drain and set aside.

2. Next add oil in a separate pan and sauté

minced garlic over low heat for about 5 minutes

until soft and fragrant, being careful not to burn.

Then add in the Elmhurst Unsweetened Almond Milk,

cooked cauliflower, lemon juice, nutritional yeast,

onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes.

3. Let cool slightly.If using an immersion blender or regular

blender, puree the sauce until a smooth consistency is reached.

Transfer mixture back to the pot and combine cooked pasta

until heated through for about 5 minutes.

4. Serve warm and enjoy.

Unsweetened Cashew

Key benefits: Helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, supports bone health, assists in vision preservation, and aids in obesity prevention.
Great for everyday use in: coffee, soups, and sauces
Unique recipe to try: Avocado Lime Salad Dressing

ELMHURST

Unsweetened Milked Cashews (2-pack for $14)

Avocado Lime Salad Dressing

SERVING SIZE:about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS: 

1 cup Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Cashews
1/2 cup lime juice
4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic
1 cup avocado
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Add Elmhurst Unsweetened

Cashew Milk, lime juice,

chopped cilantro, garlic,

avocado, and salt and pepper

to taste to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth

and creamy or you reach

your desired consistency.

Serve and enjoy.

Unsweetened Hazelnut

Key benefits: Can boost protection from cellular damage, helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and aids in improving blood sugar levels.
Great for everyday use in: iced coffee, smoothies, and cereal (hot and cold)
Unique recipe to try: Apple Pie Fudge Cups

ELMHURST

Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts (2-pack for $14)

Apple Pie Fudge Cups

SERVING SIZE:12 cups

INGREDIENTS:

1 cup Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Hazelnuts
1 cup apples, chopped
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted (plus a little extra to bake the apples in)
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 teaspoons cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. Preheat the oven to 400° F.

While preheating, chop 1 cup of

apples and toss in coconut oil.

Spread the apples on a baking sheet,

and bake for 30-45 minutes.

2. Once the apples have cooled,

add them and the rest of the

ingredients to a blender.

Blend until completely combined.

3. Pour the mixture into a

mini muffin pan and freeze

for 30 minutes or until firm.

4. Remove from freezer

and if desired, drizzle with

peanut butter, caramel,

or other topping of choice.

Unsweetened Walnut

Key benefits: Low in carbs (unsweetened varieties only), high in fat and protein, rich in antioxidants, and a good source of essential fatty acids and fiber.
Great for everyday use in: cereal (hot and cold), iced coffee, and smoothies
Unique recipe to try: Oatmeal Raisin Protein Bites

ELMHURST

Unsweetened Milked Walnuts (2-pack for $14)

Oatmeal Raisin Protein Bites

SERVING SIZE:18-22 teaspoon-size bites

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Walnuts
1 1/2 cups rolled oats
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup protein powder – vanilla
1/4 cup organic nut butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/3 cup raisins
3 tablespoons blue agave syrup

INSTRUCTIONS: 

1. In a food processor, combine

oats, chia seeds, cinnamon,

and protein powder until

well combined.

2. Add peanut butter, agave,

vanilla extract, and raisins

and pulse a few times.

Mixture will be slightly

moist but still crumbly.

3. Slowly add in Elmhurst

Unsweetened Walnut Milk

until just combined.

4. Roll the mixture into

18 teaspoon-sized balls.

5. Place in the freezer

for 15 minutes to firm

up and enjoy

Unsweetened Oat

Key benefits: Rich in antioxidants and high in soluble fiber, which can mean an increased growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. It also has 20g of whole grains per serving, keeping you nice and full.
Great for everyday use in: coffee, smoothies, and cereal (hot and cold)
Unique recipe to try: Citron Limon Smoothie

ELMHURST

Unsweetened Milked Oats (2-pack for $14)

Citron Limon Smoothie

SERVING SIZE:2 smoothies

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 cups Elmhurst Unsweetened Milked Oats
1/3 cup lemon juice, fresh
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest from half a lemon
1/8 teaspoon turmeric
1 banana, frozen