How to Make Rice Milk: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious Homemade Guide
Craft a pantry-ready, allergy-friendly dairy substitute tailored to your taste and budget.
How to Make Rice Milk
Rice milk is a naturally creamy and subtly sweet plant-based beverage made from just rice and water, with optional add-ins to customize flavor and sweetness. Preparing rice milk at home means fresher taste, customizable thickness, and significant savings versus store-bought cartons. Whether you’re dairy-free, vegan, or curious about alternative milks, this easy rice milk recipe offers a versatile and allergy-friendly option for drinking, baking, and more.
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup uncooked long grain white rice (you can substitute with brown rice, but white yields creamier results)
- 4 cups water (use less for thicker consistency, plus extra for soaking)
- 1 pinch salt (optional, enhances flavor)
- 1 whole date, pitted (optional, for sweetness; or 1 Tbsp maple syrup)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for subtle flavor)
- 2 Tbsp cocoa/cacao powder (optional, for chocolate rice milk)
- 1/4 cup fresh berries (optional, for berry-flavored milk)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Soak the rice: Place rice in a bowl and cover with 2 cups of very hot (not boiling) water. Let soak for 2 hours. Rice should become soft but still raw – you can snap a piece in half with your fingernail when ready. Drain the rice and discard soaking water.
- Blend ingredients: Add the soaked rice to a high-speed blender along with 4 cups of fresh water, salt, and any desired add-ins (dates, vanilla, cocoa, berries). Cover tightly and blend on high for about 1 minute. The mixture should be well-combined and dates broken down but not completely pulverized.
- Test sweetness: Taste a small spoonful. Add more date, sweetener, or vanilla if desired, and blend again briefly.
- Strain: Place a very thin towel, clean T-shirt, or tightly woven nut milk bag over a large bowl or pitcher. Pour the blended mixture slowly over the cloth, letting liquid flow through. Gently gather edges and squeeze remaining milk from the pulp. For extra smoothness, perform a double strain.
- Store: Transfer strained rice milk into a sealed container and refrigerate. Fresh rice milk keeps for up to 5 days.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
Customize your rice milk recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs by including these suggested add-ins:
- Sweetened: Blend in dates or maple syrup
- Vanilla-flavored: Add vanilla extract
- Chocolate: Mix in cocoa or cacao powder
- Berry: Blend fresh berries for a fruity twist
- Nutty: Incorporate a teaspoon of almond or hazelnut butter (optional)
Feel free to experiment with different flavorings depending on how you plan to use your rice milk.
Tips for Best Results
- Rice Type: Long-grain white rice delivers the creamiest texture, but brown rice works for an earthier, more robust flavor and added nutrients.
- Water Ratio: For creamier milk, reduce water slightly. For lighter/thinner milk, use the full 4 cups.
- Straining: Use a double layer or tightly woven filter to prevent sediment from passing through, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Blender Power: A high-speed blender extracts maximum creaminess and blends add-ins thoroughly.
- Storage: The milk can separate in the fridge; just stir or shake before use.
Nutrition & Benefits
Homemade rice milk is dairy-free, nut-free, soy-free, and naturally gluten-free, making it one of the most allergy-friendly plant-based milks. It is also exceptionally affordable compared to commercial options.
- Calories: Lower than full-fat dairy milk; mostly carbohydrates, minimal fat and protein
- Micronutrients: Contains very few nutrients, unless fortified (store-bought versions may add calcium and vitamins)
- Allergy-friendly: Free from major allergens (dairy, soy, nuts) and low in saturated fat
- Affordable: Home preparation is inexpensive, with rice as the primary ingredient
Note: Homemade rice milk should not be relied upon as a sole nutritional beverage, especially for infants, due to low protein, calcium, and vitamin content. Where needed, pair rice milk with other sources of nutrition.
Uses for Homemade Rice Milk
- Enjoy as a refreshing drink (chilled or over ice)
- Add to smoothies for extra creaminess
- Serve with granola, cereals, or oatmeal
- Incorporate into vegan cheese sauces and dips
- Use for baking in place of dairy milk (cakes, muffins, pancakes)
- Blend into coffee or tea for a light, slightly sweet finish
- Make chocolate or berry milk for children or dessert recipes
Rice Milk vs Other Dairy-Free Milks
| Milk Type | Main Ingredient | Texture | Flavor | Allergen Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Milk | Long-grain rice | Creamy/light | Mild, slightly sweet | Nut-free, soy-free, dairy-free |
| Almond Milk | Almonds | Smooth, nutty | Distinct almond | Contains tree nuts |
| Coconut Milk | Coconut | Rich, thick | Coconutty, sweet | Nut-free but may be allergenic for some |
| Oat Milk | Oats | Medium, slightly starchy | Mild, earthy | Gluten-free (with certified oats) |
| Soy Milk | Soybeans | Rich, smooth | Neutral, beany | Contains soy |
What others are reading
Rice milk stands out for its hypoallergenic properties and light flavor. For more on making various dairy-free milks, see guides for almond, coconut, hemp, oat, and cashew milk.
Storage & Shelf Life
- Refrigeration: Store rice milk in an airtight jar or bottle in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Separation: Natural separation will occur. Stir or shake before using.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze rice milk in an ice cube tray, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Use within 1 month for best flavor.
- Spoilage Signs: Discard if you notice sour smell, texture change, or visible mold.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make rice milk with cooked rice?
A: You can make rice milk with either cooked or raw soaked rice. Using uncooked, soaked rice yields a smoother and more neutral tasting milk. Cooked rice produces a more starchy texture and is faster to blend, but the flavor and consistency may differ.
Q: Is rice milk suitable for people with food allergies?
A: Yes, rice milk is widely considered one of the most allergy-friendly alternatives as it is free from dairy, soy, nuts, and gluten (if made with certified gluten-free rice).
Q: Is homemade rice milk as nutritious as store-bought?
A: Homemade rice milk contains fewer nutrients since it lacks fortification with calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins, which are commonly added to commercial products.
Q: How long does homemade rice milk last?
A: Properly refrigerated, homemade rice milk keeps fresh for up to 5 days. Always check for odor or appearance before use.
Q: Can I make rice milk without a high-speed blender?
A: It is possible with a standard blender, but the milk will likely be less smooth and harder to strain thoroughly. High-speed blenders are recommended for the best results.
Q: Can I reuse rice pulp after straining?
A: Yes! Rice pulp can be repurposed in pancakes, muffins, or added to savory dishes for extra fiber. Use promptly or freeze for later use.
Q: Does rice milk contain gluten?
A: No, rice milk is gluten-free by default when made from plain rice and water.
Q: Can I flavor rice milk for kids?
A: Absolutely! Blend in cocoa or berries for “chocolate” or “berry” milk. Sweeten naturally with dates or maple syrup.
Rice Milk Recipe Summary Table
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Long grain white rice | 3/4 cup | Soaked, uncooked |
| Water | 4 cups | For blending + soaking |
| Salt | Pinch | Optional |
| Date/maple syrup | 1 whole date/1 Tbsp syrup | Optional, for sweetness |
| Vanilla extract | 1/2 tsp | Optional, for flavor |
| Cocoa/cacao powder | 2 Tbsp | Optional, for chocolate milk |
| Fresh berries | 1/4 cup | Optional, for berry milk |
Expert Tips for Perfect Rice Milk Every Time
- Choose long-grain white rice for a creamy finish; brown rice for earthiness and color.
- Double strain for ultra-smooth milk or use a coffee filter for finer sifting.
- Sweeten naturally with dates or maple syrup for nutrition and taste.
- Add cocoa or berries for dessert-style milk.
- Shake well before serving, as separation is normal.
- Label containers with the date and ingredients, especially if adding sweeteners or flavors.
Why Make Your Own Rice Milk?
- Cost effective: Home rice milk is much cheaper than store-bought options.
- Customization: Adjust flavor, sweetness, and consistency to your preferences.
- Allergy-friendly: A safe choice for many dietary restrictions.
- Fresh flavor: Enjoy milk at its freshest with no preservatives or artificial additives.
Related Dairy-Free Milk Recipes
- Almond Milk – Creamy and nutty plant-based milk
- Cashew Milk – Ultra-creamy, can be made no-strain
- Coconut Milk – Rich and tropical
- Oat Milk – Smooth and naturally sweet
- Hemp Milk – High in omega-3s, nutty flavor
For a full guide to other dairy-free alternatives, check out resources on homemade nut milks, seed milks, and blends.
Conclusion: Your Guide to Creamy, Homemade Rice Milk
Homemade rice milk is one of the simplest and most cost-effective plant-based beverages you can make. Remember to vary your flavors, strain thoroughly for smoothness, and enjoy this versatile drink as a base for breakfasts, smoothies, and vegan cooking. With just rice, water, and a blender, you can whip up fresh rice milk tailored to your taste, dietary needs, and family preferences. Enjoy crafting your perfect rice milk with the tips and techniques provided above!
References
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
