Cashew Milk vs Milk: The Ultimate Verdict

Cashew milk and cow’s milk are two popular types of milk, but they come from different sources and offer unique characteristics.

Whether you’re looking for a plant-based option or just curious about your milk choices, I’ll break down the key differences between cashew milk and regular milk. So, let’s dive in and discover the creamy details of these two milky options!

Comparing cashew milk vs milk

	Cashew milk	Cow milk (including whole, 2%, skim, etc.)
Type	Plant-based (nut/seed milk)	Animal-based
Common allergens	Tree nuts	Milk
Vegan?	Yes	No
Paleo?	Yes	No
Keto?	No	No

When I say milk, I’m referring to cow’s milk. Cashew milk is a plant-based alternative that suits vegans and those with lactose intolerance due to its absence of lactose, whereas cow’s milk contains lactose, potentially causing digestive discomfort.

Made from cashews, cashew milk is pale-friendly. However, it is high in carbs, similar to cow’s milk, so neither is good for keto diets.

Differences between cashew milk and milk

Cashew milk and cow’s milk differ in multiple aspects, including their sources, nutritional content, and taste profiles.

Just like almond milk and other nut-based alternatives, cashew milk is made from soaked and ground cashews or cashew butter. Some brands also contain almonds, and may or may not have added thickeners or emulsifiers.

Cashew milk has a creamy and slightly nutty flavor. It’s generally smoother and lighter in taste compared to cow’s milk. The texture of cashew milk is also notably thinner than cow’s milk.

Types of cow’s milk

Here are the various types of cow’s milk explained:

Whole milk: Creamy classic, 3.5% fat.

2% milk: Less fat, 2% milk fat.

1% milk: Even less fat, 1% milk fat.

Skim milk: Fat-free, 0% milk fat.

Lactose-free milk: No lactose for sensitive tummies.

Raw cow milk: Unpasteurized, some potential health risks.

Flavored milk: Fun flavors like chocolate and strawberry, watch out for their higher sugar content.

How to use cashew milk vs milk

In terms of how they behave in cooking and beverages, cashew milk can work well as a milk substitute in many recipes and beverages, but its nutty flavor might influence the final taste.

Cow’s milk, being the traditional choice, tends to be more versatile in various culinary applications and is a staple in many recipes.

Here’s a quick rundown of how you can put both cashew milk and milk to good use:

Cashew milk:

• Cereal
• Coffee creamer
• Smoothie base
• Pancake batter
• Creamy soups
• Baking (cakes, muffins, and more)
• Dairy-free Alfredo sauce
• Golden milk latte

Milk:

• Classic dunk for cookies
• Oatmeal
• Bread pudding
• Cheese-making
• Scrambled eggs
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

Can you substitute cashew milk for milk?

In most cases, yes! Cashew milk can often stand in for milk in various recipes, especially if you’re aiming for a dairy-free option.

However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture might differ slightly, so it’s always good to do a small test run. If you do use cashew milk as a substitute, it’s best to use an unsweetened variety.

Nutrition: Cashew milk vs milk

Cashew milk is lower in calories and saturated fat compared to whole milk, making it a popular choice for those looking to cut down on those aspects. And since cashew milk doesn’t contain lactose, it’s naturally lower in sugar than regular milk.

On the other hand, milk boasts a good dose of calcium and vitamin D, which are essential for strong bones and overall health. Cashew milk is not always fortified, so be sure to check your labels!

Per cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Calories	Total fat (sat. fat)	Total carbs	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein	Calcium	Vit D
Cashew milk (unfortified)	130	10 g (1.5 g)	7 g	1 g (0 g)	4 g	2% DV	0% DV
Whole milk	160	8 g (4.5 g)	11 g	10 g (0 g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
2% milk	130	5 g (3 g)	12 g	12 g (0 g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
1% milk	110	2.5 g (1.4 g)	13 g	12 g (0g)	8 g	25% DV	10% DV
Skim milk (nonfat milk)	90	0 g	13 g	12 g (0 g)	8 g	30% DV	25% DV

How to store cashew milk and milk

Cashew milk, like other plant-based milk alternatives, should be stored in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. After opening the carton, always store it in the fridge.

Check the expiration or “best by” date on the packaging. Consume the cashew milk before this date for the best taste and quality. After that date, the milk might not be unsafe, but it might not taste as good.

Dairy milk must be refrigerated to prevent bacterial growth and spoilage. Always store it in the coldest part of the refrigerator, typically at or below 40°F (4°C).

Always check the expiration date on the milk packaging. Consuming milk past its expiration date can be risky for your health, as harmful bacteria might have grown in the milk.

Cashew milk vs milk: The ultimate verdict

In my opinion, cashew milk is one of the best nut-milk alternatives to regular milk! It’s super creamy, versatile, tastes amazing, and doesn’t go bad as easily as cow’s milk. For vegans or those who can’t have dairy, cashew milk is by far the better choice. Try to choose brands that are fortified with vitamin D and have just as much calcium as dairy milk, and have no artificial colors or flavors for the best quality.

FAQs:

Links on this page may be affiliate links, for which the site earns a small commission, but the price for you is the same