We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.
(Last Updated On: July 12, 2023)If you’re looking to make your own nut milk, you may want to consider using a nut milk bag. This reusable kitchen tool is designed to strain out solids from liquids, leaving you with a smooth and creamy milk that’s perfect for drinking or using in recipes. Nut milk bags are typically made from a fine mesh material, such as nylon or cotton, that allows liquid to pass through while retaining any solids.
Using a nut milk bag is a simple and affordable way to make your own nut milk at home. All you need to do is blend your nuts and water together, pour the mixture into the bag, and then squeeze out the milk. You can use the leftover pulp in other recipes, such as smoothies or baked goods, or simply discard it. Nut milk bags can also be used to strain other liquids, such as cold-brew coffee or homemade juice, making them a versatile addition to any kitchen.
OUR TOP PICKS
Highest Rated:
Ellie’s Best Nut Milk Bag
Best Budget Option
SCENGCLOS Nut Milk Bags
Best Kit With Extras
Teresa’s Home Nut Milk Bag Kit
Nut Milk Bags: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and using
Ellie’s Best Nut Milk Bag
.
If you’re serious about making your own nut milk or other plant-based drinks, the Ellie’s Best Nut Milk Bag is definitely worth considering. Its larger size and rounded corners make it easier to use and clean than smaller bags, and the strong construction and fine Italian nylon mesh ensure that it will last for a long time. Plus, the free recipe e-book and how-to videos are a great bonus for anyone who’s new to making their own nut milk.
Pros
- The larger size and rounded corners make it easier to use and clean than smaller bags.
- The strong construction and fine Italian nylon mesh make it durable and long-lasting.
- It comes with a free recipe e-book and how-to videos to help you get started.
Cons
- The drawstring closure can be a bit finicky to use.
SCENGCLOS Nut Milk Bags
Made of 100% natural unbleached cotton cloth, these nut milk bags could be considered a healthier option compared to synthetic bags. The weave of the bag is 66 x 70, which is much tighter than cheesecloth grade 90, but not as tight as a 200 micron nut milk bag. This weave allows for smooth nut milk output without impurities.
The cotton nut milk bag also makes it easier to handle and squeeze out the liquid more quickly and efficiently. However, the small holes may make it more difficult to strain thicker nut milks, such as cashew milk. It’s also important to note that hand-washing may be necessary to prevent damage to the bag.
Pros
- Made of 100% natural unbleached cotton cloth
- Easy handling for quicker and smoother output
- Perfect weave for filtering out impurities
Cons
- Small holes make it difficult to strain thicker nut milks
- May need to be hand-washed to prevent damage
Teresa’s Home Nut Milk Bag Kit
Made with 100% organic cotton, Teresa’s Home Nut Milk Bag Kit makes a safe and eco-friendly option for making nut milk at home. The kit includes two 14×14 bags, two 32 oz glass milk bottles with lids, and a kitchen funnel for easy pouring. The bags are triple-stitched for durability and have a U-shape design that makes them easy to clean. The large size of the bags ensures that you can strain a lot of nut milk at once, and the glass bottles are a great alternative to plastic ones.
One downside to the kit is that the glass bottles are not dishwasher safe, so you’ll have to wash them by hand. Finally, the kit costs more compared to just purchasing a nut milk bag, which might make it less accessible to some users.
Pros
- The 100% organic cotton.
- The kit comes with two 32 oz glass milk bottles with lids.
- Large 14×14 size of the bags is perfect for straining almond milk, oat milk, and more.
Cons
- The glass bottles are not dishwasher safe.
What is a Nut Milk Bag?
Simply put, a nut milk bag is a fine mesh bag used to strain blended nuts or seeds when making homemade plant-based milk.
The bag is typically made of food-grade nylon mesh or organic cotton and is designed to filter out any pulp or solids from the milk, leaving behind a smooth, creamy liquid. Nut milk bags can also be used for straining other liquids, such as cold brew coffee or green juice.
Nut milk bags are a great alternative to traditional cheesecloth, as they are reusable, easy to clean, and can be used for a variety of other kitchen tasks. They are also more eco-friendly than disposable filters or paper towels.
When shopping for a nut milk bag, look for one that is made of high-quality materials and has a tight weave to ensure that it effectively strains out any solids. A larger bag may be more versatile, as it can be used for straining larger batches of milk or other liquids.
Types of Nut Milk Bags
When it comes to nut milk bags, there are a few different types that you can choose from. Each type has its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to understand the differences before making a purchase. Here are the most common types of nut milk bags:
Nylon Nut Milk Bags
Nylon nut milk bags are the most popular type of nut milk bag on the market. They are made from a fine mesh nylon material that is designed to strain out pulp and other solids from your nut milk. Nylon bags are reusable, easy to clean, and can last for a long time. They are also affordable, making them a great choice for anyone who wants to make nut milk on a budget.
Cotton Nut Milk Bags
Cotton nut milk bags are another popular option. They are made from a natural cotton material that is gentle on the environment and your skin. Cotton bags are also reusable and easy to clean, but they tend to be more expensive than nylon bags. The main advantage of cotton bags is that they are a great choice for people who are concerned about the environmental impact of their purchases.
Cheesecloth
Cheesecloth is a traditional material that has been used for straining liquids for centuries. It is a loosely-woven cotton fabric that is available in different grades. Cheesecloth is affordable and widely available, but it is not as durable as nylon or silicone bags. It also tends to let more pulp through than other types of nut milk bags. Cheesecloth is a good choice for people who want to strain nut milk occasionally, but it may not be the best choice for regular use.
How to Use a Nut Milk Bag
Step by Step Guide
Using a nut milk bag is a simple process that involves soaking nuts or seeds, blending them with water, and then straining the mixture through the bag. Here is a step-by-step guide to using a nut milk bag:
- Soak 1 cup of nuts or seeds in water for at least 6-8 hours or overnight.
- Rinse the soaked nuts or seeds and add them to a blender with 4 cups fresh water.
- Blend on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Hold the nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher and pour the mixture into the bag.
- Squeeze the bag gently with your hands to extract the milk. You can also use a spoon to press the mixture against the sides of the bag.
- Once all the milk has been extracted, discard the pulp or save it to use in other recipes such as our Chocolate Almond Butter Cups or toss the pulp into this Dark Chocolate Almond Bark!
Tips and Tricks
- Use a high-speed blender to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. This Vitamix is our favorite!
- Use a large bowl or pitcher to catch the milk and make it easier to pour the mixture into the bag.
- If the mixture is too thick, add more water to the blender and blend again.
- To prevent the bag from tearing, avoid squeezing it too hard or using sharp objects to press the mixture against the sides.
- After using the bag, rinse it with warm water and hang it to dry. You can also wash it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
- Nut milk bags can also be used to strain other liquids such as cold brew coffee, juices, and soups.
Experiment with flavors!
Salted Caramel Cashew Milk
Vanilla Cinnamon Almond Milk
Dark Chocolate Hazelnut Milk
Benefits of Using a Nut Milk Bag
- Cost-effective: Making your own nut milk with a nut milk bag is a cost-effective way to enjoy plant-based milk without spending a lot of money. You can make a large batch of nut milk with just a small amount of nuts or seeds.
- Customizable: You have control over the ingredients and flavors when you make your own nut milk. You can choose the type of nuts or seeds, the level of sweetness, and any additional flavors you want to add.
- Healthy: Nut milk made with a nut milk bag is a healthy alternative to dairy milk. It is low in calories, fat, and cholesterol, and high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It is also suitable for people with lactose intolerance or allergies.
- Versatile: Nut milk bags are not just for making nut milk. You can use them for a variety of purposes, such as making cold-brew coffee, straining fresh juice, sprouting nuts and seeds, and making healthy cheeses and yogurts.
- Easy to use and clean: Nut milk bags are easy to use and clean. You simply soak the nuts or seeds, blend them with water, and strain the mixture through the nut milk bag. After use, you can rinse the bag with water and hang it to dry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When using a nut milk bag, there are a few common mistakes that you want to avoid to ensure that you get the best results possible. Here are some of the most common mistakes that people make when using a nut milk bag:
Mistake #1: Using Roasted or Salted Nuts
One of the biggest mistakes that people make when making nut milk is using roasted or salted nuts. This can lead to a nut milk that is too salty or has a burnt taste. To avoid this, make sure to always use raw, unsalted nuts when making nut milk.
Mistake #2: Overfilling the Nut Milk Bag
Another common mistake is overfilling the nut milk bag. If you put too many nuts in the bag, it can be difficult to squeeze out all of the milk, which can lead to a watery nut milk. To avoid this, make sure to only fill the bag about halfway full. Typically the ratio is 1 cup nuts to 4 cups water.
Mistake #3: Not Soaking the Nuts
Soaking the nuts before making nut milk is important because it helps to soften them and makes them easier to blend. If you don’t soak the nuts, you may end up with a gritty or chunky nut milk. So, make sure to soak your nuts for at least 4 hours minimum (overnight is preferred!) before making nut milk.
Mistake #4: Using Hot Water
Another mistake that people make is using hot water when making nut milk. Hot water can cause the nuts to release their oils too quickly, which can lead to a greasy or oily nut milk. So, make sure to use cold or room temperature water when making nut milk.
Mistake #5: Not Squeezing the Bag Enough
Finally, one of the most common mistakes that people make when using a nut milk bag is not squeezing it enough. If you don’t squeeze the bag enough, you may end up with a watery nut milk. So, make sure to squeeze the bag as much as possible to get all of the milk out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I properly clean and maintain my nut milk bag?
To make sure it lasts a long time, after each use, rinse the bag with cold water to remove any leftover particles. You can also use soap and warm water to clean it thoroughly. Hang the bag to dry completely before storing it.
Can nut milk bags be used for purposes other than making nut milk?
Yes, nut milk bags can be used for various purposes other than making nut milk. You can use them for cold brew coffee, Greek yogurt, green juice, cauliflower straining, and sprouting. They are versatile and can be used in various ways.
Nut Milk Bag vs. Cheesecloth
Nut milk bags and cheesecloths are both used for straining liquids, but they have some differences. Nut milk bags are made of fine mesh and are more durable than cheesecloth. They are also easier to clean and maintain than cheesecloth. Cheesecloth is made of cotton and is not as durable as nut milk bags. It is also more difficult to clean and maintain.
Are nut milk bags reusable?
Yes, nut milk bags are reusable. They are made of durable materials and can be washed and used multiple times. However, it is important to clean and maintain them properly to ensure their longevity.