Ancient Egyptians were big fans of the flax plant. They used its seeds to create fibers for things like clothes and fishing nets, and even wrapping for mummies (yep, seriously). But they likely ate the seeds, too.
Today, we’re still using flax seeds, also known as linseeds, in a variety of ways. They’re used to make linen for bed sheets, for example. But they’re also a nutritional powerhouse, making them a popular cereal ingredient. And, in recent years, as the non-dairy milk market has grown, they’ve also been used to make milk.
It might sound a bit odd to drink milk from something that can also be used to make the sheets you sleep on, but trust us: flax seed milk is tasty, nutritious, and versatile. In fact, it might just become your new go-to. Here’s everything you need to know.
What is flax seed milk?
Today, many different plants, nuts, and seeds can be used to make alternatives to cow’s milk, and flax seeds are no exception. The process of turning them into milk is relatively simple, as it involves mixing either blended flax seeds or cold-pressed flax seed oil with water (try this at home with your own blender, and you’ll notice that, after a while, the liquid starts to look satisfyingly milky). After that, the mixture is typically strained or filtered to remove any residue.
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Good Karma, one of the leading flax milk brands, also puts all of its products through a “steam-infused ultra-high temperature pasteurization process,” just like cow’s milk. According to the brand, this exposure lasts only a few seconds, and “helps to preserve the taste and nutrition” as well as ensuring “safety and quality.”
Plus, as an extra bonus, because flax seed milk is made with seeds and not nuts (and it’s free from dairy, of course), it’s usually a safe choice for most food allergy sufferers.
Flax seed milk nutrition
Flax seeds are renowned for their health benefits and have even been given the much-coveted “superfood” title by some experts. This is because they are packed with nutrients like fiber, thiamine, protein, manganese, lignans (an antioxidant-rich plant compound), and alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), an essential omega-3 fatty acid. In fact, flax seeds are one of the best food sources of ALA, as one teaspoon of flax oil can contain more than six grams.
Flax seed milk versus cow’s milk
If you’re considering switching from cow’s milk to flax seed milk, the latter can offer more than just nutritional benefits. Unlike the dairy industry (which farms more than 9 million cows in the US every year), the production of flax seed milk requires zero living creatures. This is not just better for animals, but it’s also far better for the planet.
Animal agriculture contributes 15 percent of global greenhouse gasses and requires huge amounts of land and water to sustain. Flax crops, on the other hand, have a smaller carbon footprint and require fewer natural resources.
Manitoba Milling Co.
Flax specialists at Manitoba Milling Co. confirm that the plant doesn’t need any irrigation, for example, as it grows “quick and healthy without dousing with water.”
A food production analysis conducted by Oxford University suggested that ditching meat and dairy and adopting a plant-based diet was one of the best ways to reduce a person’s impact on the planet. “A vegan diet is probably the single biggest way to reduce your impact on planet earth, not just greenhouse gases, but global acidification, eutrophication, land use, and water use,” Joseph Poore, the study’s lead researcher, said at the time.
What does flax seed milk taste like?
Flax seed milk is slightly creamy, mild, and a little nutty, although it’s not as nutty as some other plant-based milks on the market, like almond or hazelnut, for example. And while some non-dairy milk can be a little thin and watery, like rice milk, flax seed milk is slightly thicker. In fact, it’s kind of like cow’s milk, so you may not notice a huge difference in texture when you pour it on your cereal or use it to make a latte.
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How to use flax seed milk
Just like any plant-based or dairy milk product, you can use flax seed milk in a variety of different ways. It’s great on cereal or in coffee, for example, or you can add it to a shake, a smoothie, or a steaming mug of hot chocolate. You can also use it in baking, or use it as a sauce base when you’re cooking.
Best flax seed milk brands
For anyone who uses milk in their day-to-day life (and let’s be honest, that’s most of us), flax seed is well worth a try. So, next time you’re stocking up your fridge, here are some of our go-to brands for flax seed milk.
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Good Karma
1 Good Karma
More than 10 years ago, Good Karma was one of the first brands on the flax seed milk scene. At the time, its main priority was to create a dairy-free beverage that most allergy sufferers could enjoy. But the Colorado-based brand has since developed a range of creamy, nutritious flax milk products that cater to everyone, regardless of dietary requirements. Try its Unsweetened Flaxmilk + Protein, for example, which also contains added vitamin D2, B12, and pea protein.
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Manitoba Milling Co.
2 Manitoba Milling Co.
In western Manitoba, Canada, the Pizzey family has been growing flax seed for generations, so they’re quite the experts on the crop’s potential. This is why they decided to launch flax milk through their consumer brand, Manitoba Milling Company, in 2017. Choose between Original Unsweetened and Vanilla Unsweetened varieties for your morning lattes, overnight oats, or your next baking project.
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3Flax USA
Headquartered in North Dakota, Flax USA specializes in flax and flax-based products. The brand relies on flax oil to craft its extra creamy, vegan flax milk. One serving boasts 1200 milligrams of omega-3, as much calcium as cow’s milk, and just 50 calories, making it a delicious low-calorie option for coffee, cereal, and more.
Yofiit
4Yofiit
Flax seed oil is a key ingredient in Yofiit’s line of plant milks. The dairy-free brand combines flax oil with peas (for added protein), vanilla extract (for a touch of sweetness), and chickpeas (to bind everything together). The addition of flax oil adds omega-3s for an extra boost of nutrition. Choose between Original, Vanilla, Chocolate Brownie, Vanilla Cinnamon, and Barista Oat—all contain flax and boast nine to 10 grams of protein.
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Nuthatch
5Nuthatch
Based in New York, Nuthatch boasts fresh nut and seed milks made to order, which are available for purchase via subscription or à la carte. The brand prides itself on its zero-waste practices, and reuses leftover pulp to craft nut butters and flours. Its Walnut Flax milk combines walnuts and flax seeds to create a creamy, nutty bev. Customers can customize by adding vanilla bean, maple, or dates for extra flavor or sweetness. Right now, Nuthatch is available in New York for delivery, pickup, or purchase in select retailers.
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Charlotte is a VegNews editor and writer based in sunny Southsea on England's southern coast.
