Last Updated on August 23, 2023
These 8 uses for a nut milk bag show how surprisingly versatile this kitchen product is! I’m also sharing my favorite almond milk recipe (to, you know, use the bag for).
This post was sponsored by Gaia Guy. I received a nut milk bag and a set of glass straws to try for free. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Please see my full disclosure for more information.
Table of Contents
the versatility of a nut milk bag
You might think that a milk bag doesn’t belong in a minimalist’s kitchen. I had a similar thought at one time. But, friend you are so, so wrong. It has replaced my juicer, cheesecloth, and coffee maker. Read on folks — read on.
A couple of months ago, someone emailed me about finding a nut milk bag made out of a natural fiber. They were only finding synthetic ones. After searching, I came across Gaia Guy. I have to admit — I had a synthetic one from my PZW days. I didn’t use it very often… mostly because I melted it. Alas, the problem with synthetics.
I decided it was time to move on from my melted synthetic mess into the realm of compostable and sustainable nut milk bags. So I picked up a hemp and a cotton one to try. I also picked up some glass straws.
Justin kept complaining. He said he couldn’t tell whether or not our straws were really clean. So,I got glass ones. Now he can “See the clean!” As a bonus, they come with straw scrubbies — something we desperately needed.
I have to say, the thought of using a glass straw kinda terrified me, but it’s awesome. A very luxurious experience. Now we have bamboo straws for tiki parties, glass straws for classy occasions, and stainless steel straws for drunk-off-your-ass occasions. Straws for everyone!
nut milk bag vs cheesecloth
Back to nut milk bags — juice, cheese, coffee!?
In the nut milk bag vs cheesecloth debate, the bag wins every time. Why?
Milk bags tend to be made of stronger fabric, with a higher thread count, making them more durable (and more versatile) than cheesecloth. The bags allow for a higher level of filtration (less fall through!), and less blowout than cheesecloth does. Plus it’s easy to clean and reuse!
If you’re debating between a nut milk bag vs cheesecloth, I would definitely recommend the milk bag if possible.
uses for a milk bag
juice:
That’s right friends. A juicer is an enormous piece of machinery, and I already have a food processor AND a blender. I just can’t deal with another pulverizing countertop machine.
you can read more about my minimal kitchen here.
I have a really nice blender. Probably the pride and joy of my kitchen. That thing works miracles. Instead of juicing, I place all of my fruits and veggies in the blender with water. I pulverize it to my heart’s content, then strain using a nut milk bag. All of the pulp stays in the bag and you’re left with juice!
Before you compost the pulp, google recipes you can make with it. I can recommend these veggie pulp “meat”balls!
sprouts:
I have used the bags to sprout millet to make rejuvelac, but I have never actually made sprouts. It is next on my list, though. I love sprouts! I’m always so excited to get a Mr. Cali at my sandwich shop around the corner because it is loaded with sprouts.
I will make sure and give you a full update on my sprout making experience.
coffee:
I don’t have a coffee maker. Thankfully, I don’t need one! I put 1/4 – 1/2 a cup of coffee grounds in my nut milk bag. Then, I place the bag in a 32oz mason jar and pour piping hot water from my tea kettle. I leave the jar on the counter while I sleep and I wake up to coffee!
cheese:
Real cheese or vegan cheese — a nut milk bag completely replaces cheesecloth. I have made ricotta and cashew cheese with this. It is brilliant. It’s also very easy to clean.
tea:
A nut milk bag is basically a giant tea bag. Justin loves it when I make sweet tea. But, I stopped because it was so difficult to make it using the three small tea balls we had. Thanks to the nut milk bag, I can put 1/4 cup of loose leaf tea inside. I place the bag inside of an old milk bottle and pour piping hot sugar water on top.
After it steeps, remove the nut milk bag and place the jar in the fridge. Put the tea leaves in the compost, wash the bag, and you’re done. Viola! A giant batch of sweet tea.
bulk:
In a pinch, you can even use one of these bags to bring home goodies from a bulk bin. I have definitely done this when there are lots of bulk items on sale and I needed to stock up.
sachet:
Soups,stews, wines, ciders, and simmering liquid of any sort is often enhanced by a sachet of herbs or spices. Throw your mixture in a nut milk bag that can be reused over and over again.Let the sachet simmer and remove it when it’s time to serve. The nut milk bag keeps it conveniently bundled for easy removal.
If you’re in a pinch for making nut milk or nut cheese, you can put your nuts in the bag and boil them. It will soften the nuts without the time it takes to soak. It also conveniently acts as a colander. One less dish to dirty is always an A+ in my book.
nut milk:
And then, you can obviously use it for nut milk too! Did you know that store bought almond milk has less than 1% of almonds in it? That’s crazy. Why not make it yourself? It’s so much cheaper and far tastier.
I remember the first time my mom brought home almond milk. She’s also allergic to dairy. She was very excited to have found a non-dairy milk with half the calories of soy. I tried it and hated it. It tasted horrible.
If you’ve had store bought almond milk, don’t be turned off. Homemade is very, very simple. And,tastes SO much better.
3 Ingredient Almond Milk
This is the best almond milk recipe. It’s simple to pull off and only requires 3 ingredients!
- 1/2 Cup of Almonds
- 3 Cups of Water
- 1 Tablespoon of Maple Syrup
how to make the best almond milk
My 3 ingredient almond milk is so much better than what you can buy at the store. Plus, with bulk-bought almonds, it’s much more cost effective! Buy a couple of pounds and prepare to enjoy the best almond milk you’ve ever had — you’ll use it for everything!
step 1: soak and rinse
Soak 1/2 cup of almonds for at least 8 hours. Then, rinse the almonds until the water runs clear.
step 2: blend
Put the almonds in a high power blender with the water. Blend for one minute. Add the maple syrup and pulse several times to combine.
step 3: strain
Strain through a nut milk bag.
That’s it! It’s so simple. Now you’ll have almond pulp left over. Save the pulp! You could try making these raw brownies which are sooo delicious.
Nut milk doesn’t keep very long in the fridge. It typically lasts 3-4 days. So, I like to freeze it in an ice cube tray (2 tablespoons). Once the cubes are set, I store them in a mason jar in the freezer.
I can easily remove the perfect amount for a recipe, or I can use it for my favorite trick…
In the morning I will fill a 16oz mason jar with the almond milk ice cubes, then pour my coffee on top. Iced coffee to-go! As the ice cubes melt, I’m left with a delicious iced almond milk latte.
Boom.Sometimes, I’ll have it with a brownie.
Who knew so much magic existed all from a nut milk bag!
faqs
what else can i add to almond milk to add flavor?
I like my things simple, but even my super simple 3 ingredient almond milk includes maple syrup to add a little sweetness to it! You could also add vanilla extract or cinnamon if you want to add some extra flair.
can you work with high temperatures with a milk bag?
Traditional milk bags are made out of nylon or polyester — meaning they’ll melt if you use boiling liquids or other high temperatures. However, Gaia Guy bags are made of hemp or cotton, meaning you can use hot liquids without fear of melting. Just beware of open flames 🙂
Yield: 3 cups
3 Ingredient Almond Milk
The best almond milk recipe that uses only 3 ingredients!
Prep Time8 hours
Cook Time5 minutes
Total Time8 hours 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 3 cups water
- 1 tbs maple syrup
Instructions
- Soak almonds for 8 hours, then rinse until water runs clear.
- Blend wet almonds with your water until creamy.
- Add maple syrup and pulse a few times.
- Strain through milk bag and refrigerate or freeze.
*This post may contain affiliate linking you can read more on my disclosure page. Thank you for your support.
