Despite its interesting name, tiger nut milk doesn’t come from big striped cats, but rather from a humble, nutrient-packed tuber called the tiger nut. They are small root vegetables (which grow on a plant called the yellow nutsedge), are native to ancient Egypt, and their unique shape and texture are likely how they got that unique name. Not only are they used to make milk, but tiger nut butter too!
On the other hand, we don’t need an introduction to almond milk – it’s one of the most popular plant-based milks found in coffee shops around the world!
With both of these milks coming from nuts, how do they compare with each other? Which should you use in your next recipe? Let’s find out!
Comparing tiger nut milk vs almond milk
Tiger nut milk | Almond milk | |
Type | Plant-based | Plant-based (nuts) |
Allergens | None | Tree nuts |
Vegan? | Yes | Yes |
Paleo? | Likely if homemade with diet-compatible ingredients | Yes |
Keto? | No | Yes |
Almond milk is our all-rounder in this battle, fitting paleo, vegan, and keto diets, while tiger nut milk is also proudly vegan and can be paleo if made from diet-compatible ingredients. Where tiger nut milk shines is that it is virtually allergen-free, while almond milk carries a little risk for those with tree nut allergies.

Differences between tiger nut milk and almond milk
There are two big differences between tiger nut milk and almond milk: their source and their availability. While almond milk can be found in many grocery stores and cafes, you’ll find it difficult to find tiger nut milk at all. Interestingly, despite their difference in source, tiger nut milk and almond milk both have nutty, sweet, milky and subtly earthy flavors that are very similar to each other. They’re also both made in identical ways, by soaking tiger nuts or almonds, blending them with water, and separating the meal from the liquid.
Almond milk and tiger nut milk both have similar textures – thinner ones than regular cow’s milk. But almond milk is particularly thin, to the point where it usually has added thickeners.
As mentioned, tiger nut milk definitely isn’t as common as other plant-based milk alternatives, but it’s a fantastic allergy-friendly option for those who can’t consume tree nuts, coconut, or soy milks.
How to use tiger nut milk vs almond milk
Tiger nut milk:
- Create a creamy base for hot drinks – tiger nut milk froths really well!
- Blend up delicious smoothies with bananas and berries.
- Use to make vegan salad dressings, dips, or sauces.
- Craft a tiger nut horchata.
- Make kefir (with tiger nut milk’s starchy qualities)
Almond milk:
- Pour over cereal or granola.
- Sub in baking recipes for moist and flavorful bakes.
- Make non-dairy ice cream.
- Use to make delicate puddings and custards.
- Enhance a sweet treat with flavored almond milk
Can you substitute tiger nut milk for almond milk?
Tiger nut milk and almond milk have long been considered fantastic substitutes. Given their similarities in flavor and texture, you can easily substitute them for each other in many scenarios. With their natural nuttiness and sweetness, they’ll work wonders in baking, desserts, smoothies, and more – just keep in mind that almond milk might have a slightly more neutral flavor profile and thinner texture if you’re looking for something extra mild.
Nutrition: Tiger nut milk vs almond milk
While there isn’t any reliable information on the exact nutritional content of tiger nut milk, tiger nut milk is said to be slightly higher in calories, total carbs, and total fat than almond milk. This could explain why it has a little more body and creaminess! Tiger nuts in their whole form are also packed with fiber and contain iron, but it’s unlikely that the milk contains fiber as the solids are removed when the liquid is strained. However, it’s high in plenty of other nutrients, like thiamin (which provides energy) and niacin (which keeps your nervous system, digestive system, and skin healthy).
Almond milk is much loved for being low in a lot of nutritional values – it’s low in calories, low in fat, low in carbohydrates – but where it falls short is its low protein content. But what it lacks in protein, it makes up for in calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin E.
Per 1 cup (237 ml/8 oz.) | Calories | Total fat (sat. fat) | Total carbs | Total sugars (incl. added) | Protein | Calcium | Vit D |
Tiger nut milk | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? | ? |
Almond milk | 30 | 2.5 g (0 g) | 1 g | 0 g | 1 g | 45% DV | 25% DV |
? = reliable information not available
How to store tiger nut milk and almond milk
If you’re making homemade almond milk or homemade tiger nut milk from scratch, you’ll want to keep it refrigerated at all times and consume it within a few days. For packaged varieties, they’re usually shelf stable for a few months before opening but should be stored in the fridge once opened.
Sources say that tiger nut milk doesn’t last very long (just a few days!) and spoils quickly, so you’ll want to use it up as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, almond milk lasts around 7 – 10 days after opening.
Tiger nut milk vs almond milk: Which is better?
Which is better for what all comes down to the context for me! If I’m whipping up a yummy smoothie or making a sweet dessert, tiger nut milk has that little oomph that I enjoy. But when I’m going for something neutral, like a savory pasta sauce, almond milk’s mild profile keeps things in check. Unlike some other milk comparisons we’ve done, the differences between tiger nut milk and almond milk aren’t too drastic, making them good substitutes if one or the other isn’t available!
FAQs
It all depends on what you’re personally looking for. Tiger nuts have a unique appeal for being sweet and chewy, as well as being allergen-free and full of essential amino acids. On the other hand, almonds are readily available, versatile, and packed with healthy fats. Both have their own individual strengths!
Tiger nut milk can be a healthy choice, considering it contains essential nutrients like vitamin E and potassium. While there aren’t any concrete nutritional values available to the public, tiger nuts themselves contain a healthy dose of macronutrients and key micronutrients that can provide many potential health benefits.
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