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Plant milk

How does quinoa milk compare to other plant-based milks in terms of nutrition and taste?

Quick answer

Quinoa milk is a mild, neutral, almost almond-like milk, usually homemade. One recipe estimates about 60 calories, 2 g of protein and 10 g of carbs per cup. That is far less protein than soy milk (about 7 g per cup). Homemade versions are not fortified, and numbers vary a lot by recipe.

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In this article
  1. How does quinoa milk compare?
  2. How does it taste?
  3. Is it fortified?
  4. Making and storing
  5. Who might prefer it?

How does quinoa milk compare?

Quinoa milk is made by blending cooked quinoa with water, usually with a little cinnamon or vanilla. Most figures online come from recipes, so they are estimates for homemade milk, not lab data. A Thrive Market recipe estimates about 60 calories, 2 g protein, 10 g carbs, 1 g sugar, 1 g fiber and 1 g fat per cup.

Milk (approx. per cup) Calories Protein Carbs
Quinoa (homemade recipe estimate) about 60 about 2 g about 10 g
Soy varies by brand about 7 g varies
Almond, oat, cashew, coconut varies by brand 0 to 2 g varies

Protein ranges come from the University of Connecticut extension article. Check labels, as brands differ.

How does it taste?

Mild and neutral, described as almost almond-like, lighter than nut milks and subtler than oat milk. It is not creamy, and it is less sweet than oat milk. It works in cereal, porridge, smoothies and overnight oats; it is thinner in coffee than barista oat or soy.

Is it fortified?

Homemade is not. A University of Connecticut extension article says plant milks have added calcium, about 300 to 470 mg per cup in fortified types. Homemade quinoa milk will not match that unless you add calcium separately. If you buy a ready-made quinoa drink, check the label for what is added.

Making and storing

  • Blend 1 cup rinsed, cooked quinoa with 2 cups water, then add more water in batches until it is as thin as you like.
  • Rinse the quinoa before cooking.
  • Refrigerate in a sealed jar; Thrive Market says up to two days.

Who might prefer it?

People avoiding nuts, soy and dairy may like it, but check each product for allergens and cross-contact.

People also ask

Is quinoa milk high in protein?

Not really. One recipe estimates about 2 g per cup, far less than cow's milk (about 8 g) or soy milk (about 7 g).

What does quinoa milk taste like?

Mild and neutral, sometimes described as almost almond-like, and lighter than oat milk.

How long does homemade quinoa milk last?

One recipe source says up to two days in the fridge. Use your nose and discard if sour.

General information only, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or are pregnant, ask your doctor before changing what you drink.

Sources

  1. Thrive Market: Quinoa Milk, read 5 Nov 2026
  2. University of Connecticut Extension: Choosing a Plant-based Milk Alternative, read 5 Nov 2026
Written by Drinks Type Editorial Team · Published Sep 15, 2025 · Updated Nov 5, 2026
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