What is Rice Milk and How is it Made?
Rice milk is a plant-based drink made from milled rice and water, usually treated with enzymes that break down the starch so it stays smooth and then strained and often fortified. It is thin, mild and naturally sweet, and low in protein. The Food Safety Authority of Ireland advises that children up to 4.5 years should not drink rice milk instead of cow's milk, breast milk or infant formula.
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In this article
What is rice milk?
Rice milk is a dairy-free drink made from rice and water. It is the thinnest and mildest of the common plant milks, with a light, slightly sweet taste that comes from the starch in the rice. It is naturally free of lactose and gluten (check the label if gluten matters, since some brands use grain-based flavorings), and it is often chosen by people with nut or soy allergies.
How is rice milk made?
- Rice (white or brown) is milled or ground.
- It is mixed with water and cooked or treated with enzymes that break the starch into simpler sugars, which keeps the drink smooth rather than gluey.
- The mixture is filtered to remove solids.
- Oil, salt, vitamins and minerals such as calcium may be added, and the drink is pasteurized and packed.
Making it at home is possible by blending cooked rice with water and straining, but the result is thinner and does not keep long. Homemade rice milk is not fortified.
Is rice milk nutritious?
It is mainly carbohydrate. Rice milk is low in protein compared with cow milk or soy milk, and unless it is fortified it has little calcium. The NHS says unsweetened calcium-fortified plant drinks can be good alternatives to dairy, so look for that wording on the label. Choose unsweetened versions to limit sugar.
Is rice milk safe for children?
The Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) advises that children up to 4.5 years old should not consume rice milk as a substitute for cows’ milk, breast milk or infant formula, because low levels of inorganic arsenic have been detected in rice milk, and young children drink a lot relative to body weight. The NHS adds that babies under 1 should not be given drinks labeled milk such as rice, oat or almond. Older children and adults are not covered by this advice, but variety is sensible.
Rice milk vs other plant milks
| Drink | Texture | Protein | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice | Thin, sweet | Low | Nut and soy allergies |
| Soy | Creamy | Higher | Coffee, cooking |
| Oat | Creamy | Medium | Lattes, cereal |
| Almond | Light, nutty | Low | Smoothies |
How do you use it?
Pour on cereal, blend in smoothies, or bake with it as a one-for-one swap for milk. It can taste watery in coffee and may not froth well.
People also ask
What is rice milk made of?
Milled rice and water, usually with enzymes to break down starch, then strained and often fortified with calcium and vitamins.
Is rice milk safe for toddlers?
The FSAI advises against rice milk instead of cow's milk, breast milk or formula for children up to 4.5 years because of low levels of inorganic arsenic.
Does rice milk have protein?
Very little compared with dairy or soy milk, so it is not a protein source.
Sources
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