Macadamia Milk vs Milk: Which is Better?

Got milk? There’s the classic dairy milk, with endless types lining the shelves at grocery stores, but macadamia milk has been showing up everywhere as a new dairy-free alternative. Is it better than milk? Let’s take a closer look to find out…

Comparing macadamia milk vs milk

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

Differences between macadamia milk and milk

Macadamia milk is a popular plant-based alternative to regular cow’s milk. The main difference is their sources: macadamia milk comes from macadamia nuts, while cow’s milk is derived from cows. Here’s a recipe for homemade macadamia nut milk using just 2 ingredients!

Nutritionally, macadamia milk is typically lower in calories and contains no cholesterol, lactose, or gluten, making it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. However, cow’s milk naturally contains more protein and calcium.

In terms of taste, macadamia milk has a slightly nutty flavor, while cow’s milk has its characteristic creamy taste.

Types of cow’s milk

Cow’s milk comes in various forms, each with a different fat content and nutritional profile:

Whole milk: The classic whole milk boasts a rich and creamy texture, containing around 3.5% milk fat.

2% milk (reduced-fat): As the name suggests, it has 2% milk fat, offering a compromise between whole milk and lower-fat options.

1% milk (low-fat): This one has 1% milk fat, providing a lighter taste while still maintaining some creaminess.

Skim milk (non-fat): With 0% milk fat, skim milk is the leanest choice, but it lacks the richness of higher-fat options.

Lactose-free milk: Ideal for lactose-intolerant folks, this type is regular milk with lactase enzyme added to break down lactose.

Raw cow milk (whole): Straight from the cow, raw milk is unprocessed and unpasteurized, retaining its natural nutrients and flavor.

Flavored milk: Often marketed to kids and the young at heart, flavored milk can be chocolate, strawberry, or other yummy varieties.

How to use macadamia milk vs milk

Here’s some ideas for how to use each type of milk:

Macadamia milk:

• Pour over cereal or granola
• Blend into smoothies
• Froth for lattes and cappuccinos
• Substitute in recipes (pancakes, muffins, sauces)
• Mix into oatmeal or chia pudding
• Use in baking (cakes, cookies, muffins)

Regular milk:

• Enjoy cold or with cookies
• Heat up for hot cocoa
• Add to soups and creamy pasta dishes
• Use in desserts like puddings and custards
• Make creamy mashed potatoes
• Whisk into scrambled eggs or omelets
• Create creamy salad dressings or dips

Can you substitute macadamia milk for milk?

Absolutely! You can easily substitute macadamia milk for regular milk in most recipes. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or just want to explore new flavors, macadamia milk can do pretty much anything regular milk can. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture might be slightly different, so it’s a good idea to experiment and find what works best for you.

Nutrition: Macadamia milk vs milk

Like many other dairy-free milks, unsweetened macadamia milk is low in carbs (1g per serving) and sugar-free (0g). And if you’re counting calories, it has less than half the amount of calories compared to regular milk. Plus, it’s fortified with vitamin D and calcium, providing essential nutrients like regular milk.

On the other hand, regular milk is a natural source of protein and calcium and is often fortified with vitamin D to support bone health. The amount of fat in milk varies depending on the type.

Per cup (237 ml/8 oz.)	Calories	Total fat (sat. fat)	Total carbs	Total sugars (incl. added)	Protein	Calcium	Vit D
Macadamia milk	50	5 g (1 g)	1 g	0 g	1 g	30% DV	25% 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 macadamia milk and milk

Macadamia milk, being a plant-based alternative, is typically stored in aseptic cartons or sealed containers at room temperature until opened. Once opened, it should be refrigerated and consumed within 7-10 days.

In contrast, dairy milk is kept refrigerated at all times and typically has a shorter shelf life but depends on the type of milk. Whole milk typically lasts around 5-7 days past its sell-by date, while skim milk can last a little longer, up to a week. Always check the storage instructions and “best-by” date on the carton.

Macadamia milk vs milk: Which is better

Now comes the big question: macadamia milk or regular milk – which one is better overall?

The answer depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. If you’re lactose intolerant, vegan, or simply looking for a lighter and nuttier flavor profile, macadamia milk could be your new best friend. Out of all the dairy-free options I’ve tried, macadamia milk is one of my favorites for beverages and various recipes. I prefer the taste of it over cow milk.

But regular milk is still a reliable source of calcium and vitamin D, important for bone health, and can complement various recipes, especially those where its creamy texture shines.

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