It’s no secret that almond milk has been gracing our coffee and cereal bowls for quite some time now. As such a reliable dairy alternative, it’s definitely here to stay. So today, we’re going to check out one of almond milk’s lesser-known competitors – hazelnut milk.
Hazelnuts have been loved for centuries for their rich flavor and versatility in sweet and savory dishes, and you might associate them with Nutella and Ferrero Rocher. But it wasn’t until recently that they made an entrance into the world of milk alternatives. These small, round nuts pack a flavorful punch, but what else does their “milk” have to offer? Ready to find out? Read on.
Comparing hazelnut milk vs almond milk
| Hazelnut milk | Almond milk | |
| Type | Plant-based (nuts) | Plant-based (nuts) |
| Allergens | Tree nuts | Tree nuts |
| Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
| Paleo? | Yes | Yes |
| Keto? | Yes | Yes |
We’re off to a great start – both hazelnut milk and almond milk comfortably fit into vegan, paleo, and keto diets, making them super accessible. However, they also have a common downside, which is that they both belong to the tree nut family and won’t be suitable for those with tree nut allergies.
Differences between hazelnut milk and almond milk
Hazelnut milk and almond milk are very similar in nature, given that they are both processed in the same manner and come from nuts. The big differences that you’ll see between them come from the actual nut they’re made from – hazelnuts or almonds – which give them varying flavors and textures most noticeably.
Both nut milks are made by blending the soaked nuts with water and then straining the liquid from the pulp, but both produce different flavor profiles. Hazelnut milk has a lot more body than almond milk and is creamier and richer with a hint of sweet earthiness to it. Almond milk has a much milder and gentler nutty flavor and is typically so thin that thickeners are added to it commercially.
You’ll also find that while almond milk is widely available as a dairy milk substitute at many coffee shops, hazelnut milk is a little rarer and difficult to find. Since it’s so widespread, almond milk comes in many varieties, including unsweetened and flavored (vanilla, chocolate).
How to use hazelnut milk vs almond milk
Hazelnut milk:
- Craft pastries, breads, and more.
- Make marinades for tofu and meat.
- Use in cocktails and mocktails.
- Prepare hot chocolate, tea, or coffee.
- Use as a nutty soup creamer in bisques and hearty soups.
- Use as a base for smoothies.
Almond milk:
- Make homemade almond milk ice cream.
- Use in tea lattes.
- Pour over cereal.
- Sub into your favorite pancake recipe.
- Blend up a smoothie.
- Create non-dairy buttermilk.
Can you substitute hazelnut milk for almond milk?
Since hazelnut and almond milk share that nutty essence, this makes them somewhat interchangeable. But, like with almost all milk swaps, there are a few things to keep in mind. Hazelnut milk tends to have a thicker consistency and a more robust flavor compared to almond milk, which can be a plus if you want to enhance the body and character of your dish but a con if you want the mild, thin quality of almond milk.
Nutrition: Hazelnut milk vs almond milk
Hazelnut milk and almond milk, as discussed, do have many similarities. For example, they’re both low in protein, low in total carbs, low in total sugars, and low in calories (although almond milk is significantly lower at 30 calories per cup!). What stands out in their nutrition is their total fat content, where hazelnut milk is fattier, with 9g vs 2.5g per cup.
Hazelnut milk is also not fortified with added vitamins and minerals, which means it won’t provide the powerful calcium and vitamin D levels that almond milk can. Interestingly, though, both milks we’re talking about here have antioxidants and vitamin E that help increase protection from cellular damage and improve blood sugar levels!
| Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
| Hazelnut milk | 90 | 9 g (0.5 g) | 1 g | 1 g (0 g) | 2 g | 2% DV | 0% DV |
| Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
How to store hazelnut milk and almond milk
Almost all packaged hazelnut and almond milk are shelf-stable until opened, with almond milk lasting around 1 – 2 months and hazelnut milk lasting around 6 months. Once opened, hazelnut milk will last around 5 – 7 days in the fridge, and almond milk will last around in the fridge for about 7 – 10 days, sometimes longer, sometimes shorter, especially if you’re making your own almond milk.
Hazelnut milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Personally, I find hazelnut milk to be better for enhancing and almond milk better for splashing and pouring into anything as a more neutral milk. Hazelnut milk is perfect in coffees and desserts like chocolate puddings or nutty pastries, while almond milk plays well with almost anything, including savory dishes, smoothies, and bakes. So, if you’re looking for a hazelnut-infused experience, go for hazelnut. But for an all-around, versatile kitchen staple, almond milk stays a reliable choice.
FAQs
Almond milk has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that is subtle and somewhat sweet. It’s by no means overpowering, which is what makes it versatile and able to complement so many dishes. Hazelnut milk brings a bolder and more robust nuttiness with a rich and aromatic flavor that makes itself known.
Among the more popular milk options, unsweetened almond milk tends to have the least sugar naturally. Since it doesn’t contain any added sugars, it only has the natural sugars present in almonds, which are minimal. Other milk alternatives like unsweetened oat milk, soy milk, and coconut milk also tend to be low in sugar unless specifically sweetened. All in all, always check the sugar content on the label to be sure!
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