The Glow Tonic
The Glow Tonic is a simple blend of nourishing ingredients that support gut health, hormone balance, and inflammation from the inside out. Learn how each part of this tonic works with your body to restore balance, energy, and clarity—one sip at a time.
Why You Should Ditch Store-Bought: The Simple Power of Homemade Almond Milk
Discover how easy (and rewarding) it is to make your own almond milk — fresh, clean, and free from additives. A small habit with big benefits for your health, wallet, and taste buds.
Life’s a juggling act, right? We're constantly balancing time, money, and knowledge. And while grabbing store-bought almond milk off the shelf feels like the obvious win for convenience, the reality is less rosy. Ever spent ten minutes pacing the dairy aisle, squinting at labels, trying to find something clean, ethical, and affordable? Same. Convenience has its perks, but freshness and cost-efficiency usually aren’t among them.
Making your own anything can seem intimidating — especially when your schedule’s already full. But I remembered watching my mom (a superhero mother of four) effortlessly whip up almond milk in our kitchen, and I figured: why not try it myself? Total game changer. It wasn’t just about dodging preservatives or saving a few bucks — it was the joy of crafting something delicious and nourishing from scratch.
The process? Surprisingly easy. The taste? Creamier, fresher, and way more flavorful than anything I’ve found in a carton. And that feeling of “I made this”? Absolutely addictive.
What's Hiding in Store-Bought Almond Milk?
Flip over that label and you’ll likely find more than just almonds and water. Most commercial almond milks come with a side of additives that may do more harm than good:
Gellan Gum & Guar Gum: Used for thickening and texture, these gums can cause bloating or digestive discomfort for sensitive individuals.
Carrageenan: A seaweed-derived stabilizer linked to inflammation, digestive distress, and in some studies, even ulcers and abnormal cell growth.
Natural Flavors: This vague label can hide a cocktail of compounds, many of which aren’t disclosed — not ideal if you’re aiming for clean, conscious eating.
Added Sugars or Sweeteners: Even the "unsweetened" versions sometimes sneak in extras that can mess with blood sugar levels or taste overly processed.
When you make it yourself, you're in control. No fillers. No question marks. Just real ingredients your body understands.
Simple steps, real ingredients.
Nothing fancy — just the basics done right.
Why Homemade?
Homemade almond milk is:
Fresh
Creamy
Slightly nutty
Versatile
Super delicious!
It also lets you skip the wasteful packaging, support ethical ingredient sourcing, and save money in the long run.
Ingredients
To start your almond milk journey, you'll need:
1 cup raw almonds (soaked overnight in cool water, or 1–2 hours in very hot water — I like to add a little extra for more creaminess)
5 cups filtered water (adjust depending on your preferred consistency)
A pinch of sea salt (optional)
Optional add-ins:
2 whole dates (for sweetness)
1 tsp vanilla extract (for flavor)
2 Tbsp cocoa powder (for chocolate milk)
1/2 cup berries (for berry milk)
Instructions
Blend the soaked almonds, water, salt, and any extras in a high-speed blender for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
Strain through a nut milk bag or thin dish towel over a bowl, squeezing thoroughly to get every last drop.
Store in a sealed glass bottle or jar in the fridge. Shake before each use — natural separation is totally normal.
How Long Does Homemade Almond Milk Last?
On average, it stays fresh for about 4–5 days when stored in a cold fridge. To extend shelf life:
Sterilize jars and equipment by dishwashing or rinsing with boiling water.
Soak almonds in the fridge rather than at room temperature.
If it starts to smell sour or separate unusually, it’s time to make a fresh batch.
Don’t Waste the Almond Pulp!
Wondering what to do with the leftover almond meal? Check out our post on Banana Bread Almond Muffins — a delicious, no-waste solution that turns scraps into snacks.
Favorite Tools
Wild Soil Almonds: Ethically sourced and affordable. Buying the 25 lb bag brings your almond milk cost down to ~$1.50 per bottle — way better than the $7.99 grocery store price tag.
High-Speed Blender A powerful blender (like the Vitamix 5200) is essential for a smooth, creamy finish.
Nut Milk Bag: For straining out the pulp and achieving that silky texture.
Glass Jars with Lids: Ideal for storing your milk and keeping it fresh.
Swing Top Glass Bottles: Ideal for storing your milk and keeping it fresh.
Embrace the simplicity, creativity, and wellness of homemade almond milk. At Urban Thrive Fitness, we believe in practical, sustainable choices that support your lifestyle — and your taste buds. Making your own is more than a trend. It’s a small, satisfying act of empowerment.