What are the benefits of macadamia nut milk?

What are the benefits of macadamia milk?

Be wary of big health promises: there is little hard evidence about macadamia milk itself. What we can say is limited and practical.

• Taste and texture: typically thick, creamy and silky with a slightly sweet, vanilla-like note, according to VegNews. Macamilk is made to froth for coffee.
• Dairy-free: suits vegans and people avoiding dairy or lactose.
• Nut fats: macadamia nuts are rich in monounsaturated fats, and VegNews links their monounsaturated fat to a lower risk of heart disease. The finished milk contains only a small share of nuts, so do not assume it gives the same amount.
• Low sugar options: unsweetened versions exist, though flavored ones can be sweet.

What are the drawbacks?

• Small market: Suncoast Gold and Macamilk are mostly available in Australia.
• Blends: some products mix macadamias with other nuts, such as an almond, cashew and macadamia blend.
• Protein: VegNews gives no figures for the milk, so check the label.
• Price: varies by brand and store.
• Allergy: macadamia is a tree nut. Avoid it with tree nut allergy.

Which brands exist?

VegNews names Milkadamia as the best-known brand, sold in about 12,000 retail locations in the UK and US, with unsweetened, artisan blend, vanilla and extra-creamy versions. Others it mentions include Kiki Milk, a Trader Joe’s blend, Thrive Market, Suncoast Gold and Macamilk. This is not a ranking.

How do you choose?

• Pick unsweetened if you want low sugar.
• Read the ingredients for gums, oils and flavorings.
• Check fortification with calcium and vitamins, since it varies.
• Decide whether you want a pure macadamia milk or a nut blend.

How can you use it?

Drink it, add it to coffee, smoothies and cereal, or use it in cream sauces and baking. Use a one-for-one swap for milk.