How does the cost of making your own flaxseed milk compare to buying store-bought non-dairy milks?
Homemade flaxseed milk is usually cheaper per quart than store-bought plant milk, because it needs only flaxseed and water. Typical recipes use about a half cup of flaxseed for roughly 4 cups of milk. Prices change, so work out your own cost from the price per pound of seeds. Homemade is not fortified and lasts only a few days.
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In this article
Is homemade flaxseed milk cheaper?
Usually yes, because the recipe is just seeds and water. One popular recipe uses 1/2 cup of flaxseed and 4.5 cups of filtered water for about 4 cups of milk. We could not find a reliable current price for homemade flax milk, so use the steps below with your own prices.
How to work out your cost
- Find the price per pound of whole flaxseed where you shop.
- A half cup of seeds weighs roughly 80 g, which is a bit under a fifth of a pound (this weight is our estimate and varies by seed).
- Multiply your price per pound by that fraction for the seed cost of one 4-cup batch.
- Add a tiny amount for water, power and a straining bag.
Example with an assumed price: if seeds cost $3 a pound, a batch uses about 50 to 60 cents of seeds. Compare that with the price on a carton of flax or other plant milk in your store.
What you give up when you make it yourself
- Fortification: store cartons add calcium and vitamins; homemade does not.
- Protein: both are low, but some store versions add pea protein.
- Shelf life: homemade keeps about 3 to 5 days in the fridge, per the recipe; cartons keep longer unopened.
- Time: the recipe lists 15 minutes plus about 10 minutes of resting.
- Texture: it can turn slimy if blended too long or with warm water.
Tips
Use cold water, blend only until the seeds break down, strain well, and store in a clean glass bottle. If you also need calcium, choose a fortified carton or get it from other foods.
People also ask
How much does homemade flax milk cost?
Mostly the price of the seeds. A half cup makes about 4 cups, so the cost is typically small, but check your own seed price.
How long does homemade flax milk last?
About 3 to 5 days in the fridge, according to one recipe. Smell it before use.
Is homemade flax milk fortified?
No. Store-bought plant milks often add calcium and vitamins; homemade does not.
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